Thread: how to recognize a natural stone

Could be granite. I heard from the Sysco sales rep the local quarries used to hit some nice stones
for sharpening from time to time in the Rockland country.

Originally Posted by tintin

any idea what kind?

It's not granite. Looks like a slate. Or it could be a Thuringian. Usually slates were used with oil, I haven't seen many that don't smell oil. Also, this muddy smell is another characteristic of the Thuringians I have tried. As for the sparkly flecks, I have seen Thuringians that have them too. So, don't go and sell it on ebay for 700$, but your stone could be a diamond. Have you honed with it yet?
Try it, and if it's a finisher, it's a good stone. Thuringian or not, natural or not, if you like its edge, it's a good stone.

Originally Posted by Vasilis

It's not granite. Looks like a slate. Or it could be a Thuringian. Usually slates were used with oil, I haven't seen many that don't smell oil. Also, this muddy smell is another characteristic of the Thuringians I have tried. As for the sparkly flecks, I have seen Thuringians that have them too. So, don't go and sell it on ebay for 700$, but your stone could be a diamond. Have you honed with it yet?
Try it, and if it's a finisher, it's a good stone. Thuringian or not, natural or not, if you like its edge, it's a good stone.

+1 to Vasilis reply, a kind of slate....
...the sawmarks as already mentioned are mostly an indicator for natural stones....

I thought Thuringian stuff had a lighter mudd to it.

It would be hard to ID without having it in hand. Pictures don't give all the answers one needs.

It doesn't look like any granite I've ever seen.