Slate and Quartzite are valued for their beauty and durability. They have been sought out as flooring materials for centuries. Often seen in the past on laboratory counters, slate’s durability - as well as its sleek look – is now desirable by homeowners on surfaces throughout kitchens, bathrooms, and even living areas. Quartzite was once seen in outside terrace applications, but as people appreciate its natural beauty and incredible durability, quartzite, like slate, is finding artful and interesting uses in residential homes. Both slate and quartzite often carry a unique feature in their formation which will create a rusty patina when exposed to water, such as near swimming pools. Some homeowners find this unusual color coordinates with their furnishings and creates an exceptional look not found in other types of tile.