---
title: Understanding Your Natural Stone
description: The first step in proper care and maintenance of natural stone is to understand your stone’s geological classification and composition.
image: https://blog.decorativematerials.com/hubfs/belgian_bluestone_-_stylo_romano_9c.jpg
---

[![Decorative Materials](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/hubfs/DecorativeMaterials_August2019/Images/decorative_materials_logo@2x.jpg) ](http://decorativematerials.com)

- [Home](http://decorative.angstromcreative.com)
- [Decorative Materials Blog](https://blog.decorativematerials.com)
- Understanding Your Natural Stone

# Understanding Your Natural Stone

Jul 16, 2015

![](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/hubfs/belgian_bluestone_-_stylo_romano_9c.jpg)

[![Belgian Bluestone Til](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/hs-fs/hubfs/belgian_bluestone_-_stylo_romano_9c.jpg?width=569&name=belgian_bluestone_-_stylo_romano_9c.jpg "Belgian Bluestone Til")](http://www.decorativematerials.com/catalog/products/category/stone/)

The first step in proper care and maintenance of stone is to understand your stone’s geological classification and composition. This information will help you to identify what cleaning products to use and how best to care for your natural stone.

---

Natural stone is categorized into three basic geological classifications by their respective formation processes:

1. Sedimentary
2. Metamorphic
3. Igneous

Additionally, stones in each category can be either **calcareous** or **siliceous**.

< **RELATED: [Preview Decorative Materials Natural Stone](http://www.decorativematerials.com/products)**>

Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate, a chemical compound commonly found in natural stone, shells and pearls. Calcium carbonate is sensitive to acidic solutions (citrus fruit, ketchup, saline solution) so mild, nonacidic cleaners are recommended. A cutting board is always recommended for kitchen use.

[![haussman](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DMIL%E2%80%A2WP-Stone_Care_Guide-Photos/haussman.jpg?width=551&name=haussman.jpg)](http://www.decorativematerials.com/catalog/products/category/stone/)

 

Siliceous stone, as the term implies, is one composed primarily of silicates, such as quartz, feldspar, mica, etc. As such, a siliceous stone is generally resistant to most acids found in kitchen settings, although acidic cleaners are still not recommended, as these stones may contain trace levels of minerals that are acid sensitive.

 

---

[![Preserve the beauty of your natural stone - download the stone care guide ](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/497435/ef1e1469-ccc2-4ab8-8732-15c54916876e.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/497435/ef1e1469-ccc2-4ab8-8732-15c54916876e)

#### SHARE THIS ARTICLE

- [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.decorativematerials.com/types-of-natural-stone-tile&t=Understanding%20Your%20Natural%20Stone)
- [** ](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.decorativematerials.com/types-of-natural-stone-tile&media=http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/497435/belgian_bluestone_-_stylo_romano_9c.jpg&description=Understanding%20Your%20Natural%20Stone)
- [** ](http://www.houzz.com/imageClipperUpload?imageUrl=http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/497435/belgian_bluestone_-_stylo_romano_9c.jpg&title=Understanding%20Your%20Natural%20Stone&link=https://blog.decorativematerials.com/types-of-natural-stone-tile)
- [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.decorativematerials.com/types-of-natural-stone-tile&title=Understanding%20Your%20Natural%20Stone)

#### YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

[![](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/hubfs/NewRavenna_Cacti_MA_hat.jpg)

The Saguaro Collection: A Natural Fit for Mountain West Interiors

Jun 19, 2026

](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/the-saguaro-collection-a-natural-fit-for-mountain-west-interiors)

[![](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/hubfs/IMG_8601-1.jpeg)

Meet the Experts: Tile Tips from the Decorative Materials Team

May 29, 2026

](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/meet-the-experts-tile-tips-from-the-decorative-materials-team)

[![](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/hubfs/IMG_7703.jpeg)

KBIS 2026 Recap: Florals, Texture + Tile Trends

Mar 12, 2026

](https://blog.decorativematerials.com/kbis-2026-recap-florals-texture-tile-trends)

### Follow Us

- [** ](https://www.facebook.com/DMIL.decorative.materials/)
- [** ](https://www.instagram.com/decorativematerials/)
- [** ](https://www.pinterest.com/decorativemater/)
- [** ](https://www.houzz.com/pro/decorativematerials/decorative-materials)

© 2019 Decorative Materials | Showrooms in Aspen, Denver, and Vail Colorado