Natural Stone vs Man-Made. What’s the Difference? Natural stone and man-made materials have different properties and uses. Natural stone is a product of nature, formed by the earth over millions of years. It is quarried from the ground, cut and polished to be used in construction and for decorative purposes.

Granite

Natural stones

You can find natural stone in many forms. For example,  granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone are all natural stones. Each natural stone has unique characteristics such as color, pattern, and durability. For more info visit Natural Stone Institute website. 

Marble

Marble

Man-made stones

Man-made stones, on the other hand, are created in a factory using various types of raw materials. These materials are molded and shaped to resemble natural stone. They are commonly used in construction and decorative purposes as well, but they are less durable than natural stone. Examples of man-made materials include concrete, cultured marble, and engineered stone.

Quartz

Quartz

One of the main differences between natural stone and man-made materials is their durability. Natural stone is more durable and long-lasting than man-made stone, making it a better choice for high-traffic areas and outdoor use. However, natural stone can be more expensive than man-made materials.

Another difference is the appearance. Natural stone has a unique and natural beauty that can’t be replicated by man-made materials. Man-made materials can mimic the look of natural stone, but they lack the individuality and character of real natural stone. 

Conclusion

Natural stone and man-made materials have their own unique characteristics and uses. It depends on the specific project and the desired outcome. You should consider factors like durability, cost and appearance when deciding between natural stone and man-made materials. Both natural and man made stones would need maintenance over time. NOVA stones care specialists are pros at cleaning, buffing and polishing natural stone surfaces. Call NOVA Stone Care to get a free estimate for your natural stone restoration or maintenance. Check out our blog section for more helpful tips. We breathe life into your stone.