Slate – a multi-layered stone with many uses

Slate – a multi-layered stone with many uses 

Slate offers many possibilities, in the house and in the garden. In this post you will learn how this timeless stone forms and what makes it special. See for yourself: slate is a natural stone that deserves attention.  

Properties and formation of slate 

Slate is a metamorphic rock made up of various minerals. Its most important feature: it can be split into slabs. The Slovenian word for slate comes from the Greek σχίζειν schízein, “to split”. So the name itself reveals that it splits easily. 

Most slates form from clay and silt that have undergone several metamorphic processes, with shale and phyllite as intermediate stages. Some slates come from fine-grained igneous rocks such as basalt and tuff.

It is found in many parts of the world, including Slovenia, where it is quarried on the Pohorje. Depending on the predominant mineral composition, a distinction is made between various types, for example:

• Mica schist
• Graphite schist
• Chlorite schist
• Garnet schist
• Tourmaline schist
• Glaucophane schist

Slate has always been a very popular building material, and thanks to its properties it is often the first choice in modern design too. It is very robust, resistant to weather and abrasion, looks natural, is easy to care for and lasts a long time.

Types of slate

Slate is an affordable and beautiful solution if you want to use natural stone indoors and outdoors. The layered structure is usually grey or brown, but there are also slabs in blue, green, gold and black. Some patterns combine several shades.

At Marnit, slate is available in black and brown. On request we can source a sample that suits the other elements of your home.

Caring for slate

An important advantage of slate is that it is easy to care for. Anyone who owns a home wants an uncomplicated everyday life, and businesses look for simple, lasting solutions for their premises.

Slate suits both, because it needs no special cleaning, just regular wiping. Thanks to its low absorbency, stains usually cannot harm it. If the joints between the slabs are sealed regularly, you will enjoy it for a lifetime.

Where can you use slate?

Slate slabs are versatile. They are very hard-wearing, beautiful, long-lasting and slip-resistant and can be used in many places: on the terrace and courtyard, in the corridor, around the fireplace, in the kitchen, dining room, living room and bathroom.

How can you use slate?

#1 Für Böden oder Wände in Küche und Esszimmer

Resistant, hard-wearing and slip-resistant, slate is suitable for floors and walls in heavily used rooms such as the kitchen or dining room. Slate slabs suit both rustic and modern rooms, bring nature into the house and break the monotony.

Which pattern suits your kitchen or dining table best?

#2 Dekoration im Wohnzimmer

Beautiful, timeless slate decoration enriches the living room. Clad a wall or the floor. Understated slate slabs are also suitable for fireplace surrounds, as they are non-flammable and create a pleasant atmosphere in the living area.

#3 Auch im Bad am richtigen Platz

Slate works particularly well in the bathroom. With wall tiles in shades of grey, green or gold you can enhance the wall around the shower or bath, and with floor or mosaic tiles the floor. For more variety, choose different formats for floor and wall.

#4 Für innen und außen

Slate is suitable for indoors and outdoors. The stone slabs suit corridors, hallways and stairwells, as well as courtyards, terraces, driveways or pool surrounds. Choose the pattern that best complements the room or surroundings.

Slate can be used in many ways. Choose the solution that comes closest to your wishes.

Which property of slate surprised you most? Visit our showroom. There you can see our varied range of stone and stone products directly on site.

Stonemasons Marnit – with over 100 years of tradition.