FAQ

  • WHAT IS MARBLE?

A metamorphic limestone is marble. Limestone is a sedimentary rock made primarily of organic material, including sediments and the bones and shells of marine organisms. It is made of stuff that settles to the bottom of bodies of water and forms into rock over millions of years. The primary mineral composition of marble is calcium carbonate, which is created when the calcium in the bones and shells reacts with the carbon dioxide in the water. Marble is created when limestone crystallises under high enough heat and pressure. The crystallised structure will facilitate polishing and enhance the colours of other trace components in the marble.

It is prized for its classic design, texture, high-gloss polish, and wide range of exquisite colours. It comes in plain colours and striking veined varieties. Though marble is frequently associated with luxury, current technology now makes magnificent marble items accessible to even the most frugal homeowners.

  • WHAT ARE NATURAL STONES AND WHERE CAN IT BE USED?

The term “natural stone” describes a variety of items that are extracted from the earth and utilised as building materials and ornamental accents for thousands of years. These goods include shell stone, onyx, marble, granite, slate, quartz, and limestone.
 
For strength and beauty, natural stone is hand-selected from the best, most reliable sources. Even among pieces from the same source, natural stone items have variations in composition, colour, and texture. This is a huge advantage that encourages original designs and striking, dramatic uses.
 
Nearly every surface inside and outside the home, including flooring, walkways, wall cladding, kitchen counters, vanity tops, baths, patios, fireplaces, facades, and garden landscaping, can be covered in natural stone.
 

  • HOW DURABLE IS MARBLE?

The use of marble dates back thousands of years. The cultures who erected many marble monuments and structures have long since vanished. For the duration of your residential or commercial project, marble can be kept looking lovely with a straightforward, regular maintenance schedule.
 
The most popular marble finishes are polished or honed, although more rustic or antique surfaces are also available. Marble is available in a wide range of colours as well. An elegant appearance and traditional style are created by the light reflecting off of a polished marble floor. When used in a commercial setting, honed stones have a matte texture that lessens their impact while maintaining their opulent elegance. Marbles that have been tumbled or brushed, however, give off an antique-looking rustic appearance.
 

  • WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MARBLE AND GRANITE?

Granite and marble, as well as marble’s relatives limestone, onyx, and travertine, are substantially distinct from one another even though both are stones that are mined from the earth. The main differences between marble and granite are its porosity, softness, and durability.
 
Deep inside the earth’s mantle, granite is created at incredibly high temperatures. It is an extremely tough, durable stone composed of mineral crystals.
 
The marble family, which includes limestone, travertine, marble, and onyx, originates as sediment, which includes animal and plant remains, shells, and silt, at the bottom of bodies of water. This turns into stone after millions of years of solidification. Because calcium makes up the majority of it, acids like those found in vinegar and citrus can have an impact.
 

  • WHAT ARE THE SMALL CRACKS AND PITS IN NATURAL STONE?

Numerous varieties of stone naturally contain fissures. In the stone industry, a visible separation along intercrystalline boundaries is referred to as a fissure. This separation may begin and terminate inside the stone’s field or go through an edge. In contrast to a crack, a fissure is a characteristic of the stone that develops through time.
 
Every natural stone has fissures to some extent. More than others, some contain. Natural fissures in natural stone happen naturally; they are not defects. Natural stone frequently exhibits pitting on the countertop surface, especially in granite. The presence of pits does not render the stone less sturdy or otherwise inferior, and they do not in and of itself warrant replacing the slab.
 

  • WHAT IS MORE PREFERRED AND SUITABLE FOR MY HOUSE- MARBLE OR GRANITE?

Due to its brighter tones and dramatic features, marble is more suited for domestic flooring and wall cladding. Another benefit of marble flooring is that, unlike granite, it can be repolished after a few years and still look brand new. Additionally, marble is polished after installation, allowing for seamless connections and creating the appearance of a single large block set on the floor. On the other hand, granite can be used for short, water- and wear-prone regions like bathroom floors or exterior steps.

  • CAN MARBLE BE USED FOR KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS?

Yes, however keep in mind that because marble is made of calcium carbonate, along with limestone and travertine, its polished surface is more susceptible to household acids like vinegar, mustard, catsup, citrus, and a variety of other food-related goods. The polish will be removed as a result of the chemical reaction caused by these acidic compounds.
 
Marble is more porous than granite, making it more vulnerable to stains and scratches. To prevent damage, we advise applying a penetrating sealer to marble twice a year. Any spills should be cleaned up right away. Additionally, compared to tougher stones like granite, marble and limestone are more easily scratched. The optimum surface for rolling out pie crusts and other types of dough is the flawlessly smooth, cool surface of marble, which makes for the ultimate pastry slab.
 

  • SHOULD I USE MARBLE OR GRANITE FOR MY KITCHEN COUNTERTOP?

