Marble: Nature's Most Noble Stone

Marble forms when limestone recrystallises under heat and pressure deep in the earth over millions of years. From ancient temples to Ottoman palaces it has been the stone of permanence; today you touch the same stone every day on a dining table, a console or a coffee table.

Every Marble Is a Fingerprint

The veins are traces of minerals that seeped into the stone as it formed: iron oxide leaves yellow and red, graphite grey and black, chlorite green. That is why two slabs from the same quarry, even from the same block, are never identical. The veining of your table formed only once.

Knowing this sets the right expectation when you order marble furniture:

• The stone in the photo is not your stone. A product photo shows the type and character of the marble; where the veins fall, how dense they are and how the tone shifts will differ on your slab.
• You approve the slab before cutting. We send you a photo of the slab your top will come from, and we can choose together where the veining lands on the table.
• Natural marks are not defects. Fine hairline veins, small natural voids and tonal shifts are the stone's identity. Travertine's pores are filled; that, too, is the nature of the material.
• On a long top, the veining stays continuous when it is cut from one slab. For sizes beyond a single slab, two pieces can be cut so their veins mirror each other (bookmatching); this is decided together for each project.

Principal Marble Varieties

Carrara: Quarried in Tuscany, Italy; a white ground with fine grey veining. On coffee tables and consoles it gives a calm, refined surface.

Calacatta: Carrara's rarer cousin; bold grey or gold veins on a white ground. Each slab reads like a painting, which is why it is so often chosen for dining table tops.

Emperador: Of Spanish origin; a deep brown ground with light veins. Next to brass it sits well in both classic and modern rooms.

Travertine: Warm beige and cream tones and a naturally porous texture give it an organic feel.

Onyx: Semi-translucent; lit from behind, it lets light through. Its rarity and difficult processing keep it for special projects.

Turkey and Marble

Turkey holds some of the largest marble reserves in the world. Afyon, Mugla, Burdur, Denizli and Elazig each quarry their own stone: Afyon White is known for its pure, even structure, Elazig Cherry takes its name from its deep burgundy colour, and Denizli is known for its travertine.

Polished or Honed?

Polished (gloss): shows the veining at its deepest and reflects light. The dull mark left by acid shows up sooner on a glossy surface.

Honed (matt, satin): a soft, velvety look that hides the fine marks of daily use better. On a dining table used every day it is often the easier choice.

Where Marble Is Used in Furniture

Marble is used most on dining table tops, coffee and side tables, consoles and sideboard tops. Being a heavy stone, it is carried by a metal or wood base; the base and its joints are engineered for the weight of the stone.

Daily Use

• Put coasters under glasses, bottles and wine glasses; wine and citrus rings are the most common marks.
• Do not set hot pots and pans directly on the stone; use a trivet. Marble resists heat, but sudden temperature changes wear the protective layer.
• Cut on a board; a knife scratches the polish.
• Protect corners and edges from knocks; they are the most delicate part of marble.
• Do not stand on the top or concentrate heavy loads on one spot.

Cleaning and Care

Daily cleaning: a microfibre cloth dampened with warm water and a few drops of pH-neutral soap is enough. Then dry with a clean cloth; water left to dry on its own can leave marks.

Avoid: vinegar, lemon, limescale removers, bleach, all-purpose bathroom and kitchen sprays, abrasive creams and scouring pads. Acids and harsh chemicals wear the polish.

A stain and an etch are different things. A stain is liquid absorbed into the stone (oil, coffee) and looks darker. An etch is acid burning the surface and leaves a dull ring on a polished area. For an oil stain, spread a thick paste of baking soda and water over it, cover with cling film and leave it overnight. An etch does not wipe away; on a polished surface it needs professional repolishing.

When to renew the sealer? Drip a few drops of water on the surface. If the stone darkens within ten minutes, it is time to renew the protective sealer; on a busy dining table that is usually every 6 to 12 months. A detailed care schedule is in our marble care guide.