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Exploring the Beauty and Value of Marble

What is Marble?

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock that is primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and can contain other minerals. It is formed when limestone undergoes high pressure and heat, resulting in the calcite crystals recrystallizing and fusing together. Dolomitic marble is formed from dolostone under similar conditions.

How does Marble Form?

During metamorphism, the calcite crystals in the limestone recrystallize and become larger, eventually forming interlocking calcite crystals. This recrystallization process obscures the original fossils and sedimentary structures of the limestone and creates a new, harder rock without foliation. As the level of metamorphism increases, clay minerals in the marble can change to micas and silicates, and some can contribute to the formation of gem minerals like corundum.

Marbles Reaction to Acid

Limestone and marble are extremely susceptible to acid erosion or etching because of their abundant presence of calcite mineral. Unlike other types of stones, such as granite or sandstone, the mere presence of even mild acidic solutions can trigger a chemical reaction that dissolves the calcite, leading to significant damage and deterioration of the stone.

What Colours Does Marble Come In?

Marble comes in a wide range of colours and patterns that can add elegance and sophistication to any application. No matter the colour or pattern, marble requires continued maintenance to keep its shine and colour. White marble provides a natural, clean finish while black marble offers a modern and edgy aesthetic. Grey marble is a tasteful pattern that blends well with other design choices, while cream marble is a sensible option for tile flooring and countertops. Red marble adds a bold distinction to any application, while blue marble provides a calming effect. Brown marble is a beautiful stone that matches natural earth tones, while green marble provides a bolder option. Yellow marble is subtle yet daring, and Calcutta marble provides a high-end, refined polish to any room.

Why Is Marble So Expensive?

Marble’s exquisite qualities make it a luxurious addition to any space, which is why it’s highly sought after. Its durability and timeless beauty contribute to its high value. However, the process of transforming raw rock into opulent slabs is an energy-intensive one, which adds to the cost. So, while marble may be pricey, its unmatched elegance and longevity make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking to elevate their interiors.

Marble Floor Restoration:Exceptional Service in Brisbane and Gold Coast

Check out one of our many 5 star reviews from one of our happy customers. We took on a job restoring tired marble floors and our client was over the moon with the results going on to call it a remarkable transformation.

The client approached us with a request to grind and polish their worn-down and scratched marble floors, Marble Everlast owner and technician, Mark, took the time to answer all of their questions, providing helpful advice on how to maintain their floors after the restoration process.

Our team of experienced technicians at Marble Everlast are skilled in their work, professional, tidy, and respectful of our clients’ homes. We believe in providing exceptional service and treating our customers’ homes with the same care and respect we would want for our own homes.

The transformation of the marble floors in our client’s home was truly remarkable, through our restoration process we were able to restore the original beauty of their floors and bring them back to life.

“I understand this is a niche market so I called around for a few quotes to grind and polish the run down and scratched marble floors in my house. I spoke to Mark from Marble Everlast and I must say he was very polite and helpful with my meticulous questions especially when it came to maintaining the floors. He came to survey the job the very next day and provided me with a quote that very day.

I found Mark and his crew extremely professional, tidy and proficient in their line of work. I must say it was a remarkable transformation of the marble in my house and I was surprised how well they came up. Job well done. I definitely would recommend Marble Everlast” – G. Lees Google Review

We’re committed to providing high-quality service and outstanding results to our clients and we’re honoured to have received such a positive review and grateful for the opportunity to serve our client. If you’re looking for a team that you can trust to restore the beauty of your marble floors, then look no further. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the Marble Everlast difference for yourself!

Restoring Your Stone Table: How We Do It at Marble Everlast

At Marble Everlast, we’re proud to offer exceptional restoration services for stone tables and all types of natural stones. Our mission is to bring out the natural beauty of your stone bringing it back to its former glory with our outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail.

We recently received a glowing review from one of our satisfied customers that perfectly captures our commitment to quality and great customer service:

“When I first talked to Mark at Marble Everlast, he was incredibly informative and professional. He explained the process and the treatment in detail, and was always on time. When the restoration of my travertine table was completed, it looked even better than the original! My wife and I were thrilled with the job, and we’ve already recommended Marble Everlast to our friends.” – Maty Rosales Google Review

We understand that restoring natural stone is a delicate process, which is why we treat every job with the utmost care and precision. The expertise of our technicians is shown through the great results they deliver. We take pride in our ability to revive the natural beauty of stone tables that have lost their lustre over time and make them look better than new.

