Identification & Care of Marble, Travertine & Terrazzo

Marble is a beautiful natural surface with lots of character and comes in many different colors. It is best identified by its veins that you can see in these images. It typically has a more flowing look to it, almost as though you can see the layers of sediment building up over the years.

Travertine is a type of marble with very large open pockets. This is great for providing a rustic look. Most Travertine has had its pockets filled, which can be detected by looking for many solid uniform colored spots that look different than the rest of the stone such as what you see in these photos. Travertine is cared for same as marble and is included in this marble section.

Caution: Marble is largely made of calcium carbonate like that in an anti-acid. Acid will eat the calcium out of the marble causing a damaged spot called an etch. Thing that contain acid include coffee, sodas, most fruit juices, wine, vinegar, pickle juice, limes, lemons, oranges, many sauces, room fresheners, perfumes, glass cleaners and many cleaning products actually contain acids as well.

An etch can look like a dull spot, or the surface may have a slight uniform etch to it, where the entire surface has a dull or warn look. Adding a little vinegar to mop water is a frequent cause of this.

The proper care of marble is using a high quality cleaner to keep it free form oils and debris that cause it to look dull, have an odor and may even stain it. Keeping acids away from marble is essential for maintaining a high appearance. Sealing marble is highly recommended; whoever it will not protect the marble from acids, but it will help protect it from stains.

Marblelife Marble Polish may be used to remove etches and light scratches from marble in small areas such as counters, vanities, tables or small repairs to floors. Large areas such floors are jobs for a trained Marblelife Service Professional and not a do-it-your-selfer.

A gloss conditioner may be used to bring out the inner beauty of marble; however it should never be used on floors as this will likely cause the floors to become too slippery resulting in a slip and fall.

Slate is another natural stone that has a distinct look like. It looks flakey and typically has a rough natural texture to it. It is cleaned and sealed like other natural stone. Some may choose to use an enhancer to help bring out its best color.