The first mention of slate in Virginia was in 1662, when the Colonial government authorized the construction of 32 houses in James City, specifying they be constructed of brick and slate. Slate was discovered in the commonwealth in 1826 in Buckingham County. Today the vein that may have formed 500 million years ago maintains worldwide recognition as a supplier of slate.

Kyanite is at home in traditional or contemporary settings. In this installation white cabinetry contrasts beautifully with silver Kyanite contertops and natural wood flooring.

Intelligence Attesting to the natural beauty and unexcelled quality of the Buckingham product, early geological evaluation reports of the Virginia Mineral Resources Agency include the following accolades: • not subject to fading • bold, pleasing appearance • low electrical conductivity • chemically inert • easy to split to uniform thickness • significant hardness • modulus of elasticity • low porosity and absorption

Buckingham slate is gray to black, but slate from neighboring states comes in brown, green, red, and yellow, depending on the mineral content. Although slate is found in 17 states, only Maine, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Virginia possess sufficient amounts to be of commercial value.

Also in the courthouse, this windowsill is fabricated from Buckingham slate. The view looks out upon a handsome slate roof.

In Virginia, the area where Route 15 runs parallel to the railroad and the Slate River flows on its way to the James retains a quiet, rural atmosphere on the surface. But below, high-grade slate gets things hopping. The Arvonia slate bed runs 600 to 800 feet thick, 10 to 15 miles long, and from 1 to 1½ miles wide. Supply is not a problem, but not all of it is first quality. Poorer grades are reduced to three levels of coarseness for various commercial uses.

It takes good equipment, knowledge, and teamwork to change these cliffs into marketable products. Slate is used on countertops, sinks, hearths, mantels, floors, stair risers, panels, end tables, and windowsills. It is used for pool/snooker tables, to keep food cool in kitchens, and in pencils. Be sure to work with a reputable company to assist with your selection for your special project.

Using local products is a bonus. Buckingham slate contains all the qualities necessary for a luxury look inside your home and out. Why look further for your slate needs?