Honed Earth FAQ: The Global Stone Wiki
Everything you need to know about Honed Earth—the world's most comprehensive, verified database of natural and engineered stone materials.
What is Honed Earth?
What is Honed Earth?
Think of it as Wikipedia meets IMDB, but for stone. A free, verified catalog of every granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz material from around the globe—with supplier information and real inventory data.
Is Honed Earth free to use?
Yes! The complete catalog, search, and 3D showroom are 100% free. We offer paid tools for industry professionals who need job management, but the stone encyclopedia is free for everyone, forever.
Who is Honed Earth for?
Everyone who works with or loves stone: homeowners researching countertops, designers specifying materials, architects selecting finishes, contractors finding suppliers, and stone enthusiasts exploring natural materials. Industry professionals get access to advanced business tools.
How is Honed Earth different from searching Google?
Google gives scattered results with inconsistent information. We provide verified data, a synonym database (the same stone has many names), real supplier inventory, four browsing modes, and direct connections to distributors worldwide.
Browsing & Discovery
How do I search for stone materials?
Search by name, color, type, origin, or synonym. Our search knows that "Taj Mahal" quartzite might also be called "Perla Venata" depending on who's selling it.
What are the different ways to browse materials?
Four modes: Card View (visual grid), Table View (data-rich filtering), 3D Showroom (virtual gallery, desktop only), and Map View (origins and nearby suppliers).
Can I search by color?
Yes! Filter by primary colors, secondary colors, and accent patterns. Our Stone Match tool can even match colors from a photo you upload.
What does "Featured" mean on a material?
Featured materials are highlighted selections—popular choices, rare finds, or exceptionally documented entries. They appear first in showroom views.
Can I see materials on a map?
Yes! Map view shows quarry origins, which suppliers carry each material, and inventory locations near you.
Verification & Trust
How do you verify material information?
Multi-layer verification: expert curation, direct supplier data feeds, community moderation, and continuous re-verification. Look for the blue verified badge.
What does the "Verified" badge mean?
Our team has confirmed: accurate naming and synonyms, correct origin information, matching images, accurate specs, and at least one verified supplier carries the material.
How do you catalog all the different names for the same stone?
The same quartzite might be "Super White," "White Macaubas," or "Bianco Superiore" depending on the supplier. Our synonym database maps all trade names together so you find what you're looking for.
How do I report incorrect information?
Every material page has a feedback option. Suggest corrections, add synonyms, or report outdated info—our team reviews all submissions.
Suppliers & Inventory
Can I see which suppliers carry a specific material?
Yes! Every material page shows verified distributors, suppliers, and brands. Click through for contact info, locations, and current inventory.
Is the inventory data real-time?
Inventory is updated regularly by verified suppliers. See actual slab counts, lot numbers, and availability—not just catalog images.
How do I find suppliers near me?
Use our Directory to browse verified distributors and suppliers. Filter by location—each profile shows what materials they carry and current inventory.
What's the difference between a distributor, supplier, and brand?
Brands produce materials (quarries, manufacturers). Suppliers source and sell wholesale. Distributors stock and distribute locally. We catalog all three.
3D Showroom
What is the 3D Showroom?
An immersive virtual gallery where you browse stone as if walking through a stone yard. Navigate with mouse or arrow keys—the closest thing to visiting a showroom from your desk.
Why doesn't the 3D Showroom work on my phone?
The 3D Showroom requires WebGL and performs best on desktop browsers. On mobile, use Card View or Table View instead.
Can I see a material in 3D before visiting a showroom?
Yes! Materials with the 3D badge can be rotated and zoomed in our interactive viewer. Get a true sense of the material before making a trip.
For Designers & Architects
Can I save materials to a project board?
Yes! Bookmark materials, create collections for different projects, and share them with clients or colleagues.
How do I specify a material for a project?
Each material page has complete specs: type, origin, finishes, thicknesses, color codes, and verified suppliers. Share the link with fabricators to ensure everyone's looking at the same material.
Can I share a material with a client?
Every material has a shareable link and QR code. Clients can see images, specs, and find local suppliers.
For Homeowners
I'm renovating my kitchen. Where do I start?
Browse our catalog! Use color filters to match your vision, explore stone types (granite is durable, marble is elegant, quartzite offers both), and save favorites. Each material page shows suppliers near you.
How do I know if a material is in my budget?
Materials are categorized by price group (value to premium). Filter by budget—but note final pricing depends on your fabricator, slab selection, and project complexity.
What's the difference between granite, marble, quartzite, and quartz?
Granite: natural, extremely durable, huge variety. Marble: natural, elegant veining, softer (requires sealing). Quartzite: natural, marble beauty with granite durability. Quartz: engineered, consistent patterns, non-porous.
Contributing & Community
Can I add a material that's missing?
Industry professionals (distributors, suppliers, fabricators) can submit materials for review. Our team verifies all submissions before they go live.
I'm a supplier. How do I get my inventory listed?
Contact us to partner. Verified suppliers get a profile page, material listings, and the ability to showcase available slabs.
How do I become a verified contributor?
Industry professionals can apply for contributor status to suggest edits, add synonyms, and improve the catalog. Contact us with your credentials.
Is there an API for developers?
Yes! We offer API access for qualified partners. Contact us for documentation and pricing.
Ready to Explore the World's Stone Library?
Start browsing our verified material catalog. Free for everyone, forever.