A stone name on a quotation is not enough to establish suitability. Composition, finish, intended use and verified test results matter more than an attractive sample photograph.
Understand the material families
Travertine is a terrestrial limestone that often displays pores, layered tones and a warm architectural character. Filled and unfilled finishes can behave and look differently. It may suit cladding and interior features, subject to the application and the actual stone.
Marble is generally a metamorphosed carbonate stone. It offers distinctive veining and takes a high polish, but carbonate stones can be sensitive to acids and surface etching. A beautiful sample is not a guarantee of stain resistance.
Granite is commonly chosen where abrasion resistance and durability are important. Trade names are not always the same as strict geological definitions: identify exactly what stone is being offered.
Start with the application
- Exterior facade: request information on anchorage, moisture exposure, weathering, dimensional stability and local code requirements.
- Wet floors or paving: assess the actual surface finish and slip performance, not only the stone category.
- Interior feature walls: visual range, layout and maintenance may lead the decision.
- Worktops: confirm cleaning requirements, porosity and stain/etch behavior with representative samples.
Ask these five questions
- What is the quarry or commercial stone identification and declared geological type?
- Are the offered slabs from the same selection or production lot?
- Which finish and dimensional tolerances are being quoted?
- Which physical-property test reports are available and applicable to this stone?
- Will the supplier provide a representative sample and photographs of the actual lot?
A practical rule: make the buyer’s specification and intended application part of the inquiry before comparing prices.