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What you need to know about 'Marble' | | About Marble |
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Marble has long been valued for its beauty and strength; it was and still is widely used in buildings, monuments and sculptures. Even the ancient Greeks used marble for just this purpose; and who has not heard of Michelangelo, the undisputed master from Carrara who used marble for his statues?
Marble is a metamorphic rock, formed when limestone is subjected to enormous forces inside the earth's crust. This process, called re-crystalization, causes changes in texture and composition. Fossilized materials, along with carbonates, form large, coarse grains of calcite. Any impurities present affect the mineral composition and the color of the marble that forms.
Known for its beauty and elegance, marble is a timeless classic. Throughout the centuries, it was the material of choice for artists and architects to create magnificent sculptures, monuments, and buildings such as the Taj Mahal in India and the Greek Parthenon. Inspired by such masterpieces of antiquity, architects and designers of today use marble to add an aura of sophistication and splendor to any space.
Like fingerprints, no two pieces of marble are exactly alike. Marble varies in color and veining from stone to stone as a result of fissures filled with minerals that are present during the stone’s formation. The naturally occurring variations in marble contribute to its distinctive appeal. Polishing achieves a patina that further enhances the colors of all the trace elements.
| | Uses for Marble |
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- Interior and exterior in non-freeze/thaw environments
- Flooring
- Fireplaces
- Vanities
- Shower and tub surrounds
| | Types of Marble |
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- Polished: During production, a facet is put on each crystal at a microscopic level – much as a jeweler would facet a diamond. The resultant smooth surface allows light to refract in and out of the stone in a parallel way. This enhances the visible sheen and gives the appearance of depth and luster.
- Honed: Grinding the surface achieves a smooth, non-reflective finish. (Available by special order only).
- Tumbled Surface (ancient stones): An antique look achieved by subjecting the stone to a tumbling process. (Available by special order only).
| | Sizes of Marble |
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- 12 x 12
- 16 x 16
- 18 x 18
- 20 x 20
- Slab
- Others by special order
| | Special Considerations |
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| Consider the function of the area involved prior to selection. Marbles range from 5-7.5 on the MOHS hardness scale.+Green and black colored marbles require a 100% solid epoxy adhesive as they have a tendency to warp from water-based adhesives.+Color variations are common and enhance the natural beauty of marble. Be sure to inspect multiple samples of the stone before selection to ensure satisfaction with colors and patterns. | | Maintaining your Marble |
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- Do clean with a dust mop and neutral cleaner to remove most dirt.
- Do use a penetrating sealer to prevent staining. Because many stones are porous to some degree, excessive water may cause reactions such as oxidation (rust), etc. “Special Impregnating” sealers are recommended to avoid these problems. Hari Stones representatives can recommend appropriate sealers.
- Do clean marble with “special stone cleaners”, “pH balanced cleaners” or “neutral base cleaners.”
- Do not clean any natural stone with acidic cleaners, including (but not limited to) vinegar or cleaners with “lemon” or “lime” on the label. These products will abrade the polish from the stone. Sealers DO NOT protect polished surfaces from these types of cleaners.
| >More about Granite
> More about Marble
> More about Slate
> More about Travertine
> More about Limestone
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