Ardesia Fontanabuona is a distinctive charcoal black slate quarried from the Orero extraction site in Val Fontanabuona, a region near Genoa in Italy. Known for its rich, dark color and fine texture, this slate has become highly sought after for a variety of architectural and design applications.

Key Characteristics:

Color: The slate is predominantly a charcoal black with a deep, almost uniform shade. The dark hue exudes sophistication and works well in both contemporary and traditional settings, offering a modern yet timeless look.

Texture and Finish: Ardesia Fontanabuona has a fine-grained texture, which is characteristic of high-quality slate. It can be processed into several finishes, including natural, honed, or brushed, giving it versatility in design. The surface typically has a smooth, flat finish, which enhances its sleek, minimalist appeal.

Veining and Patterns: This slate typically features subtle, minimal veining, maintaining its elegant and uniform appearance. The veining is usually delicate and does not detract from its striking dark tone, making it ideal for projects where a consistent look is desired.

Durability: Ardesia Fontanabuona is highly durable, with excellent resistance to weathering, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is naturally slip-resistant, adding to its practicality for flooring and wall applications, particularly in areas that may experience moisture or high foot traffic.

Applications:

Flooring: Due to its resilience and durability, this slate is often used for high-traffic flooring in both residential and commercial spaces. Its dark, sleek surface adds an element of sophistication and is easy to maintain.

Wall Cladding and Facades: Its aesthetic qualities make it ideal for wall cladding, including interior feature walls and exterior facades. It complements modern architecture and adds a rich, natural touch to building exteriors.

Roofing: Traditionally used for roofing tiles, Ardesia Fontanabuona is known for its resistance to harsh weather, making it an excellent choice for high-performance roofing that needs to endure time and the elements.

Countertops and Vanities: The slate is also a popular choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and backsplashes. Its smooth surface provides a durable, low-maintenance solution for high-use areas.

Unique Appeal:

The dark, charcoal black color of Ardesia Fontanabuona gives it a refined and contemporary appeal, while the natural texture and subtle veining ensure it maintains an organic, timeless beauty. Its ability to blend seamlessly into both modern and classic designs, combined with its strength and versatility, make it a highly desirable stone in luxury design projects.Whether used for interiors or exteriors, Ardesia Fontanabuona’s understated elegance and long-lasting durability make it a favored choice among architects, designers, and homeowners.

Petrographic definition: slate 
Massa Unit Volume: 2715 kg/m3
Water Absorption: 0.39 %
Breaking Load Compression Simple: 147 MPa
Compression breaking load after freezing: 130 MPa
Tensile Strength through indirect Flex: 57.3 MPa
Its coefficient of Abrasion (referred to Granite St. Fedelino): 0.37
Impact resistance: minimum fall height: 94 cm
Linear thermal expansion coefficient of 6.6 x 10-5 0C-1
Knoop microhardness: 882.9 MPa
Index unevenness of hardness: 1.31
Source: Università di Pisa - Politecnico di Torino