“Natural stone,” as the name indicates, is a mineral that has been crafted by nature over millions of years. Domestic and commercial structures built with stone last for more than 100 years.

• Machine-made stones are blends of materials like cement, quartz, stone dust, polymers, and other chemicals. They undergo frequent treatments, because of which many machine-made stones lose their heat-resistant properties.
• On the other hand, natural stones are extracted naturally, because of which they offer versatility, durability, and a long-lasting nature.

The points given below explain why natural stone is better than machine-made stone:

1. Less resource-intensive: The components made from natural stone are less resource-intensive as they help to retain heat in winter and keep cool in summer, owing to their thermal mass. This certainly helps to reduce cost of heating and provides a comfortable environment for occupants and visitors.
2. Sustainability: Although the first steps of stone quarrying, cutting, face, and finishing, as well as transportation and on-site installation may seem time and money consuming but consider a stone structure that could last for centuries. Selecting natural stone is an easy way to save water, energy, and other resources.
3. Unique appearance: Natural stone inherently varies in color, texture, and pattern; each piece has a distinct personality. This individuality contributes aesthetic value and can improve the visual attractiveness of a place that machine-made materials cannot replicate.
4. Texture and Feel: The attractiveness of natural stone is often enhanced by its pleasant texture and tactile aspect. This tactile sense is possibly absent from machine-made materials, which is a drawback for some applications like countertops or floors.
5. Long-Term Value: The durability and timeless beauty of natural stone generally make it a good investment over time, even though it may initially cost more up front than machine-made alternatives. With the right maintenance, high-quality natural stone can survive for decades, which eventually makes it a more affordable option. 

In summary, where artificial materials offer benefits in terms of uniformity and cost-effectiveness, natural stone is prized for its distinct elegance, longevity, and classic appeal, making it a better choice over machine-made stone. Natural stone is a popular material for architectural projects that aim for permanence and environmentally conscious design because of its natural beauty and strength.