Natural stone offers strength, beauty and uniqueness because no two pieces are alike. Color, texture and markings vary from each piece making stone tile a truly unique product. Limestone and marble tile show subtle veining and movement. Marbles are hard limestones that accept a polish well, making marble floor tile the favored choice for many homes. Granite is the hardest stone, so the use of granite tile on countertops is preferred. Slate is also a product of nature and has a wide variation in color and texture. Whenever choosing a natural stone tile or product, it is important to be aware of the variations.