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A-Z tile and stone glossary

A simple guide to commonly used terms relating to ceramic tiles, porcelain, natural stone, installation and surface finishes. 

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A

Abrasion Resistance

The ability of a tile surface to resist wear caused by foot traffic and abrasion. Abrasion resistance is particularly relevant when selecting glazed tiles for floors and is assessed using standardised test methods such as AS 4459.7. 

Abrasive Hardness

A measure used in some stone industry testing to assess resistance to abrasion. It should not be confused with Mohs hardness, which measures resistance to scratching. 

Absorption

The amount of liquid a material can absorb. Water absorption is an important characteristic of tiles and stone and can influence suitability for particular applications, including wet and external areas. 

Accelerated Wear Test (AWT)

(See Sustainable Slip Resistance) 

Acid Resistance

The ability of a material to resist damage or surface alteration caused by acids. Natural stones containing calcium carbonate, such as marble and limestone, can be particularly sensitive to acids. 

Acid Wash

A chemical treatment sometimes used to alter or texture a stone surface. Acid treatments can damage stone and should only be used where appropriate for the particular material and application. 

Adhered

Fixed to a substrate using an appropriate adhesive or bonding material. 

Adhesives

Materials used to bond tiles or stone to an appropriate substrate. Adhesive selection depends on the tile, substrate, location and installation conditions. 

Agglomerated Stone

A manufactured stone product made by combining mineral aggregates with a binder, such as resin or cement, and forming the material into slabs or tiles. 

Aggregate

Granular mineral material, such as stone, sand or other particles, used alone or combined with a binder in manufactured products. 

Alkali Resistance

The ability of a material to resist damage caused by alkaline substances. 

Anchor

A mechanical fixing used to secure stone or other materials to a supporting structure. 

Anchorage

The system or method used to secure stone or panels to a supporting structure. 

Antique Finish

A surface finish designed to create a naturally aged, weathered or distressed appearance. 

Anti-Slip Tiles

A general term sometimes used for tiles designed or tested to provide increased slip resistance. Slip performance should be assessed using the appropriate test and classification for the intended application. 

Apparent Joint

A decorative feature that creates the appearance of separate tiles or grout joints within a single tile or panel. 

Arriss

The edge or line where two surfaces meet, commonly referring to the edge of a tile, stone piece or moulding. 

B

Backsplash

See Splashback. 

Basalt

A fine-grained igneous rock, generally dark grey to black, commonly used for paving, flooring, cladding and other architectural applications. 

Bas Relief

A decorative carving or sculptural technique where the design projects slightly from the background surface. 

Bed (Tile)

The layer of adhesive, mortar or other approved bonding material onto which tiles are fixed. 

Bevel

An angled or sloping edge or surface. 

Bicottura

Italian for “two firings”. A tile manufacturing process in which the tile body and glaze are fired separately. 

Blasted Finish

A textured surface finish produced by directing an abrasive medium onto the surface. 

Bluestone

A general commercial term used for certain blue-grey natural stones. In Australia, the term is commonly associated with basaltic stone, although its meaning can vary by region and supplier. 

Biscuit / Bisque

The fired ceramic tile body before a glaze or subsequent decorative treatment is applied. 

Body (of tile)

The main structural material forming the tile, excluding any glaze or surface coating. 

Bookmatch

 A layout in which adjacent slabs or stone pieces are arranged so their patterns mirror each other, creating a symmetrical appearance. 

Bonding Material

An adhesive, mortar or other approved material used to bond tiles or stone to a suitable substrate. 

Border Tiles

Decorative or trim tiles used to create a border within a tile installation. 

Breaking Strength

The force required to break a tile under a specified test method. It is an important characteristic when assessing tile suitability for particular applications. 

Brushed finish

 A textured stone finish produced using mechanical brushes, creating a soft, weathered or satin-like appearance. 

Bullnose Tiles

Trim tiles with a rounded edge, commonly used to finish exposed edges or external corners. 

Bush Hammered Finish

A mechanically textured finish created using a bush hammering tool, producing a patterned or uneven surface. 

Buttering, also Back-buttering

Applying adhesive to the back of a tile in addition to adhesive applied to the substrate. The technique may be required for certain tile sizes, formats and installation conditions to achieve adequate coverage. 

