Cornish Slate is naturally fire resistant and energy efficient therefore used as a building material for over 800 years. It has been widely quarried since early 17th Century but some Medieval buildings indicate that it could go back as far as 13th Century. Slate walls and hedges are common place in the Cornwall as well as the roofs of many buildings (both domestic and commercial).

In the 20th century because it is a good electrical insulator it was used for electric switchboards. Also, its thermal stability and chemical inertness made it the ideal choice for lab benches and billiard tables. In addition, it had many uses in Kitchens and Laundry rooms because if its resistance to water penetration. Early cultures often used it for whetstones to hone knives and shaped slate for lids to pots or tools. Frequently you will see the surrounds of fireplaces and hearths, as well as elaborate mantel clocks. The 18th / 19th Century saw its used in blackboards and writing slates, in addition to tombstones and commemorative tablets.

As a result of slate being formed from deposits of mud some 400 million years ago it is often possible to see the remnants of ancient Sea flora and fauna. Some fossils in slate are clearly sea shells whist others may be microscopic and delicate plants or fish.