Marble, is metamorphosed limestone
or dolomite.

Both limestone and dolomite have a large concentration of calcium carbonate. Marble has many different sizes of crystals and color variances. Some colors of marble are white, red, black, mottled and banded, gray, pink and green. Marble is a good material for a carving stone as it weathers very slowly, and can be polished. When first quarried, marble is fairly soft and easy to sculpt but hardens as it ages.

Marble has been used since ancient times for buildings and statues. Some of the most famous marble sculptures are the Elgin Marbles, Aphrodite of Milos, The Dead Christ, Laocoon and his Sons, The Veiled Virgin, Winged Victory of Samothrace and Aeneas, Anchises and Ascanius. One of the most famous sculpter is Michelangelo whose famous works include David, Moses and The Pieta. Some famous buildings partially made from marble include the Taj Mahal and the Cathedral of Pisa. One of the most famous sculptures in the U.S.A. is the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.

How to care for your marble

Marble is porous and stains easily so wipe off spills immediately and use coasters under beverages. Never used powdered cleaners or acidic cleaners on marble. Occasionally wash marble surfaces with lukewarm water then wipe dry with a clean cloth. Once or twice a year wash with a mild detergent solution (Ivory Original dishwashing soap), rinse and wipe dry.

Do not wax white marble as it may cause it to yellow. A commercial marble sealer can be applied to clean marble. This will protect from staining and allow soil to be wiped off with a clean cloth.

As a good rule use the following directions for stains:

Organic Stains (tea, coffee, colors from paper or soft drinks)
Make a poultice (white paper towel or Kleenex) soaked with peroxide (20% strength) and a few drops of ammonia. Leave poultice on the stain from 1 hour to 2 days (dependant on the stain). Put plastic wrap on top of the poultice and keep it in place with masking tape to keep the poultice damp or it will have to be re-dampened with the peroxide mixture. Only mix up enough for immediate use.

Oil Stains (butter, hand cream)
Clean up as soon as possible with absorbent fine powder such as whiting or corn starch. Brush powder off and reapply more powder. Let stand for 24 hours then scrub with hot sudsy detergent (Original Ivory dishwashing soap) or an ammonia soaked cloth then rinse and wipe dry.

Rust Stains
Use a commercial rust stain remover and follow the directions exactly. Do not leave on too long as these products may etch.

Acidic Liquids (fruit juice, carbonated drinks)
Wipe up spill immediately and wash with a wet cloth.