Many stones have a proprietary name from the quarry. However, many times there is more than one quarry of the same stone and each quarry may refer to their particular stone by a different name. Also, stone marketers may assign their own name to a stone for marketing purposes.

Yes. Many marbles and limestones do contain fossils. The fossils are formed from the skeletal materials of marine organisms.

Not necessarily. Sonic veins are strictly color variations in the stone, However in some materials natural flaws can exist within the vein, which enhances the color and is characteristic of that stone. Structurally with today's processing, these materials meet the strength requirements for countertop use.

Mesh backing improves the stability of the stone for shipping and fabrication. Many exotic materials would otherwise not remain intact during processing. Once these materials are installed however, they do meet the strength requirements for countertop use.

Instead of the normal process of polishing granite, the polishing bricks are replaced with abrasive brushes which leave a satin textured finish.