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Marble Countertop FAQ

Marble Countertops

Marble products are processed from blocks that are quarried all over the world. This metamorphic rock is composed primarily of calcium carbonate and other minerals that create a wide variety of colors.

Marble is commonly used for vanities, floor tiles, wall tiles, & other surfaces such as fireplaces, columns, balustrades, water tables, steps, thresholds & windowsills.

Can I use a marble countertop for my kitchen?

Marble countertops can be scratched more easily than harder stone such as granite. Marble is sometimes used in the kitchen as a pastry slab; its perfectly smooth, cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough and piecrusts. However keep in mind that the ideal material for the kitchen is granite. Marble pieces that have a honed finish will not etch because their surfaces start out with a matte finish.

Because marble (and limestone) are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable to household acids including vinegar, mustard, ketchup, citrus and a host of other food-related products. These acidic substances cause a chemical reaction that will remove the polish.

What is marble?

It is a natural stone formed from fossil sediment deposits, which have been placed under the earth–²s tremendous pressure for at least a few million years. The combination of the natural materials in these deposits, along with natural geologic events, produces unique veining with a richness of depth and intensity. Marble material is generally softer than granite, therefore scratching occurs more so on marble. This characteristic should be considered when making your stone selection. Generally, marble countertops are recommended for such places as: bathrooms, bar tops, fireplaces, etc; and granite countertops are generally utilized for kitchen countertops. Aside from our recommendations, if so desired, Marble can be used for any countertop.

Marble is available in a multitude of colors from light to dark, and generally boasts beautiful flowing veins. This unequalled beauty makes marble a natural choice for countertops, bath vanities, wall and floor tiles or slabs, and tub and fireplace surrounds.

Commercially, the term "marble" applies to any compact limestone that will take a polish, which includes most of the colored marbles, except some of the greens.

Does green marble countertop require special treatment?

Some green stones, such as the "jades" from Taiwan, are not truly marble, but a different material called serpentinite.

Serpentinites, or serpentines, as they are sometimes called, do not etch or react to acids the way limestone and marble do, and are somewhat harder. Green tiles of this family must always be installed with an epoxy adhesive to prevent the curling that can take place if a water-based setting material is used.

What is honed marble or limestone and where can it be used?

Marble or limestone that is honed has a matte or satin finish, rather than a high reflective polish. This is achieved at the factory by stopping just short of the last stage of polishing. One feature of honed marble is that it doesn′t show etching as readily, or wear patterns on floors. Some prefer it because it has a less formal, softer appearance than polished stone and is also a good choice for marble countertops.

What is etching?

Etching happens when acid in some form comes in contact with a polished marble or limestone surface. This causes a chemical reaction that removes the polish, or roughens the surface of honed stone. Green marbles, such as the "jades" from China are resistant to etching, and granite is impervious to any common household acids

Can your company make a custom marble countertop for me?

Yes, we can build a custom marble countertop for you. Our custom made countertop is also a very affordable option for our customers.

What–²s the best way to clean stone countertops and other stone surfaces?

The rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn′t normally use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors. Never use any product that is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as Windex. You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone.