A Quick Reference Guide For Stone Maintenance
Have a question about the composition of limestone, a split face surface texture, a natural soap for cleaning, a wax, or how to remove a coffee stain? This guide should quickly provide the answers.

Marble
Composition: Calcite, Calcium Carbonate
Hardness: Soft.
Absorption: Oil, water.
Limitations: Polished surface absorbs oils and other liquids, polished surface easily scratched, acid sensitive.
Notes: Polished marble is ideal for vertical applications - but requires a high level of maintenance when used as flooring - especially in high-traffic situations. Non-reflective (honed) finishes perform well as flooring with minimal maintenance.
Kitchen use for countertops should be honed surfaces only.
Seal: Sub-surface repellents.
Finish: Paste waxes or soap residue.
Clean: Neutral pH detergent or pure soap.

Limestone
Composition: Calcite, Calcium Carbonate.
Hardness: Soft.
Absorption: Oil., water.
Limitations: Polished surface absorbs oils and other liquids, polished surface easily scratched, acid sensitive.
Notes: Most limestones are porous and absorbent. Non-reflective (honed) finishes are practical as flooring and as countertops, but they require sealing to minimize stains. Dense, low absorbent limestone can be suitable for countertops and in
shower areas. Sealing is recommended.
Seal: Sub-surface repellents.
Finish: Paste waxes or soaps.
Clean: Neutral pH detergent or pure soap.

Granite
Composition: Quartz, feldspar
Hardness: Hard, scratch resistant.
Absorption: Low oil, water.
Limitations: Poor quality granite absorbs oils and other liquids, brittle.
Notes: Granite is typical for kitchen countertops. Sealing is recommended for most stones. Granite is the hardest of the polished stones commercially available and is used in high-stress situations.
Seal: Sub-surface repellents.
Finish: None required.
Clean: Neutral pH detergent or pure soap.

Slate
Composition: Muscovite, chlorite.
Hardness: Soft
Absorption: Low to high (varies).
Limitations: Absorbs oils and other liquids, easily scratched.
Notes: Cleft slate is very durable and rustic in appearance. Wear is typically taken on the peaks or high spots of the surface. Acrylics are used when a highly reflective finish is desired. Excellent exterior paving stone. Slate varies with source. Domestic is typically black, green or mottled (Pennsylvania) and is relatively dense. Many imported slates are available today with wide-ranging colors and characteristics.
Seal: Sub-surface repellents.
Finish: Natural is best. Paste waxes or soaps. Option: Acrylic floor finish (interior) for a wet look.
Clean: Neutral pH detergent or pure soap.