It is a fundamental position of the Marble Institute of America that there exists no such thing as a "bad stone". There do exist however, inappropriate selection of stone for a given application, and also unrealistic expectations of a given stone type in a specific application. The informed selection of natural stone products is also influenced by the tastes of the end user. To some, natural wear, etching, or weathering bring about a hidden charm, or natural "patina" as the stone displays signs of its yielding to the forces encountered in its service. To others, the only acceptable performance is for the stone to maintain its pristine, "as new" look for the entire duration of its service life. Selections of natural stone types are available to satisfy both users, but the proper research must be completed to assure that the selected stone will perform in service with the desired behavior. The key is performance. If a rock is sold within the granite group, the rock should be expected to have performance in that application that is similar, or in some cases superior, to that of a true granite.

Granite

Marble

Serpentine

Onyx

Sandstone

Quartzite

Soapstone

Travertine & Limestone

Cleaning stone surfaces is easy, all you need is a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at most hardware stores) or a mild liquid dish-washing detergent and warm water. Do not use scouring powders, creams, products that contain lemon, vinegar, bleach or other acids on stone surfaces these products are abrasive or contain abrasives that may scratch the surface! Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Using too much soap may leave streaks and marks. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently.

Food Preparation Areas

Bath & Other Wet Areas

Vanity Top Surfaces

Outdoor Pool & Patio Areas

Floor Surfaces

Natural stone can be classified into two general categories according to its composition: siliceous stone or calcareous stone. Knowing the difference is critical when selecting cleaning products.

Siliceous stone is composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles. It tends to be very durable and relatively easy to clean with mild acidic cleaning solutions. Types of siliceous stone include granite, slate, sandstone, quartzite, brownstone and bluestone.

Calcareous stone is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acidic cleaning products and frequently requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone. Types of calcareous stone include marble, travertine, limestone and onyx. What may work on siliceous stone may not be suitable on calcareous surfaces.

How to Tell the Difference

Stone Finishes

Stone Colors & Appearance

Identifying the type of stain on the stone surface is the key to removing it. If you don't know what caused the stain, play detective. Where is the stain located? Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area where cosmetics are used? What color is it? What is the shape or pattern? What goes on in the area around the stain? Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical. Deep-seated or stubborn stains may require using a poultice or calling in a professional.

The following sections describe the types of stains that you may have to deal with and appropriate household chemicals to use and how to prepare and apply a poultice to remove the stain. Types of Stains and First Step Cleaning Actions:

WE RECOMMEND USING OF-THE-SHELF PRODUCTS FIRST, THERE ARE MANY GREAT PRODUCTS THAT ARE SAFER TO USE BEFORE USING HOUSE HOLD CHEMICHALS!

Oil-Based

Organic

Metal

Biological

Paint

Water Spots & Rings

Fire & Smoke Damage

Etch marks

Efflorescence 

Scratches & Nicks

• DO Dust mop floors frequently
• DO Clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap
• DO Thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing
• DO Blot up spills immediately
• DO Protect floor surfaces with non-slip mats or area rugs and countertop surfaces with coasters, trivets or placemats
• DON'T Use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids on marble, limestone, travertine or onyx surfaces
• DON'T Use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners
• DON'T Use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers
• DON'T Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas
• DON'T Ever mix chemicals together unless directions specifically instruct you to do so

Call your professional stone supplier, installer or a restoration specialist for problems that appear too difficult to treat.

Granite ranked #1 in cleanability when compared to six other countertop surfaces including stainless steel (based on a 1999 study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management).

Marble and granite have the same level of cleanability as engineered stone (based on a 2006 study by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management).

Price

Natural stone is competitively priced with quartz surface products and often priced lower.

Maintenance

Natural stone is low maintenance often only requiring warm water, mild dishwashing liquid and a soft cloth to maintain its beauty.

Many varieties of natural stone do not need to be sealed, although many are for customer peace of mind.

Radon

Granite does not emit dangerous levels of radon (based on technical paper by Dr. Donald Langmiur, PhD, Colorado School for Mines in 1995, confirming that consumers do not have to worry about radon exposure stemming from natural stone in their home).

Individuality

Stone is a product of nature and has its own unique qualities that distinguish it from quartz surface materials. The wonderful character that is offered by vein patterns, color variations, and other design characteristics of stone should be taken into consideration when selecting the perfect stone for your project. Discuss these characteristics with your natural stone supplier.