Stone engraving with laser is a powerful way to create permanent, high-contrast marks for both personal projects and professional applications. From custom memorial plaques to unique home decor, engraving natural stone with a laser allows for incredible detail, precision, and durability.
However, it’s essential to know how to laser engrave custom stone designs to ensure that you achieve the desired result.
You’ve come to the right place if you don’t know where to start. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about stone engraving with a laser to create beautiful designs that are accurate and precise.
Table of Contents
Stone Engraving With Laser: How Does It Work?
Laser engraving stone involves marking a design onto the stone using a laser. The laser reveals the layer beneath the outer layer of the stone, depending on what type of stone it is.
Laser engraving stone is the best way to get your desired design. You also get prolonged durability that may not be available with other methods. Let’s have a look at what the best laser technology for stone engraving is.
The Best Laser Engravers for Stone Engraving
The type of laser that works best for engraving stone is a CO₂ Laser, which can create fine and sharp engravings. A Diode Laser is also used more often lately because of its affordable price point. Fiber Laser is also utilized and is another great option.
Let’s have a closer look at each option.
CO₂ Laser
A CO₂ laser engraver is made up of a gas-filled tube with mirrors on both ends. One is reflecting, while the other allows a lot of light through. Electric current is passed through a gas tube containing nitrogen, carbon dioxide, helium, and hydrogen to produce light.
The beam is intensified and focussed on one point by the mirrors as it travels through the machine to the laser head. Finally, a powerful laser beam is produced which is capable of engraving on a wide range of materials including paper, wood, rubber, plexiglass, plastic, leather, and of course stone.
What Wattage CO₂ Laser is needed for Engraving Stone?
We would recommend a 55 – 100-watt CO₂ Laser for stone engraving. For a 55W CO₂ Laser, use the following settings as a starting point. If this does not give the required engraving results, then reduce the speed.
55W CO₂ Laser – 100% Power and roughly 30% Speed
The advantage of this technology is that it allows you to control and specify the exact power levels for each field being etched. There are however no exact settings, you will need to do some testing as the correct settings are to be determined by the type of stone, laser, optical power, and other variables. To engrave stone, only one pass is required.
We recommend the xTool P2 55W CO₂ Laser Engraver for stone engraving because its high power, precision cameras, and curved surface engraving capabilities deliver deep, detailed, and professional-quality results on dense materials like slate and granite.
xTool P2 55W CO₂ Laser Cutter and Engraver
The xTool P2 55W CO₂ laser engraver is one of the best CO₂ lasers for stone engraving, offering exceptional power, precision, and ease of use. With its 55W CO₂ laser tube, the P2 delivers deep, high-contrast engraving on dense materials like slate, granite, marble, and ceramic tiles, making it ideal for professionals and advanced hobbyists alike.
One of its standout features is the dual 16MP camera system, which allows for precise alignment and real-time previews—an essential tool when working with uneven or dark stone surfaces. The built-in auto-focus and curved surface engraving capabilities further ensure accuracy even on irregular or textured stone blanks.
The xTool P2 also offers a large work area (26″ × 14″), perfect for engraving larger stone plaques or multiple slate coasters at once. Plus, the high engraving speed (up to 600mm/s) and powerful air assist mean cleaner results with less dust buildup and better efficiency during long production runs.
Whether you’re creating custom memorials, home decor, awards, or gifts, the xTool P2 delivers professional-quality stone engravings every time. It’s compatible with xTool Creative Space and LightBurn, offering flexibility in design software. For creators seeking a reliable, high-powered CO₂ laser machine for detailed stone projects, the xTool P2 is an excellent choice.
Diode Laser
Semiconductor lasers are diode lasers, as the name implies. Light is emitted when a current is sent through a semiconductor, which can be used for a variety of applications. Diode lasers are compact, low voltage, low current devices that are widely employed in a variety of applications ranging from laser engravers and laser printers.
Can a Diode Laser Engrave Stone?
Yes, a diode laser engraver can engrave stone as well. Although CO₂ lasers are commonly used for this purpose due to their higher power options, a diode laser can also engrave stone and is a cost-effective option.
