Natural Slate Tiles From Home Depot

[celaeno]

i just bought a box of 5 12x12" natural multi-classic slate tiles from home depot and was wondering if they're safe to use?

in particular, i'm worried about the orange-brown splotches on the tiles, as shown in the photos below:

 

[poopsydrew]

If its slate it shouldnt affect the water chemistry at all,
I had some that looked just like yours, I broke it intow smaller pieces gave it a quick boil and siliconed them together to make caves
Just boil it in a large pot if you are really worried, also if your worried about it not being true slate, give it a vinegar test by puring a spoonful of vinegar on the rock, if it fizzes DO NOT use the rock. Im betting it will be just fine though.

Drew

 

[smithrc]

cut it up, wash it (to remove teh dust) then stick it together...

you only need to worry if there is lots of "rust running through it - even then it should be fine.

I've been using slate like that for years