Discover the Unsurpassed Traditional Beauty of Marble Slabs

Elegant and timeless, marble slabs exude luxury, with a façade that adorns surfaces from the Taj Mahal, to the Leaning Tower of Pisa and Parthenon. Uniquely veined, this rich, sophisticated stone remains as relevant in interior design today as it was in its classical past.

A Crystalline Wonder

Marble is the result of heat and pressure upon limestone, the stone’s close cousin. Super-heated and pressured, as these limestone deposits cool, they recrystallize into marble. Widely available worldwide, top exporters include Turkey, Italy, Greece, and Spain. Locally in the U.S, marble is found Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, and Vermont. Most stone quarried in the U.S., however, is relegated to floors, walls, and other applications.

Warm and Sophisticated

Rich with crystals and color variations, marble comes in a range of hues from neutral tones to pinks, yellows, greens and dark, smoky grays. Among the most popular, however, are Carrera, named for its Italian source, bearing a white or blue-gray marble with soft veining; and Calcutta, a whiter marble with more distinctive taupe veining. Despite its prevalence, however, no two slabs are alike, ensuring a unique look in every application.

Multifunctional Magnificence

More heat resistant than other stone options, marble makes an excellent companion on kitchen and bath surfaces, backsplashes, and fireplace surrounds, and is also a popular choice in office space and baking centers. It stands up well to hot pots and pans, hair styling tools, the occasional spark from fireplaces without yellowing due to heat. It provides the high-end look professional office spaces require, and its naturally cool surface are a pastry-maker’s friend.

More Beautiful with Age

Marble is harder than soapstone, but softer and more porous than granite, making it a bit more susceptible to staining. Its chemical structure also reacts easily with acids, thus, regular sealing is recommended. It is best suited for those who will be companionable with the patina it will develop as it gracefully ages, as keeping it pristine requires some maintenance. Look to it as the ‘blue jeans’ of countertops – one that will work better and develop its own organic character as it ages, keeping its tendencies in mind as you select your finish:

• Honed: Soft and matte, this finish better camouflages aging character, but is slightly more susceptible to staining and etching without regular sealing.
• Polished: Shiny, polished surfaces better combat staining, but will show blemishes more readily.

Living with Marble

Marble is easily cared for with a bit of warm water and dish soap. For stains, a baking soda paste left overnight (to dry and draw-out stains - not scrubbed) can lift deposits. To ensure durability, a little prevention goes a long way. Cutting boards, trivets and coasters safeguard against damage, and taking care with acidic fare is recommended. Marble can and should be sealed when installed, and every few years thereafter, to safeguard against staining and etching.

Looking for a luxurious surface that will last a lifetime? Shop the premium marble slab selection at your area Granite Imports today.