The Brazilian slate industry has become a major player in the global slate market in recent decades, now ranking as the second-largest producer of slate in the world.
The slate is made from a sedimentary stone known as mudstone, which has been compressed over millions of years but has not undergone the full metamorphic process that true slate has undergone.
This gives it some distinct characteristics; for instance, it is generally flatter and can be split cleanly along its bed. While Brazilian slate is very hard, it can be challenging to handwork; we suggest using a diamond circular saw to achieve the best results in most situations.
Slate extracted in Brazil is one of the best quality slates in the world. The industry itself is now the world’s second-biggest producer and is favoured for the geological attributes which have produced high-quality and superior rock.
95% of Brazilian slate is extracted from the Minas Gerais region, which is around 450km north of Rio de Janeiro. This is the exact region that UK Slates own Elterdale Grey Green slate begins its journey.
Brazilian slate offers one of the most robust and durable slates on the market. They have high resistance to the damage that can occur from the likes of heavy foot traffic when these slates are used as floor tiles. You also can expect them to last for a long time even while exposed to the elements in the form of roof tiles.
Brazilian slates are beautiful and come in a wide variety of styles to suit many different aesthetic preferences. They can be both rough or smooth and shiny, allowing people to find textures to suit their needs. Brazilian slate doesn’t lose its appeal as it ages, if anything, it only becomes more beautiful after years of use.
Some varieties of slate are only available in one colour, but Brazilian slate comes in a wide range of shades and colours such as green, cyan, blue and purple. So regardless of your colour and shade preference, you are likely to find what you’re looking for in Brazilian slate.
The Minas Gerais region, located around 450km north of Rio de Janeiro, accounts for 95% of Brazil's slate production, thanks to its abundance of varied geology.
Roofing is an ideal application of our durable and aesthetically pleasing Brazilian slate tiles because they're perfect for ensuring the longevity of your roofing structure.
Also, for outdoor projects, Brazilian slate paving and floor tiles are a great option. We recommend you explore our cladding options for unique architectural accents. And, if you need a specific size, UK Slate can produce it to your exact specifications; however, you’ll appreciate this will incur a higher price. Please feel free to check out our bespoke slateware page for more details.
