Slate
is hard, strong rock that can be split into flat
plates. It is formed by the alteration of softer
rocks such as shale that sank to the seabed
millions of Years ago. The wide range of colours
is caused by oxidation of various minerals such
as Copper, Iron and Magnesium. Only 35% of the
mine contains colours that lay in different
levels, the rest is blue (black) slate.
Where is it mined:
Our
slate is obtained in the northern part of South
Africa just before the Namibian border. This
Mountain range was formed approx 70–80 Millions
Years ago.
How is it mined:
Holes
are drilled and black powder is put in, the
shock of the blast opens up layers into approx
3-5cm thick slabs, the slabs are then removed
(mostly still by hand) and split into thinner
pieces that then are cut to either floor or
roof tiles.
Splitting the Slate:
Before
we start to design we have to split the slate
still further, this can only be done by hand
with chisel and hammer. This is very challenging
and time consuming procedure where a lot of the
slate breaks. Once successfully split we know
that we are left with a strong stone.
Cut and Design:
This
is done with specialised stone cutting
machinery. We use many different cutting
machines and other tools, some are equipped with
diamond tips.
Every product is an
original and all ideas and designs are our
own.
