Glossary of Natural Stone Terms for Architects & Contractors

This glossary explains the essential terminology used when working with Turkish marble, travertine, onyx, granite, limestone and other natural stones. Whether you are an architect, interior designer, contractor, developer or importer, understanding these terms helps ensure better communication with your natural stone supplier and smoother project execution.

For an introduction to stone categories, see: Introduction to Turkish Natural Stones.

A–C Terms

Acid Sensitivity

The tendency of marble and some limestones to etch when exposed to acidic substances. Important for kitchens and hospitality surfaces.

Bookmatching

A technique where two or more polished marble slabs are opened like a book to mirror the vein pattern. Popular in luxury interiors and feature walls.

Calcium Carbonate

The primary mineral in marble and travertine, influencing hardness, color variation and porosity.

Cut-to-Size

Custom-sized stone pieces manufactured according to architectural drawings. Learn more: Slabs vs Tiles vs Cut-to-Size.

D–F Terms

Density

A measure of stone compactness. Higher density (e.g., granite) usually means better durability and lower absorption.

Dry Lay

The process of laying tiles or cut pieces on the factory floor for inspection before packing.

Epoxy Resin

Used to strengthen and fill micro fissures in marble slabs. Related reading: Resin-Filled vs Unfilled Stone.

Finish

The surface treatment applied—polished, honed, brushed, tumbled, sandblasted, bush-hammered. More info: Stone Finishes Guide.

G–L Terms

Granite

A highly durable igneous stone ideal for high-traffic areas. For Turkish selections: Turkish Granite Options.

Honed Finish

A matte, smooth finish often used in contemporary marble interiors.

Limestone

A soft, uniform stone used for facades and cladding. Popular option: Limra Limestone.

Load-Bearing Capacity

The ability of stone tiles or slabs to withstand applied loads—important for floors, stairs and public spaces.

M–R Terms

Marble

A metamorphic stone known for high-end aesthetics. Explore classifications: Guide to Turkish Marble Types.

Movement Joint

A gap that absorbs expansion, contraction and structural movement in stone floors. Explanation: Movement Joint Guide.

Porosity

A measure of how much moisture a stone can absorb. Crucial for travertine, limestone and onyx. Understanding Stone Porosity.

Resin Backing

A fiberglass mesh applied to fragile slabs like onyx to improve strength. See: Mesh-Backed Stone Slabs.

S–Z Terms

Travertine

A porous limestone formed by natural mineral springs. Most famous region: Denizli, Turkey. Overview: Denizli Travertine Overview.

Vein Cut

A cutting direction that highlights linear stone veins. Compared with: Cross-Cut vs Vein-Cut Travertine.

Water Absorption

A key performance property when choosing stone for bathrooms, hammams, pools or façades.

For more detailed topics, explore the full Academy index: Natural Stone Academy.