硯は陶製（焼き物）の陶硯と石製の石硯のほか様々な種類があります。1985年に著された石川二男による『和硯のすすめ』には主要な26の産地と石が挙げられているほか、その当時ですでに手に入らないものを含めた日本各地の主要な硯材と産地が挙げられており、100以上あります。

In addition to ceramic inkstones (made from pottery) and stone inkstones, there are various other types of inkstones. In “The Recommendation of Japanese Inkstones” by Nio Ishikawa, published in 1985, 26 major production areas and types of stone are listed. It also mentions over 100 major types of inkstone materials and production areas throughout Japan, including some that were already unavailable at that time.