TS EN 12440

TS EN 12440 addresses the denomination criteria used to name natural stone, from raw material through to finished products. The purpose of this kind of standard is to keep commercial and technical naming consistent, reduce the risk of the same material being described under different names, and support clear communication across the natural stone sector.

Why denomination matters

Natural stone varies widely in geological origin, mineral composition, appearance, processing stage and end use. For that reason, names such as “granite,” “marble,” “limestone” or “slate” are not just labels; they also provide context about the material and how it is commonly understood in practice. In general technical terms, correct denomination supports material selection, supply-chain communication, project documentation and product comparison.

What this standard covers

The scope of the standard is the criteria for designating natural stone from raw material to finished products. This means it takes a full-chain approach to naming, extending beyond the stone’s origin to the form in which it appears after processing. In general technical context, such criteria help classify stone consistently, avoid confusion when the same source material is marketed under different names, and establish shared terminology between producers and users. TS EN 12440 is a denomination standard; it should not be read as a standalone product performance specification.

• It addresses the naming framework for natural stone from raw material to finished product.
• It helps keep commercial and technical names consistent.
• It supports a shared terminology across the natural stone industry.
• It is intended to reduce confusion between appearance, processing state and intended use.