The above graphic shows two different lots from the same stone, Statuary Carrara. This is part of the beauty of the stone – the individual pieces are supposed to be different and if they weren’t, they would be mechanically made. The tile is typically sorted by the lot. Sometimes an order is so large that multiple lots need to be ordered to complete a project, or sometimes an add-on order is required and the original lot is no longer available.
When purchasing stone tile, a physical sample or photo approval is important for setting expectations. It is also recommended to dry-lay the tile so different tiles are blended together. You won’t know what is in a box of stone until you lay it out. You can expect all types of patterns, veining, and colors in a box of natural stone, as Mother Nature is both beautiful and unpredictable.