Try to find out exactly what type of stone it is. Some stones do not do well in differing climates from where they originate. It all depends on what you want to use it for.

Like I said, just a name can be hard to go by and not a good way to decide if it's what you need.

But if matching and cutting are not issues, I think the main question is whether you like it. The only other thing to be on the watch for is probably excessive flakiness or liability to crack. On those fronts too though, buying a sample piece would allow you to put it through its paces. Whatever other qualities you do or don't want in rock, test for those too.

The correct name is Basalt .

I know there is an assunption on my parthere in that I assume you mean Basalt, when you speak of bluestone.

If my assumption is correct , then it might be a good idea if you asked the respective suppliers as to whether their stone is Basalt you may get different answers.

I worked in the architechural/dimensional stone trade for a number of years (hence my screen name) and remember a few years back when a stone was put on the market from India. It was billed as a cheaper substitute for another well known black monument stone. It was well recieved and used in more than a few applications. The stone turned out not to fair well in some climates. It cracked and crazed in the colder places causing big problems.

So that's why it's important to know exactly what you're getting from your supplier. Stone is cheap to ship all over the world because it's used to weigh down ships (keel weight) to keep them from flipping in high seas.

Do your homework and you won't be caught by surprise from using a stone that's not good for your purpose.