22195 Fisher Hollow Road
Damascus, VA 24236
(276) 475-5774
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Marble

What is Marble?

Stone Care Recommendations

What is Marble?

Natural Marble is crystalline, a compact variety of metamorphosed limestone, consisting primarily of calcite (CaCO3), dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2), or a combination of both materials.  Pure calcite is white, but mineral deposits add color in variegated patterns.  For example; hematite adds red, limonite adds yellow, serpentine is green, and diopside is blue.  The marble family (limestone, travertine, marble, onyx, fossil stone) was formed at the bottom of the ocean and after millions of years lithified into stone.

Marble is used extensively in statues and building projects with extensive deposits located in Italy.  The purest form of marble is statuary marble, which is white with a visible crystalline structure.  The distinctive luster of statuary marble is caused by light penetrating a short distance into the stone and then being reflected back from the inner crystals.

 Natural Marble gives your project an elegant, romantic look with an almost endless selection of colors to choose from.  While more porous than granite and somewhat softer – our professional staff applies a special sealer to all our marble to give you years of enjoyment.  Depending on the use of the marble in your home or business, our staff will advise you as to the length of time you will need to consider a reapplication of sealer to bring out its endless beauty.

Most commonly asked questions about care and cleaning of natural stone.

· Question: Should the natural stone we have selected for our home or workspace be sealed?

· Answer: Yes, all natural stone should be sealed. This includes granite, marble, limestone, sandstone, slate, travertine, and onyx

· Question: What should stone be sealed with?

· Answer: There are basically two kinds of sealers. Impregnating sealers are absorbed, leaving an invisible barrier of silicone in the pores of the material making it difficult to stain. Stone Protect made by Stone Medic is easy to apply and is a high quality impregnator. Color enhancing sealer can be used on textured stones (i.e. slate, tumbled stone, sandstone, etc.). The enhancer will deepen the color of the material, making it look wet but with a matte finish. SIM Enhancer is easy to apply and maintain.

· Question: How is sealer applied?

· Answer: Application is simple, when using Impregnators, a white cotton cloth or lambs wool applicator should be moistened with the sealer and wiped evenly over the surface. Streaks or puddles are an indication that the product is too heavy and should be spread over a larger area. SIM Color Enhancer is best applied with a disposable paintbrush to allow proper coverage over the textured surface. For best results, two coats should be applied (three on limestone) and spaced ten minutes apart. After the final application, the entire area should be buffed with a clean dry cloth to remove any excess product from the surface.

· Question: What cleaning product should be used on natural stone?

· Answer: Stone Soap (manufactured by Stone Medic) is the best general purpose cleaner available. It is a liquid concentrate and can be used to damp mop a floor or spray and wipe a counter top or wall.

· Question: How often should sealer be reapplied?

· Answer: Stone Protect will provide about four years protection if stone soap is the only cleaning product used.

The Marble Institute of America offers a brochure that includes information on treating spills and stains on natural stone surfaces. For a copy, please send $1.00US along with a self addressed, stamped business size envelope (37 cents) to the Marble Institute of America, 28901 Clemens Road, Suite 100, Cleveland, Ohio 44145 USA.