Few natural stones have such an elegant presence and distinctive character as marble. For thousands of years, people have been fascinated by its unmistakable veining and smooth surface. The natural stone has long since shed its showy or even old-fashioned image and now stands for natural minimalism and an elegant, contemporary spirit. No wonder it has become a favourite material of many designers and interior architects. Find out everything about the properties and care of this elegant classic.
Marble, the elegant natural stone – what you should know:
- What is marble?
- Properties and special features of marble
- Where is marble used?
- Cleaning marble – care tips
1. What is marble?
In geological terms, marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone is altered by heat and pressure. In the stone trade, the term is sometimes used more broadly for polishable limestone. Marble consists mainly of calcite (calcium carbonate).
2. Properties and special features of marble
Unique: its distinctive veining is created by the mixing of different rocks deep inside the earth, which makes every piece of marble one of a kind. Its range of colour nuances is impressive. Marble comes in almost every colour imaginable, from brilliant white to amber and emerald green to pink. Black marble is considered particularly rare.
Beautiful but relatively soft: compared with many other natural stones, marble is relatively soft. It can scratch, chip or etch, so handle it with care and use suitable protection.
Care with heat and cold: marble can tolerate moderate heat, but sudden temperature changes or placing hot cookware directly on it can cause thermal shock, cracks or discolouration. Use a trivet or heat mat. Not all marble is frost-resistant, so outdoor suitability depends on the stone and its installation.
Careful cleaning: day-to-day cleaning is straightforward, but marble needs careful maintenance. Use a pH-neutral cleaner and wipe up spills promptly. Follow the supplier's care advice to help preserve the stone.
Porosity and sealing: marble is porous and can absorb liquids, which may cause stains. A suitable sealer can slow absorption, but it does not prevent acid etching. Follow the supplier's advice and wipe up spills promptly.
Polishable: polishing brings out the structure of the marble. It's an easy way to give even old, well-used marble floors a new shine.
3. Where is marble used?
Interior architects like to choose marble for floors, kitchen surfaces and windowsills. Entire bathrooms are even fitted with elegant marble tiles. But this popular natural stone can also find its way into your home – as furniture and decorative accessories, it enriches your interior.
Small details such as candle holders, bookends or clocks let you integrate marble into your interior. Many designers use the elegant flair of marble to add the finishing touch to their designs.
As a base for lamps or mirrors, marble gives a piece a solid, high-quality look. Its wide range of colours and minimalist character enrich many different interior styles.
Marble table tops are an attractive way to bring a larger piece of marble into your interior. Designers skilfully finish even slender table designs with an elegant marble top. Dining table, side table or coffee table: this high-quality natural stone is an alternative to conventional wooden table tops.
Marble is also used in the kitchen, but it isn't ideal as a chopping board. Its hard surface can blunt knives, and acidic foods may etch it while liquids can stain it. Use a proper chopping board for food preparation.
For serving, a marble board can be cleaned with warm water and a mild, pH-neutral detergent, then dried. Wipe up spills promptly and avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods.
As a tray, marble shows off its many advantages. It wears slowly, makes an eye-catching centrepiece at dinner with friends and is easy to clean. However, although marble can tolerate moderate heat, sudden temperature changes can damage it. Use a separate trivet or heat mat for hot pans and cups. The stone is also susceptible to stains from acids and oils, so the right care is important.
4. Cleaning marble – care tips
Clean your marble regularly to keep its surface shiny. Dry cleaning is usually enough. Small marks can be wiped away with a damp cloth, preferably a chamois leather. Use gentle, circular movements so as not to scratch the marble.
Then wipe the marble dry with another soft cloth. If liquid gets onto the marble, make sure you wipe the surface straight away. Larger areas such as marble floors can be given extra protection with a sealant.
Which products are suitable for cleaning?
- lukewarm water mixed with mild washing-up liquid
- marble cleaner
- mild soap
- cornflour for grease stains
If you're unsure which cleaning product to use, test it first on a hidden area of the marble. Avoid acidic, abrasive or oil-based products, which can damage or stain the surface. Also avoid household remedies such as lemons and wax, and follow the supplier's care advice.
Why you shouldn't clean marble with acid
Marble is a calcium-carbonate-rich stone. Acids react with its surface, which can leave dull marks, discolouration or even small pits.
How to polish marble properly
For polishing or removing etch marks, use a specialist marble product only if the stone supplier recommends it. Follow the product instructions and test it first on an inconspicuous area. For larger areas or significant damage, consult a stone-care professional.
If the supplier recommends polishing, use a suitable product and a soft cloth, following the instructions carefully. Avoid abrasive household powders and improvised polishing mixtures, which can scratch or dull the surface.
We hope our tips help you enjoy this timeless material even more – have fun with your marble pieces!
