Polished exactly as it sounds. Be aware that different stones have different polish levels based on the mineral composition of the stone, but generally speaking, polished surfaces have a shine when viewed in the light.
Honed Honed is semi polished or matte finish, with polishing only to a certain level, shy of generating a gloss level on the surface of the stone. Once again, different stone will carry a different level of honing based on the mineral structure.
Tumbled This process of involves acidic based chemicals at the factory level and/or the use of a tumbling machine that "antiques" the stone to give the appearance of a weathered, antique look in the stone, with softened edges.
Brushed Buffing heads run over the surface to create a smooth and subtle texture, similar to a honed surface, but slightly less uniform. The end texture has a slightly weathered texture.
Antiqued Acid washed to create the tumbling effect, then brushed to "smooth" the surface.
Bush-hammered tiny pins are "hammered" on the surface of the stone to create a coarse, slip resistant texture on the surface.
Sandblasted This process creates a coarse, but consistent surface often used for slip-resistant applications, or other decorative designs.
Natural Cleft Most commonly associated with slate, the tiles are cleft naturally from the blocks to create natural ridges in the surface. In most cases, natural cleft slate products will be gauged (or milled) on the underside for easy installation, but the natural cleft will be evident on the exposed surface.
Split Face (or Rock Face) This process involved splitting stone with a guillotine like machine to create a look as if it was an exposed rock in nature, but processed in dimensions suitable for architectural settings.
Chiseled Hand or machine chiseled surfaces create a surface similar to the split face stone, but typically leave chisel marks in the surface (not on chiseled edge finishes though)
Edge Finishes
Standard Edges are chamfered, meaning there is a very slight bevel (approximately 1/16"-1/32").
Saw Cut/Straight Cut edges are exactly as described, sharp to the touch with no processing.
Tumbled edges are soft and rounded from the tumbling process, but not in a perfectly linear manner.
Tumbled Edges are processed to provide an antiqued look. The tumbling process typically creates a rounded edge, somewhat uneven, but soft as opposed to a hand-chiseled edge.
Chiseled Edges, typically on honed or tumbled limestone and travertine tiles, are hand chiseled ¼" to ½" from the edge of the tile to create a more "antique" look. There is some roughness to this edge, which is the intended effect.
Pillowed Edges are processed with a gentle and distinct radius that will vary in size, but typically will be ¼" to ½" from the edge of the stone
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