Define the project before choosing the stone
Record interior or exterior location, horizontal or vertical use, traffic, water, chemicals, temperature, freeze-thaw exposure, cleaning, maintenance, loads and applicable code or specification requirements. Add dimensions, joints, support, substrate and attachment concepts known at this stage. These conditions determine which material questions and evidence matter more than a broad statement that a stone is durable or suitable.
Review identity, lot and finish
Confirm the commercial name and material family, then request current-lot images and representative samples. Agree acceptable background, movement, variation, pores, fissures, repairs, resin, reinforcement, cut direction and finish. For continuous or matched areas, review layout and replacement strategy. Keep concept visualization separate from the material selected for purchase.
Close technical and commercial gaps
Identify format, thickness, dimensions, fabrication, applicable tests, documents, quantity, packing, destination, Incoterm, timing and quotation assumptions. Assign approvals to the designer, engineer, fabricator, installer or other responsible party. Record unresolved items as confirmation requirements and do not convert absent testing or supplier information into a generic catalogue claim.