C

Calibration

The mechanical processing of a stone tile to achieve more consistent thickness and surface dimensions. 

Ceramic Tiles

Tiles manufactured from clay and other mineral materials and fired at high temperature. Ceramic tiles include a wide range of products with different compositions, water absorption levels, finishes and applications. 

Chemical Resistance

The ability of a tile or stone surface to resist damage or alteration caused by chemicals, acids, alkalis, cleaning products or other substances. 

Chiselled Edge

A mechanically chipped edge designed to create a rustic or aged appearance. 

Cladding

A non-load-bearing material applied to the surface of a wall or structure for protection or decorative purposes. 

Clay

A naturally occurring mineral material used as a primary raw material in the manufacture of ceramic tiles. 

Cleft Finish

A naturally split or cleaved surface, commonly associated with slate and other layered stones. 

Clinker Tiles

Dense, hard-fired tiles, commonly produced by extrusion and traditionally used for paving and other demanding applications. 

Cobblestone

A stone paving unit, traditionally rounded or irregular, although the term is also commonly used for manufactured stone paving blocks. 

Coefficient of Friction

A measure of friction between two surfaces. Slip resistance testing uses specific test methods rather than relying on a single general coefficient of friction value. 

Colour Permanence

The ability of a tile or stone surface to retain its colour under expected environmental conditions. Performance can vary depending on the material, pigments, finish and exposure. 

Control joint

A joint designed to accommodate movement associated with shrinkage, expansion or other dimensional changes in a building or substrate. 

Coping

A tile or stone piece used as a cap or finishing element, commonly on walls, steps, pool edges or other exposed surfaces. 

Corundum

A very hard mineral sometimes incorporated into tile surfaces or other products to increase abrasion or slip resistance. 

Cotto

See Terracotta. 

Cove Tiles

Trim tiles with a curved profile, commonly used where a tiled surface meets another surface. 

Crackle Glaze

A decorative glaze containing a deliberate network of fine surface cracks. 

Crazing

Fine cracks that develop in the glaze of a ceramic tile. Crazing may occur naturally through stresses between the tile body and glaze or may be intentionally created for decorative purposes. 

Curing

The process by which adhesives, mortars, grouts, sealants or other installation materials develop their intended properties. 

D

Decal

A decorative design transferred onto a tile surface. 

Decorated Tile

A tile that has been enhanced with decorative treatments such as printing, painting, decals, patterns or other surface effects. 

Dimensional Standards

Standards that specify characteristics such as tile length, width, thickness, straightness, rectangularity and surface flatness. Australian ceramic tile requirements are covered by standards including AS 13006:2020. 

Diamond Sawn

A surface or edge produced using a diamond cutting or sawing process. 

Dimension Stone

Natural stone that has been quarried, cut and finished to specified dimensions for use in construction or architectural applications. 

Double-Fired Tile

A tile manufactured using separate firing stages, typically involving firing the tile body and then firing the glaze or decoration. 

Dry Floor Friction (FFT)

A test method used to assess the frictional characteristics of a pedestrian surface under dry conditions. Under AS 4586, results are classified as D0 or D1. 

Dry-Pressed Tile

A tile formed by pressing prepared powder into a mould under pressure before firing. 

Dust-Pressed Tile

See Dry-Pressed Tile. 

E

Efflorescence

A whitish crystalline deposit that can appear on tiled or masonry surfaces when dissolved salts are transported to the surface by moisture. 

Epoxy

A resin-based material used in some tile adhesives, grouts and other applications where particular chemical, stain or performance properties are required. 

Expansion Joint

A joint designed to accommodate movement within a structure or tiled surface and help reduce stress and cracking. 

Extruded Tile

Tiles formed by forcing a plastic ceramic material through a die before cutting and firing. 

F

Finish

The visual and physical characteristics of a tile or stone surface, such as natural, polished, honed, textured, brushed, flamed or bush hammered. 

Fire Resistance

The ability of a building element or system to perform under fire conditions. Individual tiles should not be described as having a specific fire rating unless supported by appropriate testing or regulatory requirements. 

Firing

The process of heating ceramic materials in a kiln to develop the required physical and aesthetic properties of the tile. 

Fissure

A natural hairline opening, discontinuity or feature within stone. Fissures can be part of the natural characteristics of some stones. 

Flamed Finish

A stone surface finish produced using intense heat to alter the surface texture. 

