There are many different types of stone available today. When stone is ordered, it is fabricated with a particular type of  surface. There are six main type of surfaces that are selected:

Honed: Provides a flat to low sheen gloss. Different levels of    gloss can be selected. This surface is very smooth, but often  very porous. This texture is common in high traffic buildings. Honed floors should always be protected with Penetrating Sealer because it has wide-open pores. Honed stone colors are not as vibrant as polished stone.       
         
Polished: A glossy surfaces that wears away with time due to heavy foot traffic and using improper maintenance procedure. This surface is very smooth and not porous. The reflectively of polished crystals brings out the brilliant colors and grains of natural stone. The shine comes from the natural reflection of the stone's crystals. The shine is due to polishing bricks and polishing powders used during fabrication. The Shine is not from a coating.     

Flamed: A rough surface that is developed through heat. During fabrication, the stone is heated up and the crystals begin to pop, thus forming a rough surface. This surface is very porous and must be treated with an impregnator.

Sand Blasted: This surface is the result of a pressurized flow of sand water that provides a textured surface with a matte gloss.

Sawn: A Process performed by using a gang saw.

Bush Hammered: A pounding action that develops a textured surface. The degree of roughness can be selected. Regardless of the type of surface to be maintained, all stone should be protected with sealers.