Marble

A metamorphic crystalline rock composed predominantly of crystalline grains of calcite, dolomite, or serpentine, and capable of taking a polish.

All marble will acid etch when exposed to acidic foods such as lemons or tomatoes. Most marble has a moderate absorption rating and will stain when exposed to oil and highly-pigmented liquids. Most marble has a low abrasion resistance rating; it is likely to scratch. Most marble has naturally occurring cracks and fissures. In general, light-colored marble is difficult to maintain in flooring applications with heavier traffic and dark marble tends to show more scratching.

Maintenance:

• Always seal marble prior to use and keep sealing every 6 months.
• To reduce the appearance of etching in kitchen countertop applications, choose a honed, white marble with a low-moderate absorption rating.
• To reduce the appearance of staining, always wipe up spills immediately. Oil and highly-pigmented liquids can penetrate and stain the stone and may need poultice to remove the stain.
• Always use a neutral detergent or professional stone care cleaners to clean marble.
• If acid etching is an issue, choose a material with minimal acid sensitivity rating, such as quartzite or granite.
• Expect to see factory-repaired cracks and fissures.