Floor Tiles

Tiles manufactured or specified for use on floors. Suitability depends on characteristics such as strength, abrasion resistance, slip resistance, water absorption and the intended application. 

Frost Resistance

The ability of a tile or stone product to withstand freeze-thaw conditions. Suitability should be based on the product’s characteristics and applicable testing rather than water absorption alone. 

Fully Vitrified Stoneware

A term used for highly dense, low-absorption ceramic products. See also Porcelain. 

G

Glass Mosaic

Small mosaic pieces manufactured from glass rather than ceramic or natural stone. 

Glaze

A glass-like coating fused to the surface of a ceramic tile during firing. 

Glazed Tile

A ceramic tile with a fired glaze or surface coating. 

Glazed Porcelain

A porcelain tile with a glazed surface. The glaze provides the decorative appearance and surface characteristics. 

Grain

The visible direction or arrangement of minerals, crystals or structure within natural stone. 

Granite

A coarse-grained igneous rock generally composed primarily of quartz and feldspar, with other minerals also present. Granite is widely used for flooring, cladding, benchtops and other applications. 

Grout

A material used to fill the joints between tiles. Grout type and joint width should be selected according to the tile, application and manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Grout Joint

The space between tiles that is filled with grout. The appropriate joint width depends on the tile, installation conditions and relevant requirements. 

H

Honed Finish

A smooth, low-sheen stone or tile surface with little or no gloss. Suitability for flooring should be assessed according to the product’s slip and performance characteristics. 

Hygiene

Tiles generally provide a hard, cleanable surface and are widely used where ease of cleaning and hygiene are important. Performance varies according to the tile, grout, surface finish and maintenance. 

I

Impact Resistance

The ability of a tile or material to resist damage caused by impact. Suitability depends on the product and intended application. 

Impervious Stoneware Tiles

A highly dense ceramic product with very low water absorption. See also Porcelain. 

Impregnation

The application of a penetrating treatment designed to enter the pores of a material and provide protection against staining or other contaminants. 

Inserts

Small decorative tiles or pieces used within a larger tile installation to create patterns or design features. 

Installation

The process of preparing the substrate and fixing, grouting and finishing tiles or stone. 

Installation Bed

The materials and layers forming the support system for a tiled surface, including the substrate, bonding material, tile and grout. 

J

Joint

A planned separation between tiles, materials or building elements. Different types include grout, movement, control, expansion and isolation joints. 

Jolly Tiles

Tiles or trim pieces with an angled or mitred edge, commonly used to create a finished corner or edge detail. 

K

Klinker / Clinker

See Clinker Tiles. 

L

Lamination

The process of bonding two or more pieces of stone or other material together, often to create a thicker or decorative edge. 

Limestone

A sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate minerals, usually calcite, and sometimes dolomite. 

Linear Thermal Expansion

The change in the dimensions of a material resulting from a change in temperature. 

Lippage

The difference in elevation between adjacent tiles or stone pieces after installation. 

Listello

A narrow decorative border or trim tile used within a tiled surface. 

Luster

The appearance of light reflected from a surface. In decorative ceramics, lustre can also refer to a special metallic surface treatment. 

M

Marble

A natural stone formed through the metamorphism of limestone or dolomite. Marble can vary significantly in colour, veining, hardness and performance. 

Mechanical Strength

The ability of a material to resist forces without breaking or failing. Different tests measure different strength characteristics. 

Mitred / Mitered Tiles

Tiles or stone pieces cut at an angle, commonly around 45°, so two pieces can form a neat corner. 

Modulus of Rupture

A measure of the bending strength of a ceramic tile under a specified test method. 

Mohs’ Hardness

A scale from 1 to 10 used to indicate a material’s resistance to scratching. It is a scratch-hardness scale and is not a direct measure of abrasion resistance. 

Monocottura

Italian for “single firing”. A tile manufacturing process in which the tile body and glaze are fired together in a single firing cycle. 

Monoporosa

A single-fired ceramic tile with a relatively high water absorption body, traditionally used primarily for wall applications. 

Mosaic Tiles

Small tile pieces used individually or mounted on sheets to create decorative or functional patterns. Mosaic materials may include ceramic, porcelain, glass, stone or other materials. 

Mounted Tiles

Tiles supplied as sheets or units using a backing or mounting material to simplify installation. 

