A tumbled or antiqued stone finish that softens edges and gives the surface a worn, aged character.
Burattato is the Italian stone-trade term for a tumbled finish. Pieces of stone are mechanically agitated with abrasive media, water, or other materials so that edges are softened and the surface develops an irregular, worn character.
The finish is frequently used for tiles, small-format pieces, mosaics, and architectural elements where an aged or softened appearance is desired.
Etymology
From Italian burattare, 'to tumble, sift, or agitate in a rotating container,' related to buratto, a sieve or rotating drum.
Sculptor Notes
Burattatura deliberately softens edges, making it conceptually opposite to the preservation of a crisp spigolo vivo. The term is useful when discussing how finishing processes alter the geometry as well as the texture of stone.
References
Commercial Italian stone-working terminology; compare manufacturer finish specifications when documenting a particular process.