MARBLE
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed when Limestone is subjected to high pressures and heat over time. This process causes the shells that formed the Limestone to break down and crystalize.
Marble is, therefore, harder than Limestone and able to receive a high polish, but not as hard as Granite and natural Quartzites. Although, some hard Marbles and soft Quartzites have similar properties and need similar care and maintenance.
Within the Marble category there is a spectrum of harder and softer Marbles, please be advised of this during the selection process and suitability for use. A softer Marble is not the best choice for a worktop, but fine for bathroom walls, floors or vanities.
Marble, like Limestone is still predominantly calcium carbonate. Marbles come in a variety of colours depending on which minerals were present during the process of metamorphosis. In its purest form, it is white in colour but can range from soft pinks, greys and blues, to stronger greens, and reds with elegant veining and unique patterns.
The organic beauty and opulence of Marble has made it a popular choice for generations. Your fabricator will have access to a beautiful range of Marbles in honed and polished finishes, with exquisite patterns and colours, sourced from around the world. They have many contacts and suppliers across the globe, so if you have a particular Marble in mind that is not in our current range they are happy to endeavour to source this for you.
VARIATION..
When stone importers source a block of Marble from a quarry, that block is cut into slabs. Though each slab will usually be similar in colour, pattern and texture, it will not be identical; it is more likely to vary through the block than the average Granite.
SLAB EFFICIENCY..
Your fabricator will aim to cut the slabs to maximise the pattern flow and make sure all-important sections of the slab are used efficiently for your project, ensure you have discussed your personal preferences and requirements with your fabricator before cutting starts.
POROUS MATERIALS..
Marbles are porous materials and therefore would absorb substances if untreated. Marble should always be sealed with an appropriate sealant. If choosing Marble for a high use area such a worktop, they would need to be well sealed and this process repeated at regular intervals. A marble surface is likely to be more vulnerable to stains than most Granites. Choosing a busy pattern is often a good consideration, the patterns of veins and breakouts of colour will allow stains to be disguised and less evident.
NATURAL PITS & HOLES..
Being a natural material, Marble can have pits or little holes in the surface where the crystals are very small and do not adhere to the surface, this would be evident during the selection process and would not affect the performance of the surface. In many cases these little pits will be filled by a film of resin, it depends on the stone type. Sometimes these holes are so small they do not take the resin, WFF members aim to source blocks which have less of these features, but from time to time they can occur and they should not be considered an imperfection.
CARE IN THE KITCHEN..
As a softer stone a marble could scratch and we would always recommend the use of a chopping board and be mindful of what is placed directly onto the surface. A honed Marble would make scratch marks less visible.
ETCHING..
Due to its calcium carbonate makeup, Marble is prone to etching. This is the process of acid reacting with the minerals in the surface and creating dull spots known as etches. This is different from a stain as etching is a small corrosive reaction at a microscopic level on the surface which changes the way light refracts off the surface.
Etching is more visible in rooms with a lot of direct sunlight, a surface that is not in direct sunlight and a honed or textured surface would make etching less visible.
A sealant will not fully protect against etching. Discuss with your fabricator the options of sealant, which is the most suitable to the type of Marble you have chosen and their effect on the appearance of the surface. This process would need to be repeated over time to maintain the performance of your work surface. We would recommend DryTreat and Lithofin as they run training and accreditation on their products and offer advice about ensuring the right sealant for the right stone.
THERMAL SHOCK..
Although Marble surfaces can withstand a moderate amount of heat, it is still advisable to use trivets for hot pans etc as your surface can receive a thermal shock and crack or it may cause some discolouration to the surface.
CAUTION..
Marbles vary in strength. Used as a work or vanity top or table, consideration should be given to its support. Joins and cut-outs can be weaker points and the surface is not designed to support the weight of a person.
Do not stand or sit on your surface or place very heavy objects on weaker points.
Dropping a heavy or sharp object onto a Marble surface may cause it to chip or crack.
CHARACTER & SOUL..
A Marble surface is undoubtedly beautiful, but it is not the right choice for everyone. It would require more maintenance and care than a Granite surface, and you would have to live with the odd knock, scratch, stain and etching. However, if you love something with character, soul and timeless elegance and appreciate age and patina as adding to its beauty, then it can make a striking addition to any project.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE..
It is always advisable to remove a spill as soon as you possibly can by blotting away with a kitchen towel and then wiping the surface. The longer the spill sits on the surface, the increased risk of it penetrating the surface. This is particularly important for acid-based products such as vinegars, citrus, fizzy drinks and wine etc. The same applies to oil based substances such as butter, cooking oils and strongly coloured foods and liquids like beetroot, red/dark fruits, turmeric, saffron and red wine.
For daily care of your surface wipe with a moist, soft cloth with either a dilute, mild soapy solution - such as liquid dish soap or or a daily Granite and Marble cleaner such as Method, DryTreat Rejuvinata Countertop Cleaner, or Lithofin Easy-Clean. Rinse cloth, wring out & then wipe over the surface again to clear any traces of soap. Buff with a clean, dry microfibre cloth. Never use highly abrasive cloth or scouring pads. Do not use bleach or acid-based cleaners, always check the label. From time to time, we would also advise a deeper clean.
Due to the propensity to etching, extra care should always be made in cleaning acid-based spills as quickly as possible. Using coasters, mats and boards to prevent direct contact of acid-based foods or liquids with the surface is strongly advisable.
You might get scratches and etches in the surface which makes up the patina of the surface as it ages with you. The good thing about soft Quartzites and Marbles is that, in most cases, they can be re-polished in situ to remove scratches and etching, it’s a personal choice.
WFF members source and fabricate top quality materials from the best suppliers around the world, such as Cullifords & Brachot. These brands continue to inspire, innovate and use state-of-the-art technology with vast experience and professional know-how. For help and guidance with your latest Projects, please tap the button below to find a WFF member near you.