- History of Slate -

Uses of Slate

Since it’s generally impermeable to water and rarely altered by air, slate has proven to be a highly-durable construction material. For centuries, slate was used primarily for roofing, but during the 20th century this use became secondary and slate was abandoned in favour of factory-made materials.


Many of the secondary uses that had been essential in the past are no longer required today. Slate was once used to build sinks, tanks, washboards, school blackboards and even the writing instruments to go with them. Until recently, school blackboards were almost universally made of slate. Old tombstones and cemetery monuments are often made of slate. Today, slate tiles are used particularly in the construction industry for flooring and wall décor. Slate is also used in landscape design.

Text from the brochure Ardoise et Patrimoine (slate and heritage) published by the Centre d’interprétation de l’ardoise (slate interpretation centre).

Address: 5 Belmont, Richmond, Qc  J0B 2H0
Tel.: 819-826-3313
Fax: 819-826-5757

E-mail: ardoise@globetrotter.net
Web site: http://www.centreardoise.ca/