North Country Semi-Weathering Gray is a rich battleship gray color with some minor dark inclusions that will weather over time. North Country Semi-Weathering Gray/Green is a blend of gray/green or sea green tones. As a natural stone product, a pleasing variance in color from pallet to pallet is to be expected. Blending slate from all pallets is required to avoid any unsightly blotches on the roof. Chlorite minerals produce green slate and carbon the gray tones. Color weathering of buff, brown and tan is due to the presence of calcite and iron compounds and fine-grained iron pyrite in the form of limonite.
North Country Slate stands as a trusted expert in natural slate roofing and color selection, guiding homeowners, architects, and builders through the rich world of slate tones, textures, and long-term performance characteristics. Natural slate is far more diverse than many realize—its color, texture, and even subtle surface details are shaped by the geological forces and mineral composition specific to the quarry from which it is extracted. For this reason, slate can range from soft greens and deep blacks to vibrant reds, warm purples, and elegant grays, making color choice a meaningful part of architectural expression and curb appeal. Understanding what determines slate roofing colors begins with the minerals embedded in the stone. Iron oxides can generate beautiful red and purple hues, carbon contributes to deep blacks and dark grays, and chlorite introduces greens and green-gray tones. These natural variations allow for a wide spectrum of roofing aesthetics, and different regions have developed their own signature palettes—slates from the Vermont Slate Valley often feature refined greens and grays, Quebec deposits are known for rich charcoal tones and color-stable varieties, while historic Welsh quarries supply some of the world’s most iconic deep purples and blues. North Country Slate sources its roofing materials from select, proven quarries to ensure reliable coloration, structural consistency, and exceptional long-term performance, giving clients confidence that their chosen shade will meet both visual and functional expectations.
Beyond color, the natural cleft finish of slate plays a major role in how roofing appears once installed. This organic surface, created when slate splits along its natural grain, influences how light reflects across the roof. A smooth texture can create a sleek, contemporary appearance, while coarser or more heavily riven textures add dramatic shadowing and a rustic dimensionality that evolves beautifully as the sun moves throughout the day. Texture is therefore an integral part of slate selection, contributing to everything from the roof’s character to how it pairs with the home’s overall architectural design.
Another key aspect of slate selection is the distinction between unfading and semi-weathering slates. Unfading varieties, such as Unfading Green or Unfading Red, maintain their original color for decades because their mineral composition resists oxidation and surface transformation. These are ideal for homeowners seeking a consistent, stable color palette that will look nearly the same in year fifty as it does on day one. Semi-weathering slates, by contrast, develop a gentle patina over time, with portions of the slate shifting into softer tones—bronze, buff, or mellow earth shades—while retaining their underlying structural strength. This evolving coloration can add warmth, authenticity, and subtle variation, making it appealing for homeowners who appreciate natural aging and architectural character. North Country Slate’s experts regularly help clients decide whether the uniformity of unfading slate or the organic evolution of semi-weathering material best suits their home’s design style. Many architects even blend the two to create dynamic, multi-colored roofs that carry depth, richness, and visual movement.
The variety of natural slate colors available today ensures that there is an option for every architectural style. Grays and blacks remain timeless classics—favored for their versatility, sophistication, and ability to complement both historic homes and cutting-edge contemporary structures. These tones pair beautifully with brick, stone, stucco, and wood, making them a staple in traditional and modern roofing palettes alike. For homeowners seeking a bolder or more historically inspired look, browns, reds, and purples offer warmth and distinctive charm. These shades often suit rustic cottage styles, heritage estates, and properties surrounded by nature, as their earthy tones blend seamlessly with landscapes, forests, and natural stonework. Regardless of color, all natural slate shares one beautiful characteristic: the development of a natural patina through weather exposure. This patina, whether slight or pronounced depending on the slate type, deepens the stone’s visual complexity and authenticity, giving the roof an aged, timeless presence that manufactured materials simply cannot replicate.
With so many options in color, texture, and weathering profiles, choosing the right slate can feel overwhelming—but this is where North Country Slate excels. Our team offers tailored guidance, helping clients compare unfading and semi-weathering varieties, evaluate texture and tonal differences, and envision how each option will interact with architectural features and long-term environmental changes. North Country Slate also provides an extensive color guide and a comprehensive sample selection, allowing homeowners and designers to see and feel the slate firsthand—an essential step in selecting the perfect shade and finish for a project.
For anyone considering natural slate and wishing to explore the full range of premium color options, North Country Slate’s experts are ready to assist with personalized recommendations grounded in decades of experience. Request color samples or speak with one of our staff and take the first step toward selecting a slate roof that will enhance your home’s beauty, value, and architectural legacy for generations.
Select up to 3 slate colors for a side by side comparison of their natural color range.
