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Stone Magic: marble, granite, Caesarstone

Natural stone

Marble

The classic luxury stone, with soft, flowing veins. Best for bathrooms, tables, walls and feature pieces.

What marble is

Marble is a metamorphic rock: limestone that has been changed by heat and pressure over millions of years. That process creates the soft, flowing veins marble is known for.

Marble is made mostly of calcite, which is softer than the minerals in granite and reacts with acids. Lemon juice, vinegar, wine and some cleaners leave dull marks, called etching. Sealing helps against stains but doesn't stop etching. Many people love the way marble ages, and in bathrooms, on walls and on tables it's at its best.

White marble surface with soft grey veins

Good at

  • Unmatched natural veining and depth
  • Timeless look that suits classic and modern spaces
  • Stays cool to the touch
  • Every slab is unique

Watch out for

  • Acids etch it, leaving dull marks, and sealing doesn't prevent this
  • Softer than granite, so it scratches more easily
  • Needs sealing against stains
  • Polished marble can be slippery on wet floors and stairs

Best for

  • Vanity tops and bathrooms
  • Dining and coffee tables
  • Feature walls and fireplace surrounds
  • Low-traffic or showpiece kitchen areas

Looking after it

  • Wipe daily with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner
  • Use coasters and wipe up wine, juice and sauces straight away
  • Never use vinegar, lemon or bathroom acid cleaners on it
  • Reseal regularly to slow staining
Full care guide

Questions

Marble questions

Is marble a bad idea in the kitchen?

Not a bad idea, but go in knowing it will etch and mark with use. If you want a top that stays looking new, choose granite or Caesarstone. If you like a top that shows its life, marble is beautiful.

What's the difference between etching and staining?

Staining is when a liquid soaks into the stone and leaves a colour. Etching is when an acid eats into the surface and leaves a dull patch. Sealing slows staining. It doesn't stop etching.

Other stones

Compare all three

Natural stone

Granite

Hard, heat tolerant natural stone that household acids don't mark. The all-rounder for kitchens, braais and busy counters.

About Granite

Quartz surface

Caesarstone

A quartz surface with even colour and pattern. Non-porous, so it doesn't need sealing. For indoor use.

About Caesarstone

Tell us what you want made.

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