N

Natural Cleft

A naturally split stone surface created by separating the stone along its natural cleavage or bedding characteristics. 

Natural Stone

Stone formed by natural geological processes and quarried for use as a building or decorative material, including marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, slate and travertine. 

Nominal Size

The approximate size used to identify a tile or stone product. The actual manufactured dimensions may differ from the nominal size. 

Non-Combustible

A material that does not contribute to the spread or intensity of fire when tested or assessed in accordance with the applicable requirements. Ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles and natural stone that are entirely composed of these materials are generally classified as non-combustible under the NCC. Specific building applications may have additional requirements, so project compliance should be confirmed against the applicable NCC provisions and relevant standards. 

O

Onyx

A decorative stone term commonly used for translucent, banded stones, often composed primarily of crystalline calcite. The commercial use of the term can vary. 

P

Pendulum Test

A slip-resistance test used to assess pedestrian surfaces under specified conditions. The wet pendulum test is used to classify surfaces according to AS 4586. 

Permeability

The degree to which liquids or vapours can move through interconnected pores or pathways within a material. Permeability and water absorption are related but are not the same property. 

Pointing

The process of filling and finishing joints, particularly mortar joints, after the main installation has been completed. 

Polished Finish

A highly smooth surface finish with a glossy or reflective appearance. 

Porcelain Tile

A dense ceramic tile with very low water absorption, manufactured to the requirements of the applicable tile standard. Porcelain tiles are available in a range of finishes and are used across residential, commercial and other applications depending on their tested characteristics. 

Porosity

The proportion of void spaces within a material. Porosity is related to, but different from, water absorption and permeability. 

Porphyry

An igneous rock characterised by larger crystals set within a finer-grained matrix. It is used as a natural building and paving stone. 

Q

Quarry

A location where natural stone or other geological materials are extracted from the ground. 

Quarry Block

A large block of natural stone extracted from a quarry before it is cut into slabs or other finished products. 

Quarry Tile

A dense, usually unglazed ceramic paving tile traditionally manufactured by extrusion. The term does not necessarily refer to a tile being made from material extracted from a quarry. 

Quartz

A common mineral composed of silicon dioxide. Quartz is an important component of many natural stones, including granite and quartzite. 

Quartzite

A hard metamorphic rock formed primarily from quartz-rich sandstone. Natural quartzites can vary considerably in mineral composition, appearance and performance. 

R

Ramp Test

See Oil-Wet Inclining Platform Test or Wet-Barefoot Inclining Platform Test, depending on the application. 

Random Slab

A natural stone slab supplied without a fixed standard length and width, within the supplier’s specified range. 

Rectified

A tile that has been mechanically processed after firing to produce more precise dimensions and straighter edges. Rectified tiles still require an appropriate grout joint. 

Rustic Finish

A deliberately textured, uneven or weathered surface designed to create a traditional or aged appearance. 

S

Sandblasted

See Blasted Finish. 

Sandstone

A sedimentary rock formed primarily from compacted and cemented sand-sized mineral particles. Its characteristics can vary significantly depending on its mineral composition and formation. 

Sawn Edge

A clean-cut edge produced using a saw, commonly with a diamond blade. 

Sawn Face

A stone surface produced directly by the sawing process. The resulting texture depends on the cutting equipment and method used. 

Scratch Hardness

The resistance of a material to scratching. See Mohs Hardness. 

Screeding

The process of levelling a mortar, screed or other material to create the required surface plane. 

Sealants

A treatment applied to some stone or tile surfaces to provide additional resistance to staining or moisture penetration. The suitability and expected performance of a sealer depend on the material and application. 

Self-Levelling Compound

A cementitious or resin-based product used to create a smoother or more level substrate before installing flooring. 

Shade Variation

The variation in colour, tone, pattern or texture between individual tiles or pieces of stone. Some products are intentionally manufactured with significant variation. 

Single-Fired Tile

A tile manufactured by firing the tile body and glaze together in a single firing cycle. See Monocottura. 

Slab

A large, flat section of natural or manufactured material produced by cutting or forming a block or other material. 

Slate

A fine-grained metamorphic rock with a natural tendency to split along closely spaced planes. It is commonly used for flooring, cladding and other applications. 

