Marble
Natural stone is a product of nature. No two tiles/slabs are exactly alike. We recommend that a customer not purchase a tile/slab based on the photo on this website. A customer should request a sample of the tile/slab from their sales representative prior to making a final decision. Furthermore, we require that a customer inspects the purchased material prior to installation to check color, veining, thickness, sizing, and finish. Please ask for information on pre-sealing, sealing, and ongoing maintenance.
TYPES
• 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.
• Tumbled Surface (ancient stones): An antique look achieved by subjecting the stone to a tumbling process.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Consider the function of the area involved prior to selection. Marbles range from 5-7.5 on the MOHS hardness scale. (Compare this with granite stones used for landscaping, which range from 8-9 on the MOHS 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.
MAINTENANCE
• 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), spalling, deterioration of dry veins, etc. “Special Impregnating” sealers are recommended to avoid these problems. Emser 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.
• 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.
• Tumbled Surface (ancient stones): An antique look achieved by subjecting the stone to a tumbling process.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
• Consider the function of the area involved prior to selection. Marbles range from 5-7.5 on the MOHS hardness scale. (Compare this with granite stones used for landscaping, which range from 8-9 on the MOHS 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.
MAINTENANCE
• 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), spalling, deterioration of dry veins, etc. “Special Impregnating” sealers are recommended to avoid these problems. Emser 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.
