Natural stone is a natural product with individual properties determined by the type and bonding of the minerals comprising the natural stone. Natural stone holds an outstanding position among all building materials. Components of natural stone are unique specimens, which can be combined with each other and with many other materials.

Natural stone is ecological. No energy is needed for its actual manufacture. Energy is only consumed for quarrying and processing, but the share is small compared with other building materials. The stone is extracted mostly from relatively small quarries without major blasting operations. The unused stone waste can be used directly for filling in the parts of the quarry where stone has been extracted. Nothing is lost in the complete cycle of natural stone quarrying, processing, and returning to nature. Natural stone is environmentally compatible. As a natural building material, natural stone contains no pollutants that are damaging to the health. Natural stone requires no auxiliary chemical substances such as protective coatings, impregnating agents or coatings before it can be used as a building material.

Natural stone is varied. No other building material has as many different colors and structures as natural stone. Various surface finishing processes make this variety virtually unlimited. Developers and architects therefore have a broad spectrum of choice, which allows matching to any desired appearance or ambiance. Natural stones are often chosen for their good visual and technical qualities. Natural stone is available in a variety of different colors, structures and textures. A suitable natural stone is available for virtually any requirement imposed on a building material.

Natural stone is individual. Any desired shape can be provided, not only square or rectangular slabs. Modern processing machines allow inlay work in natural stone. The variety of the stones and the individual processing and design possibilities constitute the uniqueness of the building material. Natural stone ages well. Many natural stones are like good wine. They only attain their full elegance with advancing years. Natural stone can also be cleaned easily and cheaply. Even centuries-old floor coverings of natural stone can be ground and restored to their original condition. The lifetime of natural stone is extremely long. With the right planning and construction, buildings of natural stone have been known to survive for thousands of years. Natural stone is three-dimensional. Solid components, like moldings, frames and pillars, permit an aesthetic structure.

Natural stone is attractively priced. The relatively high investment costs are offset by the low long-term maintenance costs and long life. The cost of cleaning and maintenance of natural stone is low.

Natural stone is physically practical. Natural stone has very good thermal conductivity and a large heat storage capacity.

Natural stone is durable. Natural stone is also the most durable material with the lowest abrasion values for floor coverings. Coverings of granite or similar hard stones show hardly any signs of wear even after decades or use.