Strength
Porosity
Valentia slate has a very low porosity. This is important because microscopic pores in rock can contain either water or salt from the environment. When the water freezes or the salt crystallises, considerable force is exerted on the walls of the pore. This, over time, will degrade the surface of the stone. Over a long time, any inscription on the surface can be completely obliterated. In contrast, the very low porosity of Valentia Slate preserves important inscriptions for hundreds of years, based on perfect historic lettering in various graveyards in Kerry that experience frosts and wind-driven sea salt.
Strength
Porosity
Valentia slate has a very low porosity. This is important because microscopic pores in rock can contain either water or salt from the environment. When the water freezes or the salt crystallises, considerable force is exerted on the walls of the pore. This, over time, will degrade the surface of the stone. Over a long time, any inscription on the surface can be completely obliterated. In contrast, the very low porosity of Valentia Slate preserves important inscriptions for hundreds of years, based on perfect historic lettering in various graveyards in Kerry that experience frosts and wind-driven sea salt.
Does it dissolve?
No. The minerals in Valentia Slate are not dissolved by rainwater. In contrast, limestone and marble are readily dissolved by rainwater – this is now the Burren formed for example. Dissolution rates for limestone and marble, in a warm wet climate like Ireland’s, are quite significant. With global warming, the increased acidity of rainwater and the increased rainfall will exacerbate this issue.
Staining and cleaning
Some light coloured dimension stones stain easily and require careful choice of cleaning products and cleaning techniques. The timeless dark colour of Valentia Slate and its very low porosity means that it is significantly less prone to staining than more porous dimension stones. In addition, you may use any common cleaning products or techniques (including power hosing) to clean Valentia Slate.
Tactile feel
Valentia Slate has a beautiful feel on finished surfaces. It is not the hardest rock and over the years accumulates and accommodates the marks of daily use that manifests as a beautiful patina. Valentia Slate bar counters in busy Irish pubs get more attractive in appearance and more inviting to the touch as the years pass.
Does it dissolve?
No. The minerals in Valentia Slate are not dissolved by rainwater. In contrast, limestone and marble are readily dissolved by rainwater – this is now the Burren formed for example. Dissolution rates for limestone and marble, in a warm wet climate like Ireland’s, are quite significant. With global warming, the increased acidity of rainwater and the increased rainfall will exacerbate this issue.
Staining and cleaning
Some light coloured dimension stones stain easily and require careful choice of cleaning products and cleaning techniques. The timeless dark colour of Valentia Slate and its very low porosity means that it is significantly less prone to staining than more porous dimension stones. In addition, you may use any common cleaning products or techniques (including power hosing) to clean Valentia Slate.
Tactile feel
Valentia Slate has a beautiful feel on finished surfaces. It is not the hardest rock and over the years accumulates and accommodates the marks of daily use that manifests as a beautiful patina. Valentia Slate bar counters in busy Irish pubs get more attractive in appearance and more inviting to the touch as the years pass.
