Natural stone refers to a variety of minerals and rocks that are quarried from the earth and used in construction, decoration, and sculpture. These materials are extracted in their natural form from the earth's surface or from mines. Natural stone encompasses a wide range of rock types, including sedimentary stones (such as limestone and sandstone), igneous stones (like granite and basalt), and metamorphic stones (including marble and slate), among others. Each type has unique characteristics in terms of appearance, texture, durability, and porosity, which determine its suitability for different applications.

The key attributes that define natural stone include its geological formation, mineral composition, and the natural processes that have shaped it over thousands or even millions of years. Unlike manufactured or engineered stone products, natural stone retains the unique colours, patterns, and textures that are created by nature.