What is stone tile called? Common natural stone flooring includes slate, marble, limestone, travertine, granite, and sandstone—each of which has slightly different properties. ... As you shop for natural stone tiles, these are a number of general factors that you should consider. How can you tell if a tile is stone or ceramic? Look for chips in the glaze to identify ceramic tile. Look closely at the glaze: if it's chipped, you will be able to see the tile's white or tan base. This is a sure sign that the tile is ceramic. Porcelain tiles are sometimes, but not always, glazed. What is stone tile flooring? Because natural stone is found in nature, it is highly resistant to weather and wear. It is also more valuable than ceramic tile because it cannot simply be reproduced from synthetic materials. Natural stone flooring increases your home's market value more than ceramic tile.