artists and architects to create magnificent sculptures, monuments, and buildings such as the
Taj Mahal in India and the Greek Parthenon. Inspired by such masterpieces of antiquity,
architects and designers of today use marble to add an aura of sophistication and splendor to
any space. Marble is a metamorphic limestone. It begins as a sedimentary stone consisting
of seashells and the bones of sea creatures that have settled to the ocean floor. Calcium in
the sediment combines with carbon dioxide in water to form calcium carbonate. High heat
and pressure cause the fossilized materials, along with its original carbonate minerals, to
crystallize and transform limestone into marble.
Like fingerprints, no two pieces of marble are exactly alike. Marble varies in color and
veining from stone to stone as a result of fissures filled with minerals that are present during
the stone’s formation. The naturally occurring variations in marble contribute to its
distinctive appeal. Polishing achieves a patina that further enhances the colors of all the
trace elements.
USES
• Interior and exterior in non-freeze/thaw environments
• Flooring
• Fireplaces
• Vanities
• Shower and tub surrounds
TYPES
• Polished: During production, a facet is put on each crystal at a microscopic level – much as
a jeweler would facet a diamond. The resultant smooth surface allows light to refract in and
out of the stone in a parallel way. This enhances the visible sheen and gives the appearance
of depth and luster.
• Honed: Grinding the surface achieves a smooth, non-reflective finish.
• Tumbled Surface (ancient stones): An antique look achieved by subjecting the stone to a
tumbling process.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Consider the function of the area involved prior to selection. Marbles range from 5-7.5 on
the MOHS hardness scale. (Compare this with granite stones used for landscaping, which
range from 8-9 on the MOHS scale).
• Green and black colored marbles require a 100% solid epoxy adhesive as they have a
tendency to warp from water-based adhesives.
• Color variations are common and enhance the natural beauty of marble. Be sure to inspect
multiple samples of the stone before selection to ensure satisfaction with colors and
patterns.
MAINTENANCE
• Do clean with a dust mop and neutral cleaner to remove most dirt.
• Do use a penetrating sealer to prevent staining. Because many stones are porous to some
degree, excessive water may cause reactions such as oxidation (rust), spalling, deterioration
of dry veins, etc. “Special Impregnating” sealers are recommended to avoid these problems.
• Do clean marble with “special stone cleaners”, “pH balanced cleaners” or “neutral base
cleaners.”
• Do not clean any natural stone with acidic cleaners, including (but not limited to) vinegar
or cleaners with “lemon” or “lime” on the label. These products will abrade the polish from
the stone. Sealers DO NOT protect polished surfaces from these types of cleaners.
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