Ryan82-

I got it at my local cutlery shop, because they said that it would be the best for touching up a razor. I believe that it is actually a surgical hone, but I am not quite sure whether it is a natural or a synthetic. They told me to use an oil they had with it instead of water, if that gives any indication. I would think that it is a natural stone, but I am sorry I could not be more help in that.