At Marble Everlast, we’re committed to delivering exceptional restoration services for stone tables and all types of natural stones. Our team is passionate about their work, and we take great pride in our dedication to customer satisfaction. If you have a stone table that needs restoration in Brisbane or on the Gold Coast, we’re the team you can count on to get the job done right.

History of Marble In Construction

History of Marble in Construction

A popular building and sculpting material that adds a sense of luxury to commercial and residential construction, marble is a metamorphic rock that results when limestone reacts with intense pressure and heat. Originating from the Greek word ‘mamaros’, meaning shining stone, marble is made primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) alongside additional components such as clay minerals, graphite, quartz and iron oxides. These carbonate crystals interlock to create the marble rock.

Dating back to its early discovery, the history of marble in construction reveals the commencement of its usage and the reasons that marble remains distinctive among other construction materials. From beauty and versatility to high durability and longevity, marble is a unique natural stone that has gained tremendous popularity in construction over the centuries.

When was marble first discovered?

Marble extraction can be traced back to the 3rd century BC when the Greeks began using this natural stone due to its strength and beauty. A prized material reserved for the distinguished and wealthy of the times, marble could be found in revered monuments, mosques, historical sculptures and temples. However, as millenniums passed, marble was considered a pale rock with no significant use or value in the eyes of the Indian tribes of the early 1800s.

Officially discovered and documented in 1874 by geologist Sylvester Richardson, marble was found again in the same year by George Yule, the sheriff of Gunnison County, who aptly named the rock Yule Marble.

In current times, marble is mined in many locations throughout the world. However, India, China, Spain and Italy are responsible for half of its total production.

Where was marble first used in construction?

With its usage reaching back as far as the Ancient Greeks and Romans, marble was initially utilised due to its beauty and used primarily for sculptures and pillars found throughout wealthy residences, temples and castles. Furthermore, the use of marble in construction can be traced back to BC times in the Mediterranean in countries such as Italy (1st Century BC.) and Greece (3rd Century BC.) Masterpieces such as the Parthenon, Pisa Cathedral and the Taj Mahal are some of the most famous historical constructions using marble. Marble quickly became a signature material for renowned architects and historical artists alike.

Due to the ancient mining process, which was a long and arduous system of manually carving the marble rock with levers, hammers and chisels, marble was not yet found in the everyday home. However, the Greeks soon realised that their preferred construction material (wood) did not have the durability and longevity that marble had to offer.

As the quarrying process improved and technology advanced, marble became more accessible to the general population. Specialised quarrying systems such as ‘wet cutting’ with blades and advanced machinery meant that the natural stone could be cut to size and transported more efficiently, reducing production costs. This saw the introduction of marble into residential homes and was quickly recognised as a sign of wealth and luxury in the construction industry.

Why is marble so special?

Marble has had reputable beauty and elegance since its early discovery. Its unique attributes and functionalities make marble a sought-after construction material in structural and sculptural applications.

As a natural stone, each piece of marble is unique. No two pieces can be the same, which provides visual satisfaction and distinction to each individual cut. White marble is the purest form of this stone and is highly popular for its beauty. However, the veins and swirls found in coloured marbles are due to various impurities such as sand, silt and iron oxides in the limestone’s original composition. These impurities create multiple colour variations and visual characteristics to suit any space, style or personal tastes. Adding to its luxurious look, the light-reflecting properties of marble can create a sense of space and brightness in a room, making it a popular choice for floor tiling within the home.

Recognised for its durability, marble has a high resistance to damage and impact. Unlike synthetic options that can shatter on impact or chip easily, marble has become a preferred choice in construction due to its exceptional longevity. Marble will last a lifetime when maintained well, making it a positive and worthwhile investment.

One of the most heat-resistant stones available, marble is a low-maintenance material that is ideal in high temperature areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces.

When did marble become popular?

An ancient and beautiful natural stone, marble was prevalent in past eras through its use in famous sculptures, monuments and historical constructions. However, marble has found its popularity in modern-day applications due to its versatility, beauty and longevity.