Slip Resistance

The resistance of a pedestrian surface to slipping under specified test conditions. Slip performance should be assessed using the appropriate Australian Standard test and classification for the intended application. 

Soapstone

A soft natural stone composed primarily of talc, often used for specialised architectural and decorative applications. 

Splashback

A vertical tiled, stone or other surface protecting the wall behind a benchtop, sink, cooktop or similar area. 

Split-faced stone

Stone with a naturally broken or mechanically split face, creating a textured and irregular surface. 

Spot Fixing / Spotting

A method of fixing stone or other materials using separate spots or pads of adhesive or mortar. It is not generally suitable as a substitute for full adhesive coverage where full coverage is required. 

Stacked Bond

A tile or stone layout in which vertical and horizontal joints align continuously. 

Sustainable Slip Resistance

An assessment of how a surface’s slip resistance may change after simulated wear. It can be relevant to high-traffic applications where long-term surface performance is important. 

T

Tactile Indicators

Raised surface indicators designed to assist people who are blind or have low vision to identify hazards or directional pathways. Tactile indicators must comply with applicable accessibility requirements where required. 

Tessellated Tiles

Small, often geometric tiles designed to be arranged in repeating decorative patterns. 

Terracotta

Unglazed ceramic material traditionally made from fired clay, typically ranging from cream through to red or brown. 

Terrazzo

A composite material made by combining aggregates, commonly stone, glass or other materials, within a cementitious or resin-based binder and finishing the surface by grinding and polishing. 

Texture

The physical character or feel of a material’s surface, independent of its colour or pattern. 

Textured Finish

A surface finish with a deliberately raised, rough or irregular texture. 

Thermal Shock Resistance

The ability of a material to withstand rapid changes in temperature without unacceptable damage. 

Tolerance

The permitted variation from a specified dimension, characteristic or measurement. 

Translucence

The ability of a material to transmit some light without being transparent. Some natural stones, particularly lighter marbles and onyx-type stones, may exhibit translucence. 

Travertine

A form of limestone formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate from mineral-rich springs or other water sources. Travertine commonly contains natural pores, voids and variations. 

Tread Tiles

A tile or trim product designed for use on steps or stair treads. Slip performance should be assessed according to the requirements of the intended application. 

Trim Tiles

Specially shaped or finished tiles used for edges, corners, transitions, borders and other detailing. 

Tumbled finish

A weathered or softened finish produced by mechanically tumbling stone or other products, creating worn edges and an aged appearance. 

U

Unglazed Tile

A tile without a separate fired glaze layer. Its colour and surface characteristics are generally derived from the tile body or applied materials within it. 

V

Vein

A naturally occurring line, band or area of contrasting mineral material within stone. 

Vein Cut

A method of cutting stone generally perpendicular to the natural bedding or layering, often producing a linear or striped appearance. 

Vitrified Tile

A term describing a highly dense ceramic tile with low water absorption. The term should not automatically be treated as synonymous with porcelain unless the product meets the applicable porcelain classification. 

W

Wall Tile

A tile designed or specified for wall applications. Wall suitability depends on the tile’s characteristics, installation system and intended environment. 

Warpage

A deviation from the intended flatness of a tile, such as a corner or edge being higher or lower than another part of the tile. 

Wastage

Additional material allowed for cutting, breakage, installation layout and other losses. The appropriate allowance depends on the size, pattern, layout and complexity of the installation. 

Water Absorption

The amount of water absorbed by a tile, expressed as a percentage of its dry weight. Water absorption is an important characteristic used to classify ceramic tiles and assess their suitability for different applications. 

Water Proofing

The process of protecting a substrate or building area from water penetration using an appropriate waterproofing system. Waterproofing requirements depend on the location and applicable Australian Standards. 

Wear

The gradual removal or alteration of a material’s surface caused by use, abrasion, impact or other environmental factors. 

Wet-Barefoot Inclining Platform test

A slip-resistance test for surfaces intended for applications where pedestrians are likely to be barefoot and the surface becomes wet. It is one of the test methods specified in AS 4586. 

Standards & References 

For detailed requirements, testing and installation, refer to the applicable Australian Standards and regulatory requirements, including: 

This glossary is provided as general information only. Product suitability depends on the specific product, installation system, site conditions and intended application. Always refer to the relevant product technical information, manufacturer’s instructions and applicable Australian Standards. 

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