The many languages of natural stone

The many languages of natural stone

Stones are often perceived as material symbols of fortitude and soundness. While there are several valid reasons for this perception, there is much more to the world of natural stone than immovable solidity. For centuries, the demand for different types of stone has fostered a vibrant commercial exchange, turning the natural stone market into a very intercultural medium. Working in such a medium means working with ancient history, but it also means dealing with personal stories from the most diverse backgrounds, traveling the world, and learning new words and customs. The world of natural stone combines the unceasing evolution of human creativity with the reliable endurance of minerals. 

As you probably know, natural stones can be found in every country. However, the quality and characteristics of the stones vary considerably from region to region. Some marbles are endemic to Italy, while others can only be found in Brazil or Iran. Some stones are sought after for their beauty, while others are valued for their unique resistance to water. This means that, when working on a project, we will likely have to use stones with different characteristics from different regions. And this implies dealing with merchants and producers from every corner of the planet.

Intercultural communication can be challenging. This is not only about language barriers or international regulations. Human interaction, the essence of commerce, changes from one culture to another. What is considered polite in a given city might strike foreigners as odd or even rude. The dress codes, body language, bargaining rules, and eating etiquette vary significantly. A natural stone dealer must learn to recognize the subtle signs and the apparent expectations of every deal, adapting their style to the sensibility of whoever they’re doing business with.

International fairs are an excellent opportunity to witness this diversity and how talented dealers navigate it. These events gather buyers, sellers, experts, and enthusiasts from all over the world. As you stroll through the corridors of the fair, you hear words in all the languages you might know and many others you can’t even recognize. There is the joy of reencounters with friends from other countries and the excitement of new possibilities with unsuspected partners. Above all, there is a love for natural stone as a sort of lingua franca: despite the mother tongue they might speak, all participants share their knowledge about finishes, textures, colors, thickness, and absorption.

The culture of the people involved in every stone’s story is shown in their language, behavior, and relation to the stone itself. How quarries are organized, the particular styles of cutting, and the distribution logistics also reflect the cultural background surrounding the stone’s production. All this makes the natural stone market an excellent environment for witnessing the rich diversity of human history and innovation capacity.

Like any other international commerce network, the natural stone market has been an essential catalyst for developing international relations and building corridors that link people beyond borders. This network is, of course, affected by global affairs and geopolitical tensions. Although we live in times when these tensions are continually rising, the lingua franca of stones keeps offering a space for mutual exchange and understanding.