Stone types come down to a few families, and each has its own look, feel and care needs. This guide is a list of types of stone tile we sell: marble, travertine, dolomite and onyx. Tap any stone below to see it, shop it or read its guide, then jump to the page that fits your project.
Types of stone: a quick list of natural stone tile
These are the types of natural stone tile we focus on. All four are quarried and cut into tile. What changes is color, pattern, texture and how each one handles daily life. Pick the look first. Then match the stone to the room.
- Marble: classic veining, bright whites and rich darks. Shop marble tile or read what marble is.
- Travertine: warm, earthy and textured. Shop travertine tile or read what travertine is.
- Dolomite: a marble-like look with a calm, even tone. Shop dolomite tile or read what dolomite is.
- Onyx: translucent, glowing and dramatic. Shop onyx tile or read what onyx is.
Marble: the classic natural stone
Marble is known for soft veining and a polished or honed glow. Our marble comes from quarries in Italy, Spain, Turkiye and Greece. Pick a stone below. New to it? Read what marble is, or compare Calacatta vs Carrara.
Browse marble by color: white marble tile, gray marble tile, black marble tile, beige and cream marble tile and green marble tile. Or see the white marble tile guide and the marble colors guide.
Travertine: warm, textured stone
Travertine has natural pits and a soft, earthy palette from ivory to walnut. It can be filled or unfilled, which changes the surface. See filled vs unfilled travertine, travertine vs marble and travertine care.
More travertine: travertine floor tile, tumbled travertine tile and honed travertine tile. Sealing it? Read the travertine sealing guide.
Dolomite: a marble alternative
Dolomite looks a lot like white marble, with a quiet, even feel. Many homeowners choose it when they want that bright look. Learn more in what is dolomite and the blog guide dolomite tile: a marble alternative.
Onyx: the glowing statement stone
Onyx is prized for rich color and a layered, translucent look. It is a feature stone, perfect for accent walls and backsplashes. Read genuine onyx backsplash tile, and for care see caring for onyx tiles.
A quick word on limestone
Limestone is another natural stone with a soft, matte character, and it sits in the same family as travertine and marble. Our focus is marble, travertine, dolomite and onyx.
Types of stone for houses: floors, showers, backsplashes and walls
Looking for types of stones for houses? Think room by room. Marble, travertine and dolomite are popular on floors and in showers. Marble, travertine and onyx all work on backsplashes. Any of the four can dress up walls, with onyx best as an accent. Each stone also needs its own care. See the care and maintenance guide, and for floors the marble floor tile guide.
Types of stone finishes and tile finishes
Finish changes how any stone looks and feels. These are the types of stone finishes you will see on our tile. Polished is glossy. Honed is soft and matte. Tumbled has an aged edge. Brushed and split-faced add texture. The same types of tile finishes apply across marble, travertine, dolomite and onyx, though each stone offers a different set. Our honed vs polished guide and the stone tile finishes guide explain each. Want layouts too? See stone tile patterns and stone trims and edges.
How to choose a stone type
- Want classic and bright? Choose marble or dolomite.
- Want warm and relaxed? Choose travertine.
- Want a showpiece? Choose onyx.
- Need help matching? Try find a matching natural stone tile.
Planning the whole job? Use the buying guide, project planning and installation guide, or go back to the Stone Encyclopedia.
See stone types in person
Photos help, but touch tells the story. Order samples to compare stone types side by side. Any 5 samples are $25 and ship free. Local? See Anaheim pickup.
Common questions
What are the main types of stone tile?
Marble, travertine, dolomite and onyx are the natural stone types we focus on. Each has a different look, texture and care routine.
What is the difference between marble and travertine?
Marble has flowing veining and a smooth, often glossy look. Travertine is warmer and more textured, with natural pits that can be filled. See travertine vs marble.
What is dolomite tile?
Dolomite is a natural stone with a bright, even look similar to white marble. Many people choose it as a marble alternative.
Which stone type is best for floors?
Marble, travertine and dolomite are all popular for floors. Choose a honed or tumbled finish for a softer, more forgiving look.
Which stone type is best for a backsplash?
Marble, travertine and onyx are all popular for backsplashes. Onyx works best as an accent, and marble or travertine suit full walls.
Do different stone types need different care?
Yes. Each stone reacts differently to spills and cleaners, so follow the care guide for your stone and use a stone-safe cleaner.
Where does your stone come from?
Our stone is sourced from Italy, Spain, Turkiye and Greece.
Can I compare stone types before buying?
Yes. Order samples to see color and texture in your own light. Any 5 samples are $25 and ship free.
What types of stone are used for houses?
Marble, travertine, dolomite and onyx are popular natural stone tile types for floors, showers, backsplashes and walls. Match the stone to the room and its care needs.
What are the types of stone finishes?
Common finishes are polished, honed, tumbled, brushed and split-faced. Each stone offers a different set, so check the product page.
Can you list the types of natural stone tile?
We focus on four: marble, travertine, dolomite and onyx. Limestone is a related natural stone.