Im sorry but here in London England, this has caused some heated debate! we have had a good look at this photograph (I work for a stone and tile fixing company and I like to give the guys a topic other than cricket or football from time to time). Our vote is that this is SLATE! Quartzite is really unsuitable for any kitchen floor as it is so hard and cold. The texture should it be honed is so rough, at least it would save on pedicures though should you walk on it bare footed! Slate indeed is a good option, but remember, it has a tendancy to curl up if you got for a thinner depth. You also have a slip factor! so always always make sure its rivened! Kind Regards Lynn

Slate being a natural stone is going to need periodic sealing. Porcelain is not going to need that. Are you a person that can keep up with periodic maintenance (cleaning & resealing every year or two). We have extensive stone floors and while they are beautiful they need more maintenance than tile. Just something to factor into your decision.

We ended up using actual slate from MSI. The Montauk Black Slate which we bought from Home Depot. Looks great and has proved durable. No pieces flaking off, etc. Key for us was ensuring that our subfloor was constructed well enough to handle stone. Once I was confident in that, we went with true slate.

I opted for Vermont slate for my own home, but the porcelain tile that you have selected would work well, too. It lacks the natural cleft of real slate. Before you lay real slate, you really need to seal it well. Otherwise, the grout that you use will embed itself into the natural grain and cleft and be impossible to “wash” out. Once the floor is sealed, however, you will have little more upkeep to it than porcelain tile. And…it is gorgeous!