Marble is the material that instantly adds weight to a piece of furniture, both literally and figuratively. It is also the material with the most misconceptions: marble is not insensitive, 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, fits almost anywhere and never appears loud.
- Calacatta. White base with strong, broad veins. An eye-catcher that defines the room, therefore use sparingly.
- Nero Marquina. Deep black with white veins. Very graphic, shows dust and water stains faster than lighter stone.
- Emperador and brown varieties. Warm tone, most forgiving in everyday use, as marks 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, no two tables of the same model will ever look identical, and a photo always shows only one possible slab. If you wish to place two pieces next to each other, such as two side tables, please mention this in advance so that a suitable selection can be made. Small pores, fine hairline cracks, and color clouds are characteristic of the material and do not constitute 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. Practically, this means: use coasters on the coffee table, immediately wipe up spilled drinks, and never use vinegar cleaner or descalers. For daily cleaning, a soft cloth with clear water or a pH-neutral agent is sufficient.
Impregnation and what it achieves
An impregnation penetrates the stone and delays the absorption of liquids. It protects against oil and grease stains, but not against acid. It is useful for light varieties and dining tables, typically 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 rest 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.
Do you have to impregnate marble?
For light varieties and dining tables, it is advisable, usually once or twice a year. Impregnation protects against oil and grease, but only quick wiping helps against acid.
Do two tables of the same series look identical?
No. Veining and color variations are formed in the rock; each slab is unique. If you wish to place two pieces next to each other, please mention this before ordering.
Personal advice
We advise you personally and online. Send us your room dimensions or a photo at info@casa-luxury.de and we will put together a suitable selection for you.
Marble at Eichholtz: Types, Sensitivity, Care: Models from the Collection
A selection of the categories covered on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Eichholtz Care · Eichholtz Travertine · Eichholtz Coffee Tables · Eichholtz Brass