The beauty and special characteristics of natural stones emerge from the finishing processes available, and which are widely utilized by current architectural and construction trends. Each finish provides a different aspect to natural stone that takes on new shades of colours, new visual and tactile sensations, enhancing the natural characteristics. Here are the most widely used ones:

Polished
A polished surface finish is shiny and reflective. This is a glossy mirror like finish. The full colour, depth, and crystal structure of the stone is visible. The stone appears darker and the colours seem richer. A polished finish will highlight the character of natural stone. This finish is considered the finest and smoothest available.

Honed
Honing removes the gloss from the surface, creating a soft matte look. The surface remains smooth to the touch. The result is a smooth surface without reflection. The stone will have a matte like appearance.

Brushed / Leathered
A variety of methods are used in order to achieve a textured surface; either chemical (acid wash) or mechanical. There are different levels of brushing - from the subtle satin or vellutato finish to deeper brushing, creating a leathered effect.

Flamed
A surface treatment applied by intense heat flaming, which creates a rough surface finish, more appropriate for exterior applications. The surface is usually brushed after flaming, when used for interior application.

Tumbled
Slightly tumbled to achieve rounded edges and a surface which is not as smooth as when honed.

Antique
This is actually a style of finishes rather than a particular finish. Leathered and tumbled finishes are all examples of an antiqued finish. A factory finish similar to a leathered finish is sometimes referred to as an antiqued finish.