The most popular diode lasers emit blue light and have an optical power of 5-40W. We would however, recommend using a 20-Watt to 40-Watt Diode Laser.
We recommend the xTool S1 40W Laser Engraver for stone engraving because its high power, precision autofocus, and enclosed safety design make it ideal for producing detailed, professional results on a variety of stone surfaces.
xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Cutter and Engraver
The xTool S1 40W Diode Laser Engraver is one of the best diode lasers for stone engraving, thanks to its impressive power, advanced safety features, and precision-focused technology. With 40W of diode laser power, the S1 can engrave various types of stone—including slate, marble, and granite—with crisp, high-contrast results.
The machine’s enclosed design and built-in air assist help reduce dust and smoke while improving engraving clarity and depth. Its intelligent autofocus and curved surface engraving capabilities allow you to work on uneven stone surfaces without losing detail.
Whether you’re creating custom coasters, plaques, or decorative stone pieces, the xTool S1 delivers professional-grade results with the reliability and safety needed for both hobbyists and small businesses.
Fiber Laser
Fiber lasers are ubiquitous in today’s environment. Because of their vast spectrum of wavelengths, they can be utilized for a variety of tasks including marking, welding, cutting, cleaning, texturing, drilling, and much more.
Fiber lasers employ a silica fiber cable to direct light, and the resulting laser beam is straighter and smaller than other forms of lasers. They also require little maintenance and are inexpensive to run.
Can a Fiber Laser Engrave Stone?
Yes, a Fiber Laser can engrave stone. Fiber Lasers perform best on hard materials like stone, metals, and rigid industrial plastics. Fiber Lasers are an ideal choice for etching metal with complex graphic patterns, serial numbers, or bar codes. They’re also ideal for jewelry engraving and other craft tasks.
The drawback for many is the limited types of materials you can engrave with a fiber laser. Unless, of course, your main application is metal engraving!
Some of the materials you can engrave with a fiber laser include:
- Industrial Plastics
- Brick
- Granite
- Marble
- Aluminum
- Gold
- Silver
- Stainless Steel
- Brass
- Titanium
- Tungsten
We recommend the ComMarker B4 20W Fiber Laser Engraver for stone engraving because its powerful fiber laser delivers exceptional precision and depth on harder stones and metals, making it perfect for intricate, durable engravings.
ComMarker B4 20W Fiber Laser Engraver
The ComMarker B4 20W Fiber Laser Engraver is a great budget option for engraving stone thanks to its affordable price, powerful output, precise performance, and user-friendly features. Designed with a robust 20W fiber laser, it delivers high-speed, high-resolution results on hard surfaces like granite, slate, marble, and other natural stones—perfect for detailed logos, text, and intricate patterns that last.
One of the key advantages of the ComMarker B4 is its ability to mark stone without losing clarity or depth. Unlike CO₂ or diode lasers that may struggle with denser materials, this fiber laser engraver ensures clean, crisp engravings even on uneven or porous surfaces. Its enclosed design, safety features, and wide compatibility with various design software make it suitable for both professionals and advanced hobbyists.
Whether you’re personalizing memorial stones, customizing stone coasters, or creating engraved signage, the ComMarker B4 offers outstanding performance and value. If you’re serious about stone engraving and need a reliable fiber laser, this machine is the best in its class.
Comparison Table: The Best Laser Engravers For Stone Engraving
Here’s a comparison table of the Best Laser Engravers for Stone Engraving, including the top CO₂, diode, and fiber laser machines:
Laser Engraver | Laser Type | Power Output | Best For | Stone Compatibility | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
xTool P2 55W CO₂ Laser | CO₂ | 55W | Fast, detailed engraving on larger projects | Slate, granite, marble, basalt, river rock | Dual 16MP cameras, smart auto-focus, curved surface engraving, large work area |
xTool S1 40W Diode Laser | Diode | 40W | Precision engraving for small stone items | Slate, marble, ceramic tiles, basalt | Enclosed design, fast engraving speed, auto-focus, camera add-on support |
ComMarker B4 20W Fiber Laser | Fiber | 20W | Industrial-grade precision engraving | Granite, basalt, marble, river rock, tiles | Compact, fast engraving, high contrast results, great for logos & detailed text |
Notes:
- CO₂ lasers are best for engraving non-metal natural materials like slate, granite, or marble in larger sizes.
