VALENTIA SLATE, COUNTY KERRY: A HERITAGE STONE.

Valentia Slate (Devonian) from Valentia Island in southwest Ireland, is a distinctive dimension stone. A largely purple coloured siltstone, it was affected by low-grade metamorphism and has a well-developed cleavage giving it a slaty fabric. Quarried from 1816 onwards, the Valentia Slate Formation yielded very large slabs that were utilised for building and for a wide range of domestic and decorative purposes, in Ireland, England and further abroad. The stone saw lesser use as a roofing slate. Associated with the quarry were two sawing and finishing mills located on site and close by, and both finished and rough blocks were exported from a purpose-built pier. Extraction reached its peak in the 1830s to 1870s but subsequently declined due to competition from Wales, before eventually ceasing in 1911. Revival in the 1990s and recent investment has resulted in the provision of this quality stone to widespread markets where it is used for a variety of conservation, decorative and construction purposes. Valentia Slate and the quarry where it is extracted are both of significant heritage value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]