Stainless steel and slate are two very different materials with distinct properties and uses. Stainless steel is a metal alloy while slate is a metamorphic rock. They have very little in common and are not at all the same thing.
What is Tuscan Stainless Steel?
Tuscan stainless steel refers to a finish or pattern applied to regular stainless steel. It is designed to mimic the look of natural stone like marble or granite. The finish gives the stainless steel a textured, mottled appearance with variations in color and pattern.
Tuscan stainless steel uses a multi-step process to achieve its unique look. The stainless steel surface is first coated with a layer of acrylic or urethane. Colored granules and metal flakes are then applied to the wet coating to create the textured, variegated finish. Finally, a clear top coat is added to protect the finish.
Tuscan stainless steel is purely an aesthetic effect. The underlying metal is standard 304 or 316 stainless steel. The Tuscan finish does not change the strength, corrosion resistance, or other properties of the original steel.
What is Slate?
Slate is a fine-grained, foliated metamorphic rock derived from shale. It is created when shale is subjected to high pressures and temperatures deep underground. This causes the shale to recrystallize into slate.
Slate is composed mainly of minerals like mica, chlorite, quartz, and illite. It has a dull luster and a dark color, usually grey, black, green, or purple. Slate breaks into thin, smooth-surfaced layers due to its foliated structure.
Some key properties of slate are:
- Dense and heavy – weighs 175 to 275 lbs per cubic foot
- Resistant to acid and alkali
- Low porosity and absorption
- Resistant to weathering
- Can be split into thin sheets
Slate has traditionally been used for roofing and flooring. It is also made into chalkboards and decorative tiles. Finer grades of slate can be used for architectural cladding.
Key Differences Between Tuscan Stainless Steel and Slate
| Tuscan Stainless Steel | Slate |
|---|---|
| Man-made metal alloy | Natural metamorphic rock |
| Steel with a coating and added granules | Foliated rock made of minerals |
| Uniform strength and durability | Can vary in quality |
| Textured appearance only | Naturally textured |
| Used for appliances, counters | Used for roofing, flooring |
Conclusion
In summary, Tuscan stainless steel and slate are completely different materials. Tuscan stainless is just regular stainless steel metal made to resemble the look of natural stone. Slate is an actual metamorphic rock that is quarried and cut for various construction uses. While Tuscan stainless can mimic slate’s textured appearance, the two materials have very little in common when it comes to origin, composition, and function.