- Diode lasers are great for slate, tiles, and smaller stones at an affordable price, especially for hobbyists or small businesses.
- Fiber lasers are ideal for hard stone surfaces or commercial/industrial use requiring maximum durability and precision.
Types of Natural Stone Suitable for Laser Engraving
Let’s take a look at the best types of stone to use for laser engraving.
While stone is one of the most durable materials to engrave on, not all stone is made the same. Therefore, before starting your project, you want to ensure that the stone you use is suitable for laser engraving.
The best type of stone for laser engraving is a polished stone slab or any stone with a smooth surface. Based on these characteristics, marble, and granite are excellent choices for stone engraving. Other types of stone you can use include slate, basalt, sandstone, and river rock. As a rule of thumb, you should opt for stone with the least possible number of veins.
Here are the most popular stones for laser engraving:
- Slate – Ideal for signs, coasters, and decor. Provides a rich contrast when engraved.
- Granite – Hard and durable. Great for memorial plaques and signage.
- Marble – Softer than granite, engraves well but provides slightly lower contrast.
- Basalt – A dark stone that engraves with excellent clarity.
- River rocks and pebbles – Can be laser engraved if flat and light-colored.
- Ceramic tiles – While not natural stone, these can also be engraved for decorative use.
Something else that is important to consider when laser engraving stone is the shape of the stone. For best results, you want to engrave on a flat surface. Even though it’s possible to laser engrave on stone with a more rounded surface, it works best on flat surfaces, no matter the material. If the surface isn’t flat, your design may be distorted due to the curves in the stone.
Finally, when choosing the type of stone for engraving, you have to keep the end result in mind. What will this stone be used for? For example, both marble and granite are suitable for indoors, but granite is a better choice for outdoor use because it is more durable and resistant. On the other hand, marble can withstand more pressure and higher temperature, making it ideal for projects that might deal with excessive heat.
Now that you know what type of stone you should be engraving on, let’s jump into some tips to ensure your engraving ends as planned.
Techniques and Tips for Stone Engraving With Laser
Laser engraving stone is a powerful and precise way to create lasting designs on a wide range of natural materials like granite, slate, marble, basalt, and more. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a small business owner, understanding the right techniques and practices can help you achieve high-contrast, detailed results. Here’s everything you need to know to succeed with laser stone engraving.
Choose the Right Type of Stone
Not all stones engrave the same way. Some produce crisp white markings, while others require additional processing for visible results. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Best for laser engraving:
- Slate – produces a white mark with high contrast.
- Marble – smooth and consistent, ideal for text and photo engraving.
- Granite – works well but may require higher power settings.
- Basalt and bricks – excellent texture and contrast.
- River rocks/pebbles – engrave well with some pre-coating.
- More challenging:
- Light-colored granite or quartz – may not show contrast well without color inlay.
- Highly porous stones – can lead to fuzzy edges or incomplete engraves.
Prepare the Stone Surface
Start by cleaning the stone thoroughly to remove any dust, oils, or debris. This improves laser precision and prevents residue buildup during engraving. Use a damp cloth or mild detergent and allow the stone to dry completely before processing.
Dial in Your Settings
Stone engraving requires a high-power, low-speed approach. Here’s a general starting point for CO₂ lasers (adjust based on your machine wattage):
Material | Power (%) | Speed (%) | DPI | Z-Offset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Slate | 20–30% | 100% | 500–600 | 0 |
Marble | 50% | 20% | 1000 | -0.5 mm |
Granite | 100% | 20–30% | 500 | +1.5 mm |
Pebbles | 80% | 30% | 500 | +2 mm |
Tip: Always test your settings on a spare piece or inconspicuous area using a grayscale matrix or gradient
Use a Grayscale Matrix or Gradient
To fine-tune your results:
- Grayscale matrix: Engrave a grid of boxes using different power and speed values to compare contrast and depth.
- Grayscale gradient: Apply a gradient from black to white in a single block to estimate the optimal power range visually.
This is especially useful for stones with limited test areas.