Although marble is typically used for fireplaces, Jacuzzi tops, and bathroom vanity tops, it can also be used in the kitchen. We don’t typically advise it, though, because it is prone to scratching and is harmed by acidic foods like vinegar, ketchup, etc. Additionally, because many chemicals scratch the marble countertop’s surface, some of its high sheen may be lost. Granite, on the other hand, is regarded as the second-hardest stone; under typical use, knives, pots, and pans cannot etch or scratch its gloss. Additionally, it is unaffected by common kitchen heat sources like hot pans.

  • WHAT CAN BE DONE IF A MARBLE GETS SCRATCHED OR STAINED?

You can prevent these by wiping the surface as soon as a spill occurs, or you can protect the marble in advance by applying a layer of marble sealant. To keep the spills above the marble pores, you need reapply the sealer every 6 to 12 months. Never allow the sealant to become worn away as this would expose the marble. It is crucial, especially for marble types that are light and highly porous.

  • WHY ARE SOME STONES EXPENSIVE THAN THE OTHERS?

Natural stone prices are influenced by a number of factors, including availability, quarries’ geographic locations (owing to transportation costs), the rarity of the colour, and the labour necessary to remove the stones. Higher cost does not always equate to better value. No matter how much they cost, Pratibha Marbles only sells high-quality natural stones.

  • WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN MARBLE AND OTHER SOFT STONES?

Never use something that you wouldn’t use on your hands is the old adage. Never clean your stone with abrasive pads or powdered cleaners. Pumice, a powdered volcanic stone, is an ingredient in even “soft scrub” types of cleaners, which means they could harm your stone floors or countertops. Never utilise anything that is acidic, including things like ammonia. Use only sealants and cleaning supplies made especially for natural stone.

  • IS THERE A WAY TO COMPLETELY PROTECT MARBLE FROM STAINING?

Unfortunately, discoloration cannot be totally avoided. The sealing offers just a minimal degree of protection; in addition to preventing liquids from penetrating the stone, it offers little to no defence against scratches, dull spots, and etches. Such etches can only be prevented with adequate care.

  • WILL MY STONE MATCH THE SAMPLE I SAW IN THE SHOWROOM?

Your colour pick may not perfectly match the slabs according to the sample you used. Because they contain a variety of minerals, certain natural stone colours are more constant than others. The samples’ colour, pattern, and grain structure will slightly vary because stones are natural, one-of-a-kind products. The samples are used to get a rough idea of the type of stone’s appearance and texture. Although we make every effort to offer realistic samples, natural stone will always show some variation.

  • WHAT CARE AND MAINTENANCE IS REQUIRED FOR THE NATURAL STONE?

Cleaning the floor with a dust mop or vacuum once or twice a day will suffice for everyday maintenance. Whenever necessary, damp mop or use a pH-neutral marble cleaner to spot clean. To get rid of fine dust, damp-mop all surfaces with clean, warm water at least once every day. Traffic affects how often a mop is dry. Before using the surface again, allow it to dry. Periodic Maintenance: For residential users, buff with premium liquid wax polish every six months; for commercial customers, buff every month. Use marble polishing powder and a scrubber machine to polish the marble once every 1-2 years for residential users and every 6–12 months for commercial customers. Depending on the traffic pattern, frequency may be increased or decreased.

  • WHAT ARE BOOK MATCHED SLABS?

Book-matched slabs are those that, after being cut from the same stone block, are placed next to one another but have different sides polished. These slabs form a mirror image pattern when they are placed next to one another. Your fabricator can match the stone’s veins to provide a continuous pattern in the building’s big open spaces.

  • IS IT NECESSARY TO SEAL THE STONE?

Sealer offers a significant benefit at a reasonable price. If you clean up after meals, you will almost never have a stain. Granite and other mineral surfaces are typically not porous, although some stones can absorb very small amounts of moisture, which sporadically causes mild discoloration and stains. Although there are many excellent sealers available, difficulty and money can be avoided by following a few basic precautions and cleaning frequently. Before being placed, all marble and granite countertops undergo chemical and polishing processing. One can choose from a variety of the best alternatives on the market to seal it after the laying process.

  • IS MARBLE APPROPRIATE FOR HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS?

Yes. Since ancient times, marble has been utilised in various aspects of dwellings, including floors and furniture. Marble has demonstrated to be as resilient as materials previously thought to be more robust, with the added benefit of fostering a cosy, welcoming environment.

  • DO I HAVE TO BUY THE WHOLE SLAB?

On a stock colour, you often only pay for the square footage that is actually utilised. Always intact, slabs are sold. Therefore, the complete slab must be paid for. The cost of shipping the material, creating field templates and measurements, cutting, polishing, bringing the parts to your job site, and installing them is included in the price. The layout and volume of garbage will influence how much material you require. The fabricator will organise your task in a way that maximises the natural beauty of veining and pattern while minimising the quantity of waste material.