Marble, Travertine & Soapstone
Talk About Timeless!
Marble has been used throughout history as a building material, as well as being transformed into masterpieces by sculptors. Most varieties of marble have characteristic swirls and veins, and it lends its refined elegance to classic and modern design alike. Travertine is marble formed in ancient “hot springs” – the holes you see in Travertine were in fact air bubbles which became trapped in the stone as it formed. Limestone is marble formed on sea shelves, which explains why so many varieties feature shells and fossils.
Marble requires much more preventative maintenance than granite or Quartz. It is softer and remarkably more porous by nature, making it more susceptible to scratching, chipping and especially staining. Acidic substances (lemon juice, vinegar, wine, etc.) damage marble by etching into the surface. Marble needs to be sealed frequently – every six months is a reasonable expectation – and even when it is properly sealed it remains easily damaged. It is important to be aware of the maintenance related to marble, and to consider the typical daily uses of the areas you are considering installing it in.
