Marble and Granite are exquisite pieces, and their classic aesthetic suits a variety of settings and decorations. For these and others, it is necessary to take good care of your floors and countertops to keep them beautiful for a long time.
There are a few things to keep in mind when ensuring that marble remains the icon of good taste that it has always been. The beauty of marble is undeniable and its sophistication surpasses most materials used in remodeling. Also, its use for decorative and utilitarian purposes is almost as old as human civilization itself. According to history, this is about III or IV centuries before Christ.
The greed for this stone is not accidental. As it is a stone created by nature herself, no two pieces are alike, especially the veined and stained marbles.
The delicacy of the piece requires special care to protect it from stains, scratches, and any other factor that will affect the quality or appearance of this decorative piece, even though it is a very resistant stone.
Granite is originated from the solidification and cooling of magma deep within the earth over a period of millions of years. It is classified as an igneous rock because it was formed by the cooling of molten magma. During the process of heating and then slowly cooling, granite becomes an extremely hard material.
Granite is composed mainly of feldspar and quartz, which are very hard minerals, and there are many varieties from light to dark, presented in flecks, veins, or solid patterns.
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5 tips to maintain your Marble or Granite stones looking brand new
1. Do not leave Waterproofing aside
Some companies already supply semi-impermeable stones, but it is necessary to reinforce the protection regularly. It’s best to apply a new layer of waterproofing every six months to keep the marble or granite in good condition.
In indoor environments, marble is usually smoother and waterproofed naturally, so it will not stain. In an external environment, use unpolished marble, which is more rustic and will not become slippery.
2. Be careful when installing
The installation of marble or granite stones must be done by specialized professionals to avoid uneven surfaces and headaches in the future. Professionals not only have experience but also the right equipment for the application. Note that after laying the stone, you need to leave the environment free of circulation until the dough is completely dry and the surface is perfect.
3. Be careful to not spill any liquid on the surface
Some liquids can irrevocably stain the surface: coffee, wine, and oily products are the main villains of this type of stone. Be aware to not drop them on your granite floor or countertop. If this happens, do not leave the cleaning for later. Disinfect the area immediately!
4. Be careful with daily cleaning
If you spill something on marble, you should clean it immediately because of its porosity, as we said before.
If you want to use marble in coastal locations, you need to be extra careful, because salt dissolves marble stones and can also cause small holes in the surface. To avoid this, use granite or quartz instead, which are naturally more resistant.
5. The ideal cleaning of natural stones
No, it has nothing to do with an endless list of cleaning products. Quite the opposite. The ideal is to use only water, mild soap, and alcohol. It should be noted that any other product can seriously damage the natural stone. Take a look at the step-by-step cleaning process below:
- Dilute PH neutral detergent in water;
- Soak the cloth in this solution;
- Spread over the surface;
- Wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
Note that you should not pour water or detergents directly onto the floor. Also, keep abrasive and alkaline materials away from the stones: alkaline cleaners, acids, bleaches, detergents, solvents, kerosene, and others. They can affect the beauty and quality of your floor or countertop.
Also, do not leave any residue of steel wool or other aluminum, iron, or steel composite materials on the granite or marble. If they’re left on the surface too long, they can rust and stain the material.
It’s important to remember that marble and granite are pieces from nature – it’s normal for them to be uneven and contain veins, stains, and color variations. Remember, these characteristics do not always represent a defect or maintenance issue!
Therefore, the use of waterproofing is recommended, which, combined with proper cleaning, will guarantee a long life, meaning it can last you a lifetime.
Differences between marble and Granite
It is possible to distinguish one type of marble or granite from another by its color and nuanced design. However, each variety has specific characteristics: one marble may be more porous than another, for example.
Marble is made of calcite, and Granite, according to Rausser College of Natural Resources, is formed from grains of quartz (10-50%), potassium feldspar, and sodium feldspar. These minerals make up more than 80% of the rock. Other common minerals include mica (muscovite and biotite) and hornblende. In practice, this means that granite is much harder, more resistant, and less porous than marble, which scratches more easily.
Classic uses of Marble
Marble is a rich material that brings more sobriety to the ambiance and is ideal for the kitchen. Many people use marble as a countertop material simply because of its beauty and opulence. This light-colored stone is best known for its use in the Italian Renaissance when Michaelangelo’s David and many other famous sculptures were made of marble. Marble is very special because of its properties and characteristics: the way it is made, the ability for no two pieces to be alike, and its touch of elegance.
And you should not neglect to care for marble either, because that’s how a piece that could last for years wears out and spoils easily.
Marble comes in a variety of forms, including:
- Carrara marble;
- Calcatta marble;
- Statuary marble;
- Crema Marfil marble and many others.
If you are looking for a countertop for your kitchen, marble is more of an aesthetic choice than a practical one.
Marble countertops require regular maintenance to keep them usable, as it is one of the weaker natural stones used for countertops. However, if you like its light color, matte finish, and distinct grain, then marble might be the right material for your kitchen countertop.
Classic uses of Granite
Granite resists scratching and heat damage, making it an ideal material for both indoor and outdoor kitchen countertops. Granite countertops will not be scratched or discolored by daily household activities.
Because granite countertops are naturally stain-resistant, they need to be sealed less often than marble. For best results, you should apply a new sealer once a year or once every 3 years, depending on the type of sealer you use.
Granite comes in many popular forms, including:
- Absolute Black Granite;
- Himalayan White;
- Black Galaxy;
- Delicatus White Granite;
- and much more
Granite and quartzite in comparison to marble are still more common, both in terms of cost and maintenance. The best example of this is kitchen countertops, which combine practicality and sophistication with the surroundings, making them more functional and elegant.
Blue Bahia Granite Kitchen Countertop
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We at Marble and Granite Pro take care of your project with complete respect and satisfaction and we are ready to assist you.
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References:
https://nature.berkeley.edu/classes/eps2/wisc/granite.html
https://www.thespruce.com/marble-countertop-care-and-cleaning-1901060
