Natural Stone
Granite, slate, limestone, marble — geological materials that exist as-is, no chemistry required.
Toxicity Screening — All Clear
This material screens clear across all seven independent toxicology authorities we use on every project.
Material Type
Quarried Mineral Material
Material Description
Natural stone — granite, slate, limestone, marble, sandstone, soapstone — is exactly what comes out of the quarry, cut and polished. The product is essentially zero-chemistry: no binders, no resins, no stabilizers, no additives. There's no off-gassing because there's nothing to off-gas. Stone is durable to a fault — well-maintained granite countertops outlast their cabinetry by generations. The considerations to manage are radon (granite occasionally contains uranium-bearing inclusions; modern imports are tested), sealer chemistry (specify zero-VOC penetrating sealers), and embodied energy (quarrying and shipping have real carbon costs, especially for imported stone).
Composition & Origin
Health Profile — All Endpoints Clear
Severity scored 0–10 against the same 10 hazard endpoints we use for the chemical families on the avoid list. Every score is 1–2 — essentially no signal across every endpoint.
Common Forms & Brands
- Granite, marble, limestone, travertine, slate
- Soapstone (talc + chlorite + magnesite)
- Sandstone, bluestone, basalt
- Common framing: slab, tile, dimensional cladding, flagstone, cobblestone
Why We Use It
- Zero chemistry — pure quarried mineral
- Multi-generational durability with proper maintenance
- Heat-resistant (countertops) and non-combustible
- Recyclable and reusable at end of building life
- Watch for radon in some granites — test imports
Where It Performs Best
- Kitchen and bath countertops
- Floor and wall tile
- Exterior cladding, pavers, and walkways
- Fireplace and chimney facing
Building Applications for Natural Stone
Listed alphabetically. Where in a home this material earns its keep.
Bathroom Vanity Surfaces
Exterior Cladding & Veneer
Fireplace Surrounds & Hearths
Kitchen Countertops
Pavers, Patios, & Walkways
Stone Tile Flooring
Window & Door Sills
Natural Stone on a Bay Area Home
Natural Stone earns its place in our assemblies. We design mold free homes by keeping water out and letting walls dry in both directions, and the materials have to cooperate with that — which is why this one is on the approved list and most of its competitors are not.
If you are planning a new house or a deep remodel and you want this level of material control, that is the whole job we do. Earth Bound Homes builds in Los Gatos, San Jose, Santa Clara County and across the San Francisco Bay Area.