How to classify slate tiles?

Slate tiles are very traditional tiles, which have been used in Europe and America for hundreds of years. Especially in Britain, they can always be found on old roofs. Slate tile is favored by architects who pursue architectural individuality because of its natural level and elegant and simple style.

Slate tiles are made by hand from slate or shale. The biggest difference with other stone materials is that slate tiles have natural joints. Joints separate them to form plates with different thicknesses. Slate tile roofing is a traditional product, which has different characteristics from other roofing materials. Slate tiles are dense and healthy rocks with excellent strength and durability. The thickness of the roof slate tile can vary from 4 to 12 mm as required, and the shape of the roof can be flat or even and rough. The service life of roof slate tile is 75- 100 years. The natural joints of slate tiles make it easier to crack in one direction. The other direction of cracking (usually perpendicular to the grain direction) is called stone grain. Roof slate tiles are usually split, so that the length of slate tiles is along the stone grain direction. Like other stones, slate tiles are harder and rougher when exposed than when collected. Calcium content can be divided into three types: low calcium, medium calcium and high calcium. Colors are generally black, gray, green, purple, rust and so on.