Marble

Marble is a polished limestone composed mainly of calcite. Most marble is imported from Italy and Spain. Like granite, marble is formed beneath the earth’s surface; however, because it is NOT an igneous rock, marble does not possess granite’s hardness and heat-resistance. (Marble is the third softest substance on the MOHS Scales of Hardness; whereas, Granite is the third hardest). Because of its relative softness and its calcite composition, Marble is subject to scratching and thermal shock (breakage due to contact with a hot substance such as a pot directly off the stove). Etching (removal of polish caused by acid spills such as citric fruit juices, wine or carbonated sodas) is another potential problem with Marble; although application of a sealer to prevent stains will help to reduce this risk. Etching can be repaired; however, the process is costly and time-consuming.

Marble is a lovely stone that comes in many unique and beautiful colors and patterns; therefore it is an excellent choice for vanity-tops and fireplace surrounds. Should a customer choose Marble for kitchen counters, islands or Wine-bars, fabricators and stone suppliers recommend honed white (such as White Carrara) or honed green (such as Verde Empress or Guatemalan Green) marble. Honed natural stones have a matte finish and are not polished. Sealers can still be applied and will not add much if any shine. White or green Marbles are sometimes referred to as “true marbles” and are the hardest to be found making them less subject to scratching or thermal shock. Honing the marble reduces the possibility of etching. In kitchens, honed Bianca Carrara is a good choice for baking areas as the coolness of this stone makes a great surface for rolling dough.

Softer and/or heavily fissured Marbles such as Breccia Oniciata or Dark Emperador are strongly discouraged as kitchen or bar countertops. “Fissures” or veinings, which add to the beauty of the stones, are actually formed from broken pieces of limestone that over many hundreds of years have joined together. The likelihood that these marbles will scratch from an inadvertent cut of a knife blade or that they will break or crack after installation from thermal shock (direct contact with a hot pot) is the reason for this caution. Should a customer want to use these marbles on kitchen or bar-top counters, a waver of responsibility & acknowledgement of risks must be signed.

By Ann-Marie Rosavage, Ph.D. Special thanks to Marco Izzi owner of Marble Point, in Raleigh, NC for his professional input.