Copper Slate is an Indian slate with grey tones with a copper to reddish sheen and the characteristic, slightly rough riven structure of low-grade metamorphic slates. At ROSSITTIS available as floor tiles and skirting, for floors and wall claddings.
Other trade names: Copper Brown Slate, Copper Slate, India Brown Slate
About Copper Schiefer
Copper Slate is an Indian slate from India's international slate production — traded on the English-speaking market as Copper Slate, Copper Brown Slate or India Brown Slate. Characteristic are grey colour tones with a copper to reddish sheen with a slightly metallic-looking depth, which the trade name “Copper” hints at. The material shows the classic layered riven structure of low-grade metamorphic slates — splitting along the natural cleavage plane produces slightly rough, natural surfaces with subtle undulations and fine mineral inclusions. At ROSSITTIS we carry Copper Slate as floor tiles and skirting, calibrated riven or satin-finished.
Geologically, Copper Slate is a clay slate from the Indian slate production regions — the stone formed through low-grade metamorphism of old clay sediments under moderate pressure and temperature. The copper to reddish sheen goes back to iron oxide minerals in the slate matrix; depending on the batch, the look ranges from light silver grey to grey with distinct copper and rust tones. Indian slates are among the most frequently installed varieties on the international market, because they offer consistent quality, broad availability in different slab sizes and good value for money. Besides Copper Slate, the family of Indian slates also includes Multicolor Slate, Black Slate, Silver Grey Slate and Rustic Slate — Copper is the warm, earthy-toned variant.
Technically, slate is a dense, low-grade metamorphic rock with the characteristic perfect cleavage — splittability along parallel mineral layers. This property makes slate ideal for natural riven surfaces: no two slabs are exactly alike, each shows an unmistakable individual surface. Indoors, the riven surface is pleasantly warm to the touch; for outdoor use, frost suitability depends on the batch and installation. The slip resistance of the natural riven surface is considerably higher than that of polished hard stones — an advantage for entrance areas, bathrooms and low-barrier floor areas. For areas close to food or for kitchens, slate is less suitable because of its riven roughness and its somewhat softer hardness compared with granite.
The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down.
Our honest assessment: Copper Slate is a robust, rustic natural stone with a clear material signature and warm earthy colour tones. Anyone looking for a lively, naturally riven wall stone or a characterful floor tile is right with Copper Slate — the material has the characteristic Indian slate charm and sits well below hard stones in price. For highly polished prestige surfaces, kitchen worktops or areas with frequent acid contact, a different stone should be chosen.
In stock
Current availability from our warehouse.
3 slabs in stock · plus 3 blocks
Thicknesses: 1.2 cm · Finishes: Satin-honed, Riven, calibrated · Available as: Skirting, Tiles and flooring slabs
Copper Schiefer is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.
Satin-honed
The surface is brushed — softer minerals are selectively removed, creating a subtle depth with a matte appearance. A restrained finish that shows the layering typical of slate in an elegant matte quality. Easier to maintain than the polished variant and suited to everyday use.
Riven, calibrated
Like riven (a naturally split, rough matte surface), additionally with a calibrated reverse: the underside of the slab is ground level for an even thickness and simplified installation. Recommended for outdoor areas, paving and bonded façade applications that demand precise dimensional accuracy.
Care & fabrication
As an Indian slate, Copper Slate can be maintained over the long term with a sealer and cleaned without difficulty. We recommend a silane- or polysiloxane-based sealer directly after installation — it simultaneously emphasises the colour tones and the copper sheen and protects against water marks and strongly colouring substances. Routine cleaning is done with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a soft brush or a microfibre cloth; on riven surfaces, deeper-lying soiling can be removed with soft scrubbing brushes. You should avoid strongly alkaline heavy-duty cleaners, acidic products such as vinegar or lemon cleaners and abrasive steel wool. Outdoors, de-icing salt residues should be rinsed off with clear water in spring. We recommend refreshing the sealer every three to five years depending on exposure. Spilled liquids on interior surfaces are best taken up promptly, since the riven structure holds liquids slightly.
Frequently asked questions
What other designations does Copper Slate carry?
On the international market the material runs as Copper Slate, Copper Brown Slate and India Brown Slate; the German trade name Copper Schiefer simply uses the German word for slate. It is consistently the same Indian slate with colour tones and the copper sheen — not to be confused with Himachal Copper, a quartzite from Rajasthan.
Which surfaces are available for Copper Slate?
The surface finishes available in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block on this page.
Is Copper Slate suitable for external areas?
With reservations. The riven surface is slip-resistant, but the frost suitability of Indian slate depends on the batch, slab thickness and professional, well-drained installation. For outdoor areas we advise you on a project basis.
Is Copper Slate suitable for kitchen worktops?
With reservations. Compared with granite or quartzite, slate is softer and, because of its riven roughness, less even — for classic kitchen worktops with heavy cutting loads and constant acid contact, hard stones such as granite or quartzite are more suitable. For design-accented bar counters, breakfast surfaces or serving surfaces, however, slate with a good sealer can be a characterful choice.
How do I clean and care for Copper Slate?
Routine care is done with a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner and a soft brush or a microfibre cloth — avoid acidic cleaners and abrasive steel wool. A silane- or polysiloxane-based sealer after installation emphasises the colour tones and the copper sheen and protects against water marks; we recommend refreshing it every three to five years.
Where is Copper Slate quarried?
Copper Slate comes from the classic Indian slate production regions. India is one of the world's largest slate producers and supplies the material family of Copper Slate, Multicolor Slate, Black Slate, Silver Grey Slate and Rustic Slate consistently in different slab sizes for the European market.
Copper Slate or classic natural slate from Spain — what is the difference?
Spanish natural slates (classic roofing slates from Galicia) are dark grey to deep black, very dense and especially finely splittable — the classic choice for roofing. Indian Copper Slate is lighter, grey with a copper sheen — more interesting for floor and wall surfaces and design-accented architectural applications.
What does Copper Schiefer cost?
The price depends on the batch, thickness, surface finish and fabrication — with natural stone there is no serious flat rate per square metre. Business customers see prices once their B2B account is activated; private customers receive a complete quote through a fabricator near them.
