Stones have different finishes or surface textures according to their formation. But these days, stones are fabricated to give desired surface textures. There are seven main types of surfaces that are in use:

Natural
The natural surface texture is achieved by ripping along its line of cleavage to reveal the natural grain & texture, which gives an undulating surface with great character. The surface comes with natural clefts giving a very natural look.

Honed
It is produced by grinding a surface with high grit material to a uniform specification, without producing a reflective surface. Honed stone colors are not as vibrant as polished stones. A smooth finish with a slight sheen is produced by using a polishing head. This surface is very smooth, but often very porous. Honed finishes, unlike polished finishes are not reflective. The honed finish is a satin smooth surface with little light reflection.

This finish is often used on walking surfaces and other areas where heavy traffic would wear off a polished finish. Honed finishes are used in interior wall covering. It can also used on the exterior in warm environments, table tops, very light duty residential flooring, novelty items, etc.

Polished
Polished surface texture is a reflection of polished crystals that bring out the brilliant colors and grains of natural stones. The shine on stone surface comes from polishing bricks and powders used during fabrication and not from any coating. Polishing can be done only on crystallized stones and doesn't affect the porosity of the stone. Polished finish is quite popular as it enhances the colour and markings of the material. A stone with a polished finish is very smooth and reflective.

This type of finish is used in reception areas, where marble, granite and some harder limestones are laid. The most popular uses of polished stone are in interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving, fireplace facing and hearth, lavatory tops, residential & commercial countertops, table tops, novelty items, many non-architectural uses such as tooth paste, paint whiting, agricultural lime, etc.

Flamed
It is a rough surface that is developed due to the bursting of crystals when the stone is heated. This surface gives an irregular textured finish. The flamed finish is a rough texture used frequently on floor tiles and vertical applications. Color and particulate or vein patterns vary from block to block. The major uses includes - chemistry and fire resistant work surfaces, fireplace facings & inner hearths, etc. where heat is an issue.

Sand Blasted
Producing a finish similar to cleft, sand blasting involves projecting a high-pressure airline coarse-grained grit, onto the top surface of the stone. It is characterized by a textured surface with a matte gloss.

Sawn
Sawn surface is coarsely polished leaving a semi-smooth, regular finish. It is done by using a gang saw. Saw cut finish has acquired its name owing to the saw cuts that are made on the surface of stone. When the stones are broken free of the cut layer, they are shaped to uniform size. Saw Cut finish offers complimentary accent to other types of stone work. It is generally used for walls, gate entries, patios, landscape design applications, etc.

Bush Hammered
A pounding action that develops a textured surface. The top surface is pneumatically tooled to produce a pitted or grooved surface finish.