What is Marble and how to look after it

At Windsmere Stone and Granite Ltd we understand that the variety of different natural and man-made materials marketed as suitable for uses such as kitchen worktops and bathroom vanities can make the process of choosing the right material over-whelming, so in this and future blog entries we will outline the different material options we offer and how they differ in composition, appearance, and project suitability to help you make your choice with confidence.

Focus on Marble....

Marble is the classic natural material everyone is familiar with, from the magnificent statues of ancient Greece to the cladding of the Taj Mahal but few are aware that it comes in a wide variety of colours and patterns, not just white with grey veins.

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone that is re-crystallised under heat and pressure beneath the earth’s surface.

Impurities such as iron oxides, silica and graphite enable marble to be in every colour imaginable and is also responsible for the clouding and veining characteristic of marble.

Unrivaled prestige AND affordable

Whether you are planning a kitchen extension project or a simple bathroom renovation marble is a material that should be considered.  With a range of colours, movement and texture there really is a marble to suit every project.

Even to the most casual of observers the prestige of real, natural marble is undeniable.  Because of this, marble is a great choice of material to help elevate a projects specification. For example, a bathroom project can utilise less expensive sanitary ware and lift the specification using marble without exhausting the budget.

Single piece projects such as a window cill or a top to an upcycled coffee table can benefit from marble and purchasing part slabs is a great way to repurpose smaller pieces of marble as well as keeping the costs down.

Today there are many different man made alternatives to natural stone and the vast majority of the most popular designs have been inspired by the many different types of natural marble.  However, most do not realise that the bulk of these alternatives are more expensive than real marble!  

Ways to project and maintain your marble

Because marble is rich is calcium carbonate it reacts to acids with the chemical reaction changing the calcium carbonate into soluble salts which can be washed away, a process we call etching or, when the marble is outside, weathering.

The use of chopping boards and trays and clearing up spills right away will help prevent marble coming into contact with acids that may cause etching.  Marble also responds well to bleach keeping your white marbles bright.

Using soapy water will be sufficient to clean a marble surface but there are specially formulated cleaning sprays available from stone suppliers and hardware stores.  Just make sure the sprays states it is suitable for use with marble! 

Marble will develop a patina over many years, much like leather, and marble in honed finishes respond very well to a light oiling every few years making maintenance easy.

Another benefit of choosing a natural stone such as marble is that the surface can be restored in the future using specialist deep cleaning products and even resurfacing if needed. 

Is Marble the right choice for my project?

heat resistance

Marble, like other natural material options, is heat resistant so you can put hot pans directly onto the surface without the risk of burning the surface.

it's the timeless classic material choice

Marble is the ultimate classic natural material that carries prestige like no other material available making it a wise investment for any project.  

Wide range of colours and patterns

Marble comes in many different colours from black right through to white and can have almost not discernible pattern/movement right through to the very dramatic looking vein patterns.  There is a marble colour and movement to suit every project.

cool to the touch

Ideal for those who love to bake and for storing foods helping to keep them cool.  Marble has been trusted to keep foods cool in pantries well before refrigeration became a standard in our homes.

millions of  years in the making

Marble, like all natural materials, has a provenance that lifts any project to the next level.

prestige material with a luxury finish

The use of granite can elevate any project to the next level with is depth and quality feel. Granite is a luxury product and this makes it the obvious choice when it comes to investing in your home.

Timeless and long lasting

The attributes of granite that make it suitable for your project will ensure it looks just as fantastic in 20+ years’ time as it did the day it was installed. 

higher porosity when compared with other material options

Marble can be etched by some acidic foods and liquids.  This is due to the high levels of calcite within marble and care should be taken to wipe up spills and preventative measures such as chopping boards and trays should be used.  Just remember, antique marble has developed a patina over the years and we still see it as a beautiful material!