Marble mining
The methodology and technique used for marble mining are determined by the type of quarry being considered. The area’s morphology determines if the marble is cut horizontally or vertically, with the most common method being the latter. The marble is transformed into blocks and is classified according to the quality of the marble. The lesser the streaks and lighter, the colour tone will make the block more expensive.

Arrival and Unloading
Once the marble has been extracted, the blocks are transported to the manufacturers for processing. Here, after unloading from the trucks, these blocks are classified before being sawed. Cranes and different machines are used to move these blocks throughout the facility as they are cumbersome and large. These blocks are then stored in the block yard until the next phase.

Marble cutting
Marble is cut through two methods, namely, multiwire or block cutters. Large blocks of marble are cut through the multiwire cutter, whereas the smaller and irregular blocks are cut using block cutters. The main goal of cutting marble is to avoid any waste and to ensure the maximum yield of processed marble. Multiwire cutters will produce slabs of a maximum 1.8 – 2 metres width and thickness of 1.5 centimetres. Block cutters, on the other hand, will produce strips of marble that would be then cut into tiles of a thickness between 0.9 and two centimetres.

Marble strengthening and polishing
Firstly, the marble slab is strengthened by attaching a mesh for added resistance. Then, the marble is processed to change its appearance and produce a variety of different finishes. Some of these finishes include polishing, honing, ageing, bush hammering, sanding and split face. This is usually the last step in the marble preparation process, but some manufacturers subject their marble to further cutting and finishing procedures.

Slab Storage
When the marble is ready for storage, it is packaged according to its shipping destination. Marble that has to be shipped abroad will usually be packaged in a series of wooden bundles and will be prepared to be packed inside the shipping containers. If they are being shipped locally, iron frames will be used to keep everything in place. As for tiles, they are usually packed in wooden boxes ready for transportation.

Marble loading and shipping
As mentioned above, marble is shipped and packed according to its shipping destination. Most common means of marble transportation are through lorries, ships and trains.

Polished
Natural stones are polished through the application of abrasive material by polish heads that gradually are changed from coarse to fine. This technique brings out the colour and properties of the polished natural stone.

Natural
A natural finish implies the absence of treatment. It is used exactly as it is extracted, leaving the finish as natural as possible. This finish is mostly used for cladding and cobblestones.

Aged
This treatment involves vibrating the surface of the stone to mimic ageing. Although there are many methods used to go about this treatment, generally all of them lead to a soft surface.

Tumbled
Tumbled is also an ageing treatment to achieve an antique finish. In this case, a vibrating drum-like machine uses finer, more resistant stones, to wear out the surface of the natural stone. This leaves an aged finish and generates a soft surface.

Bush Hammered
This finish is achieved by hitting the surface of the natural stone with a tool called bush hammer. It generates an uneven surface creating craters of different sizes. Through this method, the surface becomes slip-resistant and is used ideally for dense traffic areas.

Sand Blasted
This finish falls in the same category as bush hammered. The surface of the natural stone is blasted with small silica particles using an air gun. This creates little craters on its surface, highlighting the colour of the stone and creating a more slip-resistant finish.

Mushroom
This finish is generally achieved by manual tools which through controlled blows, chip the surface of the natural stone. This creates a rustic appearance, enhancing the texture and irregularities.

Leather
This is achieved by brushing the surface of the natural stone by various brushes. This results in a surface which is soft, warm and smooth to the touch. Very few stones can be treated using this method, including granite.

Flamed
This is done by exposing the surface of the stone to a high-temperature flame. This creates roughness and makes it suitable to withstand exterior use.

Sawn
This is achieved using a diamond disc tooth saw. The surface of the stone is sawn to create a rough and irregular finish. This makes the overall stone lighter and gives it a non-glossy finish. It is generally used for external paving, steps, pathways, driveways and patios.

Travertine Classic Vein-cut
The travertine vein-cut has a dark decorative pattern that is also known as veinage in engineering jargon. Also, the vein-cut travertine defines a heavy background that is filled with natural elements. This kind of appearance results from the application of a direct sawn technique which brings out the natural vein in the cut itself. The travertine vein-cut creates a stunning effect on interior decorations and applications. Vein-cut is also the most well-known variation of travertine and presents a natural parallel vein with holes found throughout its surface, a pattern that sets travertine apart from other natural stones used in construction.

Travertine Crosscut
The travertine cross-cut, on the other hand, is attained when the blocks are carved in favour of the vein. This technique means that the natural vein disappears from view and the result is a uniform surface that is exposed by a combination of light and dark emulsified sections. These light and dark layers showcase the varying hues of travertine and tend to have a much softer feel than the vein-cut due to the flowery impressions the sawn bring out in the cross-cut.