Natural Stone Glossary

Understanding natural stone terminology makes it easier to select the right stone, cut, finish, and application for your project. Use this glossary to learn about common natural stone veneer, building stone, masonry, stone finishes, cuts, faces, and architectural accents.

Stone Cuts & Patterns

Full Veneer Natural building stone with an average depth of approximately 4 inches. Full-depth veneer provides the substantial appearance of traditional masonry and is commonly used for exterior walls, fireplaces, and architectural applications.

ThinCut™ Veneer Natural building stone mechanically sawn to approximately 1 inch thick. Thin veneer provides the look of natural stone at about one-quarter the weight of full veneer, making it suitable for a wide range of residential and commercial applications.

Random Height Stone split to varying heights based on the natural horizontal layers, or bed-face, of the quarry. Typically 3 to 5 inches deep, random-height stone can also be hydraulically split to specific heights while maintaining a naturally rough texture.

Tumbled Random Height Random-height stone that has been mechanically tumbled to soften sharp edges and create a smoother, weathered appearance.

Dimensional Stone
Stone sawn to specific heights, typically 2 1/4, 5, and 7 3/4 inches, allowing pieces to fit together in a consistent dimensional pattern. A 10 1/2-inch height, known as a jumper, is available in many stones for an additional charge.

Tumbled Dimensional
Dimensional stone that has been mechanically tumbled to soften edges and create a more aged, weathered appearance while maintaining a dimensional pattern.

Webwall A pattern made from random shapes and sizes of natural stone that can be arranged to create an organized or free-form masonry design. Webwall is commonly made from wall stone or flagstone.

Tumbled Webwall Webwall stone that has been mechanically tumbled to soften sharp edges and create a smoother, weathered appearance.

Natural Stone Finishes

Antique Brush Also called a leather-look finish. A mechanically brushed surface that creates a smooth, textured appearance between a natural and polished finish.

Bullnose Edge A rounded, convex edge profile commonly used on stair treads, pool coping, wall caps, window sills, and other stone edges. Bullnose can be applied as a half or full bullnose.

Bushhammered A textured stone finish created mechanically to produce a rough, decorative surface and increased traction.

Honed A smooth, matte stone finish created through mechanical abrasion. Honed stone is smooth but generally not reflective like polished stone.

Natural The original texture and appearance of the stone without additional mechanical finishing.

Ogee Edge A decorative edge profile featuring a reverse curve with a concave section above a convex section.

Polished A smooth, highly reflective finish that creates a glossy surface. This finish is generally best suited to hard, dense natural stones.

Rock Face A rough, textured stone edge created by pitching or hand-chiseling the exposed edge to create a defined ridge.

Sawn / Sawed A smooth or textured surface left by the stone sawing process. Also called a sawn-face finish.

Thermal A textured finish created by applying heat to the surface of the stone, producing a distinctive appearance and texture.

Stone Faces & Textures

Bed-Face The natural horizontal layers within a stone formation. Bed-face can reveal unique colors, textures, and mineral variations within the stone.

Face The exposed surface of a stone, wall, or masonry unit intended to be visible in the finished application.

Sawn Face A surface left by the mechanical sawing process. Also referred to as a sawed finish.

Split Face A rough, natural-looking surface created by splitting or snapping stone by hand or with a hydraulic splitter.

Weathered Edge A naturally aged appearance created by exposure to the elements, resulting in worn edges and a deeply textured surface.

Natural Stone Accents & Architectural Elements

‍Cap A stone unit placed on top of a wall, column, or similar structure to provide a finished appearance and help protect the masonry below.

Coping A stone or other material used as the finished top surface of a wall, pier, pilaster, chimney, or pool. Coping helps protect the structure from water penetration.

Hearthstone A flat natural stone used in front of a fireplace or fire chamber, often extending along one or both sides of the opening.

Jumper A taller stone placed among shorter stones to interrupt a horizontal mortar joint. Jumpers are commonly used with dimensional stone patterns.

Keystone A wedge-shaped stone typically positioned at the center of an arch or vault.

Quoin A projecting masonry element used to define and accentuate the corners of a building. Quoins are often arranged with alternating large and small faces.

Sill A flat or slightly sloped stone installed horizontally at the base of an opening, such as a window or door. Also called a water table in some applications.

Tread A flat stone used as the walking surface of a step or stair.

Trimstone Decorative natural stone used around architectural features such as windows, doors, arches, and other openings.

Masonry & Building Stone Terms

Breaking Joints A masonry installation pattern designed to prevent continuous vertical joints from lining up between adjacent courses.

Building Stone Natural stone used in building construction, including exterior walls, fireplaces, architectural features, and other masonry applications.

Castlerock Random-height stone typically snapped into square or rectangular shapes. Castlerock is often created from natural bed-face material.

Course A continuous horizontal layer of masonry units bonded with mortar.

Drystack A stone installation method in which mortar is applied primarily to the back of the stone, creating the appearance of a dry-laid wall with minimal visible mortar joints.

Joint The point where two masonry units meet. In mortared construction, the space between stones is filled with mortar.

Limestone A sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcite, dolomite, or both. Limestone is widely used for building stone, veneer, paving, steps, walls, and architectural applications.

Masonry Construction using individual units such as natural stone, brick, concrete, or similar materials assembled together, typically with mortar.

Mortar A mixture commonly made from cement or lime, sand, and water that bonds masonry units together.

Quarry An open excavation where natural stone is extracted from the earth for use in construction and landscaping.

Slab A broad, relatively flat piece of natural stone cut or split from a larger block after quarrying. Stone slabs are commonly used for countertops, hearths, tables, and other custom applications.

Veneer A non-structural layer of natural stone attached to a structural backing. Natural stone veneer provides the appearance and character of full masonry with reduced material weight and depth.