Marble - Most Elegant and Luxurious of stones.

Marble is the most elegant and luxurious of all stones. Marble's beauty will last for generations. It is adaptable enough for the use throughout the home, such as countertops, floors, fireplace facings and hearts, ornamental furnishings, walls and window sills.

Marble is a metamorphic rock made out of limestone. When limestone is under tremendous pressure for a long time (for example, if limestone is buried under a lot of other rock or an ocean) it gets squashed into marble. Marble usually is more beautiful and tougher than limestone.

Marble most common use is in the bath. You can use it on almost every surface in the bathroom, including vanities, tub decks, jacuzzi decks, shower walls and flooring. It's also used for other items such as pillars, fountains, benches, architectural trim, and sculptures.

Because Marble is a softer stone and easier to carve, items made of Marble are usually ornate and very highly detailed. Marble has both a scientific and commercial explanation. Scientific, Marble was once Limestone that achieved metamorphosis from intense pressures and high temperatures within the earth. This altered its crystalline structure and introduced other minerals that produced the valuable colors and veining. Many Natural Stones, including Limestone and Travertine, are referred to as Marble, because the surface of the stone can be polished to a high gloss finish.

Commercially, any stone capable of taking a polish, except Granite, is known as Marble. How marble compared to Granite? Marble is a much a softer stone. But, it's not as soft as Soapstone.

Marble stone is best used where it won't to be subjected to frequent use and abuse. Dramatic veining with different colors runs throughout the Marble giving it a unique look. Some Marbles transmit light. The color and veining of each and every stone is unique..... Marble can have a variety of surface finishes. A polished surface finish will be reflective and shiny. This type of finish will help protect the surface of your stone by sealing open pores and making the stone less absorbent. It can also be honed, which is a dull like finish. It is not shiny or reflective like a polished finish is. An antiqued or tumbled finish will weather or age the stone. The looks achieved with the surface finish can be casual or formal.

Marble is a beautiful and durable natural stone. Think of your lifestyle and where you want to use it before deciding on Marble. It is a unique Natural Stone which has been used as a building material for generations.

If you absolutely love the look of Marble and are comfortable with the maintenance, choose Marble. You'll be glad you did.