Optimize Airflow and Clean Often
Stone engraving generates a lot of dust. To prevent clogging and protect the optics:
- Use a powerful air assist to keep the laser path clear.
- Clean the lens, mirrors, and nozzle regularly—especially during long jobs.
- Use a vacuum or extraction system to manage dust.
Adjust Z-Offset for Better Results
Changing the Z-offset (the focus height) slightly can improve engraving quality:
- Negative offset (-1 mm): Increases beam penetration for harder stones.
- Positive offset (+1 to +2 mm): Softens the burn for lighter effects or fragile surfaces.
Test different offsets to find the best result for your material.
Enhance with Paint or Inlay
For light-colored or low-contrast stone engraves:
- Mask the area with tape before engraving.
- Apply acrylic paint into the engraved areas using a brush.
- Peel off the tape after the paint dries to reveal clean, bold designs.
This method works especially well on smooth stone surfaces like marble or slate.
Work in Layers for Complex Designs
For more detailed or photo-realistic designs:
- Use high-resolution (500–1000 DPI) raster images.
- Convert images to black and white or use dithering modes for smoother shading.
- Apply multiple passes for deeper or darker engraving.
What Can Stone Engravings Be Used For?
You can do many things with a laser engraver, especially when it comes to stone. Humans have been engraving stone since the beginning of time, from scrolls to works of art. Today, stone engraving is easier than ever, thanks to laser engraving machines, and there are many different applications for stone engravings.
Stone engravings can serve both indoor and outdoor use. One of the applications of laser engraving stone you may be the most familiar with is engraving tombstones. People also engrave stone for DIY purposes, such as jewelry, coasters, or decorative home pieces.
Common Applications of Laser-Engraved Stone
- Memorial plaques and pet headstones
- Slate coasters and personalized home decor
- Stone signage for homes or gardens
- Corporate awards and trophies
- Custom gifts for weddings or anniversaries
No matter your reason for laser engraving stone, you can be assured that you’ll have a beautiful result.
Is Laser Engraving Stone Safe?
Yes, but take the following precautions:
- Use proper exhaust ventilation to remove dust and particles.
- Wear a mask if working near the laser without an enclosure.
- Ensure your laser engraver is rated for engraving stone materials.
- Clean up debris and dust afterward to avoid buildup inside your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of stone can be laser engraved?
Common types of stone suitable for laser engraving include slate, granite, marble, basalt, river rocks, ceramic tiles, and travertine. Slate and marble tend to yield the best contrast, while harder stones like granite may require more powerful lasers for deeper engraving.
Do I need a special type of laser to engrave stone?
Yes, stone engraving generally requires a CO₂ laser (like the xTool P2) for broad compatibility and deep engraving or a high-power diode laser (like the xTool S1 40W) for smaller-scale projects. For industrial use and precision on harder surfaces, a fiber laser (like the ComMarker B4) can also be effective, especially on polished stones and tiles.
Do I need to apply any coating to the stone before engraving?
No coating is necessary for most stones, especially porous ones like slate. However, for polished or reflective stones, you can apply laser marking spray or darkening agents to improve contrast and visibility. This is optional but may enhance the final result.
What settings should I use for engraving stone with a laser?
Settings vary depending on the stone type, laser wattage, and speed. For example, engraving slate with a 40W diode laser might use 100% power and a slower speed (e.g., 1500 mm/min). Always run a test on a scrap piece or consult your machine’s material settings guide to fine-tune parameters like power, speed, and number of passes.
Is laser engraving on stone permanent and weatherproof?
Yes, laser engraving on stone is permanent, as it removes or alters the surface material itself. It’s highly durable, making it perfect for outdoor use such as memorials, garden markers, plaques, or signage. However, engraving contrast may fade slightly over time outdoors, so sealing or painting can be used to enhance longevity.
Wrap-Up: Discover The Magic of Stone Engraving With Laser
Engraving stone can result in the most ethereal projects. However, it’s essential to know what laser engraver works the best and how to safely and accurately engrave stone to get the results you want.
Whether you choose to engrave marble or slate, or want to engrave a new centerpiece for your home, using a laser engraving machine will save you time and deliver precision in your final project.