What Is Natural Stone?

Stone Restoration Works • November 9, 2023

Our passion at Colorado Stone & Tile Care is natural stone. But what does the term natural stone encompass?


Natural stone is a type of building material that is formed in nature, over many, many years, and is used for various construction and design projects. It is prized for its durability, unique aesthetics, and timeless appeal. There are several types of natural stone commonly used in construction and home projects, including granite, marble, slate, limestone, and travertine.


Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common types of natural stone as well as what projects they shine in.

Granite

Formed deep within the Earth's crust, granite is composed of various minerals, including quartz, feldspar, and mica. It is known for its hardness and durability.

Marble

Marble is metamorphosed limestone, created when limestone undergoes heat and pressure. It is famous for its elegant appearance and is often used in sculptures and high-end architectural applications.

Slate

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin, flat layers. It's often used for roofing, flooring, and as a natural blackboard material.

Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of shell, coral, and other organic materials. It is used in various applications, including building facades and flooring.

Travertine

Travertine is a type of limestone deposited by mineral springs. It is known for its unique porous texture and is commonly used for flooring and countertops.

How Natural Stone is Processed

Once quarried or extracted from the earth, natural stone undergoes several processing steps.

Cutting

The stone is cut into blocks or slabs of various sizes depending on the intended use.

Finishing

The stone can be finished in different ways, such as polished (glossy), honed (matte), or textured (for added grip). The finish affects both the aesthetics and functionality of the stone.

Edge Profiling

The edges of the stone can be shaped and polished to create various profiles, like bullnose, beveled, or ogee, for different design preferences.

Home Projects Natural Stone is Good For

Natural stone is a versatile material suitable for various home projects, both indoors and outdoors. Some common applications include countertops, flooring, fireplace surrounds, backsplashes, shower surrounds, and much more.


It's important to choose the right type of natural stone for your specific project based on its characteristics, such as hardness, porosity, and maintenance requirements. Our team of professionals knows natural stone. We would love to help you decide which type of natural stone would work best for the project you have in mind, and we would love to help you care for it after the project is finished.

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