MARBLE OR NOT?
Nature vs. Man-made
For thousands of years, marble has
been used throughout the world
because of its strength, durability,
and natural luster to create statues,
fountains, columns, floors, countertops
and stairs. This beautiful and exotic
stone has been a favorite of artists and
architects due to its ease of sculpting
and shaping. Marble is porous and is
composed of a fine, malleable grain that
allows for greater artistic detail, such
as in the eyes of David in Michelangelo’s
masterpiece that was sculpted from marble
quarried from the famous Italian town
of Carrara.
Marble is formed by a geological
metamorphosis. When limestone settles
down into the earth over time, a chemical
action occurs. Intense heat and pressure
act together to recrystallize the limestone
into marble, resulting in unique pieces
in appearance. The color is determined
by the amount of impurities that are
naturally blended into the mix during
the metamorphosis. The purest marble is
usually white in color.
Mark West of Quality Marble Inc. in
Pinellas Park and Hudson explained that
traditional marble has both benefits and
drawbacks. Honed marble has a slight
102 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2018
By Marc Mencher
Quality Marble
recommended that this
homeowner choose
Zodiaq Calacatta
Natura quartz for
this remodeled
kitchen because of
its sophisticated
appearance, strength,
durability and ease
of maintenance.
Imported Carrara marble was used for the countertop
in this bathroom to give it an elegant look.
sheen, which can be affected by acidic
foods such as juice, tomato sauce, wine
or pickles. Some marble is porous and
can even be damaged by human skin
oils. Although manufactured sealers
can be applied to marble for protection
from staining, they will not protect the
stone from the etching or the scarring
that can occur from acids. Manufactured
quartz counters have become increasingly
popular because of the strength and luster
of the quartz. Therefore, many choose this
material for kitchens and food preparation
areas, since fabricated quartz countertops
do not stain as easily as marble. Leading
brands are manufactured with stain
resistant polymers, which when added
to the glistening quartz crystals, create a
beautiful and durable surface.
Marble continues to be a symbol of
prosperity and a favorite for many. This
timeless stone remains an excellent choice
for bathroom counters with under mount
sinks, window sills and other areas where
there is less contact with acids and oils. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Quality Marble is located
at 16815 U.S. Highway 19 N. in Hudson,
(727) 862-3585, and at 3860 70th Ave. N. in
Pinellas Park, (727) 527-1676.