Marble is a material that immediately adds weight to a piece of furniture, both literally and figuratively. It is also the material with the most misconceptions: marble is not impervious, every slab is unique, and neither of these is a defect, but rather its nature.
The types you should distinguish
- Carrara. Light grey to white with fine, even veining. The calmest marble, it fits almost anywhere and never appears loud.
- Calacatta. White base with strong, broad veins. An eye-catcher that dominates the room, so use it sparingly.
- Nero Marquina. Deep black with white veins. Very graphic, it shows dust and water stains more quickly than lighter stone.
- Emperador and brown varieties. Warm tone, most forgiving in everyday use, as traces disappear into the pattern.
Why every slab looks different
Veining, color gradients, and the number of inclusions are formed in the rock, not during manufacturing. Therefore, two tables of the same model will never look identical, and a photograph always shows only one possible slab. If you wish to place two pieces next to each other, such as two side tables, you should mention this beforehand so that the selection can be matched. Small pores, fine hairline cracks, and color clouds are characteristic of the material and not grounds for complaint.
Acid is the real enemy
Marble consists of lime. Lemon, vinegar, wine, cola, and many cleaning agents dissolve the surface and leave dull spots, known as etch marks. These are not dirt but a surface alteration, and they cannot be wiped away. In practical terms, this means: use coasters on the coffee table, immediately wipe up spilled drinks, and never use vinegar-based cleaners or descalers. For daily cleaning, a soft cloth with clear water or a pH-neutral agent is sufficient.
Impregnation and what it achieves
Impregnation penetrates the stone and slows down the absorption of liquids. It protects against oil and grease stains, but not against acid. It is advisable for light varieties and dining tables, usually once or twice a year, always on a dry, clean surface. It does not replace polishing.
Weight and placement
A marble slab can quickly weigh several dozen kilograms. This leads to three practical points: always carry it with two people and upright, as it can break if carried flat. The surface must be even, otherwise the frame will not sit properly. And for old building ceilings or roof terraces, it is worth checking the load-bearing capacity before placing several heavy pieces in a room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does marble get dull spots?
Because acid dissolves the lime in the surface. Lemon, wine, vinegar, and descalers leave so-called etch marks. They are not dirt and cannot be wiped away.
Does marble need to be impregnated?
For light varieties and dining tables, it is advisable, usually once or twice a year. Impregnation protects against oil and grease; against acid, only quick wiping helps.
Do two tables of the same series look identical?
No. Veining and color gradients are formed in the rock; each slab is unique. If you wish to place two pieces next to each other, you should mention this before ordering.
Consultation by an authorized dealer
Casa Luxury is the interior world of an established, authorized Eichholtz specialist dealer. We are listed in the brand's official dealer directory and provide advice on material, finish, and delivery time, both online and in our showroom in Essen. For questions about a specific piece, please contact us at info@casa-luxury.de.
Marble at Eichholtz: Varieties, Sensitivity, Care: Models from the Collection
A selection from the areas discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Eichholtz Care · Eichholtz Travertine · Eichholtz Coffee Tables · Eichholtz Brass