Quartzite is a non-foliated metamorphic rock that formed by the metamorphism of pure quartz sandstone. The intense heat and pressure of metamorphism causes the quartz grains to compact and become tightly inter-grown with each other, resulting in very hard and dense quartzite. However, quartzite most typically forms during mountain-building events where continents collide with each other. Because it is so dense and tough, quartzite is extremely resistant to weathering and erosion.

Slate is a fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock that is created by the alteration of shale or mudstone by low-grade regional metamorphism. Slate is composed mainly of clay minerals or micas depending upon the degree of metamorphism to which it has been subjected. Slate can also contain abundant quartz and small amounts of feldspar, calcite, pyrite, hematite and other minerals.

Quartzite is becoming more popular as a dimension stone in the construction industry. The use of quartzite as decorative stone in building construction is growing annually. As noted above, quartzite breaks into flat surfaces. Consequently, quartzite slabs are used to cover walls, as roofing tiles, as flooring, and stair steps to name just a few applications. Quartzite is also used, to a small degree, as crushed stone. The vast majority of crushed stone – about 85% – is used in road construction and repair.

Slate is a highly versatile stone that gives a natural, rustic appearance to any room. Slate can be used for interiors as well as exteriors, making it the perfect product to bring the outdoors inside home. All slate has a natural “clefting” along the surface that gives this stone its unique textural, layered look. If your style is about texture, no other natural stone has the dramatic texture and colour of slate.