What is marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subject to heat and pressure. It is composed primarily of the mineral calcite, which is softer and porous making it easy to be scratched, stained, and damaged. No matter what the application, will change, age, and wear over time. On a kitchen countertop or vanity, you’ll want to address any concerns you have about etching and staining. Still, marble has been used for centuries in countless applications around the world, making it a beautiful choice for your countertop. Many homeowners choose to hone or leather the surface of their marble countertops to help disguise the imperfections that appear over time. To see a real application of marble, visit our showroom where we have a Calacatta marble island with 18+ years of wear & tear. One of our knowledgeable stone consultants will be happy to help you figure out if marble is right for you!
Details about its resistance
STAIN RESISTANCE: Marble is composed of calcium carbonate, which reacts with food acids commonly used in the kitchens such as citrus, tomato, and wine. This reaction leaves an etch mark (not to be confused with a stain), which looks like a dull spot or watermark on the surface. The reaction is not instant, it occurs when acids are left on the surface. Different types of marble will be more forgiving than others and may etch faster or slower. Staining is possible if substances like sauce or wine are left on the surface long enough, a discoloration can be left behind. But when sealed properly, staining can be prevented. Remember, staining can be avoided with a sealer, but etching is unavoidable.
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HEAT RESISTANCE: Marble can handle heat very well, and it can tolerate very high temperatures without damage, but it is always recommended that you use a trivet when putting hot items directly on the surface.
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SCRATCH RESISTANCE: While marble is extremely hard & durable, it can scratch under the right conditions. Over time, you may notice scratches in high-traffic areas from plates and other objects being dragged on the surface. It is unlikely that knives can scratch your marble, but it is still recommended you do not cut directly on the surface.
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MAINTENANCE: Sealing your marble is a necessity. It is recommended you follow the factory instructions for your sealer, and reseal when necessary. Using a sealer is the best way to prevent staining. For daily cleaning, soapy water is the best way to wipe down your counter. Natural stone cleaners can be used as well, just avoid cleaners such as Windex that contain ammonia or citrus.
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WEATHER/UV RESISTANCE: Marble can be used outside, but understand it will age over time. Polished marble will eventually lose its shine when exposed to the elements. For best results, seal regularly and keep the surface covered when not in use.
How do I take care of marble?
Sealing your marble is a necessity. It is recommended you follow the factory instructions for your sealer, and reseal when necessary. Using a sealer is the best way to prevent staining. For daily cleaning, soapy water is the best way to wipe down your counter. Natural stone cleaners can be used as well, just avoid cleaners such as Windex that contain ammonia or citrus.
Educational information extracted from Elemar New England