Frequently Asked Questions

Marble has been integral to architecture and home design for thousands of years. In fact, the word “marble” is rooted in the Greek word “marmaros,” which means “crystalline stone.” One can find this staple building material in early Egyptian and Mesopotamian design as well in the Pantheon in Rome, the Taj Mahal in India, and the Washington Monument in Washington, DC. Today, consumers have access to 3,000 types of marble, ranging from the white-and-grey Carrara marble of Tuscany to the green hues of Verde marbles. While marble often appears in prestige design, it remains a popular choice in many types of modern interior design. Whether it’s marble countertops in a kitchen or marble mosaic tile in a shower, the material’s unique beauty and durability have made it a perennial design favorite.

Before you start designing with marble, it’s helpful to know a little more about this material and how to care for it.

WHAT IS MARBLE?
  • Marble is a metamorphic stone that becomes a hard rock when sediment crystallizes under high heat.
  • It remains porous, however, which means that spills can stain it.
  • Its chemical structure, derived from calcium carbonate, also causes it to easily react with acid, which can result in etching on its surface.
  • In relation to other popular metamorphic stones used in home design, marble is much softer than granite and much harder than soapstone.
  • Marble will age nicely, and most etches and stains will eventually be absorbed into its pattern of veins. Over time, each slab will develop its own unique character.
  • Marble quarried in India, China, Italy, and Spain represents the majority of marble, in terms of volume, that is utilized worldwide.
  • Italy is the world leader in marble production, with 20% share in global marble production.
  • China with 16% of world production.
  • India is ranking third with 10% of world production.
  • Followed by Spain with 6% of world production.
  • Marble comes in a range of colors and patterns, each piece unique to the slab it was cut from.
  • While gray and beige tones are the most common, you can also find marble in shades of red, green, and even purple.
  • If you’re looking for something versatile, choose a simple cream marble.
  • Gold and brown hues will produce a warm atmosphere, while more unique colors and patterns will create a bold design statement.
  • Marble tile can work as well on walls as it does on floors. In fact, today’s designers are installing a variety of marble tile in bathrooms to create modern patterns using the stone’s natural beauty and colors.
  • Marble tile can be just as striking in living areas, where it can cover the walls and create a warm ambiance in the room contrary to marble’s seemingly cold character.
  • Marble is an obvious choice for flooring and kitchen and bathroom countertops, but people use the material for many other beautiful household items.
  • Consider a unique piece of marble for a tabletop, or shop for marble vases, cutting boards, or serving platters that complement your color scheme. Not only will marble items add sophistication to your home, but they will also last for a long time.
  • This durable stone, with proper care, can last for centuries—look no farther than the exposed marble surfaces of the 2,500-year-old Parthenon in Greece.
  • If your design aesthetic includes sustainable materials, install marble where it will be useful for years to come. Classic marble makes excellent kitchen countertops, floor tile, and bathroom surfaces.
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