Marble is an elegant natural stone rich with beauty. A truly unique look and feel. Images of extravagance and wealth come to mind. It's been used for centuries in palaces, temples, and for sculptures. It can be formal or casual. The surface of the stone can be polished or honed for a more formal look. By tumbling or antiquing it, the look and feel becomes more comfortable and less formal. This stone was made to be admired. A one of a kind beauty. Marble is formed from limestone. The heat and pressure in the earth's crust changes the texture and the composition of limestone to form large grains of calcite. This is called recrystallization. Many natural stones, including limestone and travertine, are referred to as marble because the surface of the stone can be polished to a high gloss finish. True marble is produced through the changes in the structure of the stone due to metamorphic events. This is a calcareous stone consisting mainly of the mineral calcite. Marble is highly reactive to the acids found in vinegar, orange juice, and lemons. These acids will etch the stone and leave dull marks or rings.

Compared to granite, marble is a much a softer stone. It should not be cut on because it will scratch easily. But, it's not as soft as soapstone. Marble is used for many things. Fireplace surrounds, flooring, sinks, vanities, closets, and for limited countertop use. It's also used for other items such as pillars, fountains, benches, architectural trim, and sculptures. Because it is a softer stone and easier to carve, items made of marble are usually ornate and highly detailed. This natural stone is best used where it won't to be subjected to frequent use and abuse.

There are creamy neutrals and warm subtle earth tones. Golden hues of yellow to jet blacks. Dramatic veining with contrasting colors run throughout the marble giving it a distinctive look. Some marbles transmit light. The color and veining of each and every stone is unique... The surface of marble can be finished in a variety of ways. A polished surface finish will be reflective and shiny. This type of finish will help protect the surface of your stone by sealing open pores and making the stone less porous. It can also be honed which is a matte like finish. It is not shiny or reflective like a polished finish is. An antiqued or tumbled finish will weather or age the stone. The looks achieved with the surface finish can be casual or formal.

There are many choices in marbles rich color tones. The purest form of marble is white.

Marble is a beautiful and durable natural stone. Think of your lifestyle and where you want to use it before deciding on marble. It is a unique natural stone which has been used as a building material for hundreds of years. If you absolutely love the look of marble and are comfortable with the maintenance, choose marble. You'll be glad you did.