It has been used since ancient times for countless purposes, from buildings to furnishings and artworks: Marble is a material loved and known for its supreme elegance and resistance over time. Maybe because of its continuous use, there are some aspects of it that we take for granted. We will tell you about them. Absolute brilliance Its name comes from ancient times, precisely from ancient Greece: the word derives from the verb “marmar“, which means “to shine“. In addition to its luminous surface, however, there is much more: this is the reason we decided to go deeper, in search of those unknown features that make it such a fascinating material. A Jewel of Nature Speaking of marble, we can only start from its origins: how does it become the material we all know so well? It is a metamorphic stone, which is born as a calcareous or dolomite material in the depths of the Earth, where it remains for hundreds of years. In this first period of its existence, it is subjected to high temperature and pressure, which over time compact and transform it until the result is reached: large blocks of marble, dense and coloured. Its veins are created during the period of metamorphosis. These are in fact fragmented minerals into small pieces, which, in large quantities, fill the cracks and crevices of the original rock. Again due to the pressure, everything slowly crystallizes, giving life to the reflecting and sparkling veins. This is the reason why every slab of marble is unique. Infinite colour possibilities White, beige and grey are certainly the most used colours, but they are certainly not the only ones available. In fact, there are a lot of different shades and varieties, ranging from black, to yellow, to red or purple. The colour depends mainly on the place of extraction. Each type of marble is in fact practically unique and typical of the area in which is extracted: in some cases, certain characteristics of the stone can be so particular as to make the material exclusive not only to the area, but also to the specific quarry from which it is extracted. For example, marbles of different colors are unearthed from every region of Turkey. A safe choice This softness makes it excellent for sculptures, and at the same time, it does not compromise its durability. In fact, if installed correctly, it can last for centuries: think, for example, of its use in the Pantheon in Rome. Marble is also famous for its antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties, which make it particularly popular among homeowners with allergies, but also among families with small children. Its high density and low porosity, in fact, do not retain bacteria and allergens, especially if associated with specific treatments. Unusual uses Finally, one last curiosity. Marble dust is often used as a component for other products, including paints, plastics, paper, and toothpaste. In addition, in some cases it is even given to dairy cattle or poultry as a source of calcium, a kind of natural supplement. Now that you have learned more about this beautiful natural material, are you ready to meet its beauty? Access to the online stock and let yourself be carried away by our selection.

Treatments and products to avoid stains and patches on natural stones. Marbles, granites, quartzites are materials with different characteristics and so they must be worked and treated in different ways. Marble is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate and it is sensitive to acids. For this reason, it is necessary, to treat the marble surface in order to protect it. For indoor use, the main risk is to stain the marble with substances such as wine or coffee, or to ruin it with drops of acidic substances such as lemon, or see spots appearing in wet areas. For this reason, we always recommend treating the materials with water-repellent and stain-resistant products. These treatments can be neutral, not changing the natural colour of the stone, or they can be toning in order to accentuate the colour of the material (this one is often used in combination with opaque/matt finishes). Another category of treatments are those which give to the material a “wet effect”. The application of the protection treatment is very simple: these liquid substances must be spread with a roller, a brush, or a rag, depending on the size of the treated surface. It is highly recommended to repeat every year the treatment on the marble surface once it is installed, especially if the stone is used for kitchen tops or dining tables. For the outdoor use of the marble, the biggest threat is given by the infiltration of water. When the water penetrates inside the stone and it freezes, an internal pressure is created which can lead to the crush of the material. The presence of salts dissolved in water can also be a big threat for the stone. For these reasons, outdoor marble must be treated with a water-repellent product that penetrates the material, consolidating the surface. It is also recommended, before the installation, to apply a protection against efflorescence on the back of the material, which prevents any impurities (salts, ferrous substances, etc.) rising from the screed towards the surface in this way avoiding the formation of stains and water marks. Find out the most suitable stone for your project on our collection. Book a free consultation in order to find out the most appropriate treatments for your project.