Slate is a fine-grained rock. Slate has a medium hardness between mica schists and shale. Its typical color is grayish blue. Slate is mined in Maine, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Lake Superior, and the Rocky Mts.

Heavy pressure causes the formation of slate through the metamorphosis of sedimentary rocks such as shale. Slate splits into perfectly cut, wide thin layers; this characteristically regular and planar cleavage is called slaty cleavage.

There are many reasons to choose slate as your flooring, two of which are

1. Slate's softness and porosity cause it to be easy to walk on in shoes, socks, and bare feet.
2. Its porosity also allows slate to capture instead of reflect heat making it comfortable to walk on during cool evenings.

Slate's texture causes it to be naturally non-slip even when wet. This quality makes slate an ideal choice for flooring in your bathrooms, foyers, kitchens, and stairways.

With sealant, slate's coloring will not fade and will look as rich as the day it was installed for years to come.

Slate needs very little upkeep. It can be cleaned with a broom and a damp mop. Occassional reapplication of sealant will keep the color vibrant.