Learn more about natural stone

Natural stone has been used in construction and design for thousands of years. From ancient monuments to modern buildings, its durability and natural beauty are proven. Each stone type has its own characteristics, colours, and finishes, which influence where and how it can be used.

Categories of Natural Stone

Natural stone is grouped based on how it is formed:

• Igneous Rock – Granite, Basalt
• Sedimentary Rock – Limestone, Travertine, Sandstone, Onyx
• Metamorphic Rock – Marble, Slate, Schist, Quartzite, Gneiss
• Agglomerates – Engineered products made by binding stone chips and resins

Grades of Stone

• Premium Grade – Consistent colour, high-quality finish, uniform thickness and size.
• Standard Grade – More natural variation, occasional pores or fissures, still accurately cut.
• Commercial Grade – Significant variation, irregularities in size and finish, more natural imperfections.

Colour Variation

Natural stone is a product of nature. Variations in colour, veining, and pattern are normal and should be expected. Always lay out tiles or slabs before installation to assess the range and achieve the best visual result. Samples and images provide a guide only.

Finishes

The finish affects the appearance, slip resistance, and suitability for use:

• Honed – Smooth, satin surface with low reflection.
• Polished – Glossy surface, enhances colour depth, used mostly indoors.
• Sandblasted/Flamed – Textured, non-slip, ideal for outdoor applications.
• Tumbled – Aged, weathered look.
• Leathered/Brushed – Soft texture, reduces surface glare.

Types of natural stone

Agglomerate

• An engineered stone made by binding natural stone chips with resin or cement.
• Offers consistency in colour and pattern compared to natural slabs.
• Commonly used for flooring, benchtops, and commercial interiors.
• Easier to maintain than some porous stones, but still requires sealing.

Dolomite

• A sedimentary carbonate rock, closely related to limestone and marble.
• Known for its subtle veining and softer colour palette, often in whites and greys.
• Harder than typical marble but softer than granite or quartzite.
• Applications: benchtops, wall cladding, bathrooms. Requires sealing and care against acids.

Granite

• An igneous rock, dense and highly durable.
• Resistant to heat, impact, and scratching.
• Colours range from light to dark with visible crystalline structure.
• Commonly used for benchtops, floors, and cladding in both residential and commercial projects.

Marble

• A metamorphic stone recognised for its veining.
• Colours vary from white, pink, green, grey, and deep tones depending on mineral content.
• Suitable for floors, walls, vanities, and furniture pieces.
• Sensitive to acids and scratching; requires regular sealing.

Quartzite

• A metamorphic stone formed from sandstone under intense heat and pressure.
• Extremely hard and durable, often harder than granite.
• Colours include whites, greys, and cooler tones depending on mineral impurities.
• Suitable for benchtops, floors, walls, and high-traffic areas.

Travertine

• A form of limestone with natural voids and veins.
• Colours are typically soft creams, beiges, and browns.
• Finishes include honed, brushed, tumbled, and filled or unfilled pores.
• Used in flooring, pavers, bathrooms, and feature walls. Requires sealing due to porosity.

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