Beyond its exceptional functionality, marble is now becoming one of the most popular building materials in the home, known for its elegance and luxury. From bathrooms to kitchens, benchtops to flooring tiles, this natural stone’s aesthetic beauty and versatility are why it can be found in many Australian homes today.

With a vast range of natural colours and veinings, each marble piece has a unique depth and individual patterns that make it a stand-alone stone feature. With its lifetime quality and durability, marble does not lose value over time, increasing the value of the home and appealing to potential buyers.

One of the most popular materials in Australian homes

The history of marble in construction reveals the true excellence of marble throughout the eras. With a wide variety of applications, marble is one of the most popular construction materials in Australian homes.

With each piece being unique, marble adds a sense of luxury and elegance to the home with the beauty of natural stone. Its vast range of colour and veining options make it a versatile addition to any decor and design plan.

From benchtops to floor tiling, bathrooms to kitchens, marble’s durability and longevity make it a profitable investment that adds value to the home and appeals to potential buyers.

Though once reserved for the regal and elite alone, today, over 100 million tonnes of marble are produced and mined worldwide, making it highly accessible to the general population and timeless addition to many Australian homes.

Call Marble Everlast today on 0401 508 938 for expert advice and a free stone cleaning, polishing & restoration quote.

Tips for selecting natural stone

What do you need from your stone surface?

When looking at surface options, you need to think of the application at hand. For example, in wet areas such as a bathroom, you want to choose water-resistant surfaces to protect from damage. This is the same when considering the use of stone. Natural stone has a wide variety of options that suit an enormous scope of potential applications. However, not every stone is suitable for every project. To again consider wet areas, it’s essential to select a stone that isn’t vulnerable to moisture damage. Some questions that you should consider when choosing the right stone for the application include:

Will it be exposed to sunlight?
Will it be exposed to water?
Will it be exposed to heat?
Will it encounter dramatic shifts in temperature?
Does the stone need to perform a function or is it purely for aesthetic purposes?
Is the stone for a high-traffic area?
Is the application indoors or outdoors?

Absorption rate

When selecting a natural stone, the general rule of thumb is; the lower the absorption rate, the better. The absorption rate measures how porous the stone is and can also give great insight into how durable the stone will be and how susceptible it is to staining.

Design choices

What’s your design style? Do you prefer a more contemporary feel? Minimalist? Hamptons? Natural earthy? Coastal? Boho? Knowing what style you prefer will guide you into the colour, grain texture and cut of your stone. If you haven’t already, a great first port of call to figure out your design style is jumping onto Pinterest and creating a board, or even looking through other people’s boards. However, if you’re not a designer and aren’t employing one, it’s best to find a style and copy it. In a great design, you want areas to flow seamlessly so make sure you factor in the other rooms and even the exterior areas when choosing your design style. This will give you a good idea of the overall materials you will want to use in your room and help you narrow down the right stone choice.

When booking an appointment at your local stone warehouse, it’s a good idea to have some of the images you love on hand, which is made ever so easy with today’s smartphones. If you are a little further on in your design process, you might even have some of the following items which are useful to bring along

Paint colour
Cabinet sample
Timber sample
Tile sample
Curtain sample
Furniture colours
Other materials

Selecting a finish

There are a range of different finishes available for natural stone surfaces, affecting the appearance and how they perform. When we consider performance we need to think about where the stone is being laid. If it is for an outdoor area, choosing a more slip-resistant finish like sawn is ideal. If the application is for a feature wall the main factor to consider will be appearance.

Some of the common finishes include

Honed
Brushed
Bush hammered
Sawn
Split
Polished
Leathered
Antiqued

Marble Everlast are South East Queensland’s stone specialists. We provide stone restoration and cleaning services to residential and commercial clients from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. Do you have stone in your property already and would like to have a quote for restoration? Contact Mark and the team today on 0401 508 938.

Renovating Tips and Tricks

Plan

Renovating can be an exciting and then daunting task. Having a vision of what you want and being well planned will put you miles ahead. A great place to start your renovating journey is Pinterest. On Pinterest, you will be able to put together boards to really get a better understanding of what you like and then what works together.

Cooling your home

Renovating your home and not sure what to do about cooling? There is a tonne of different options that span from blinds, awnings, window tinting and more.

The most common dilemma is choosing the right air conditioning solution for your home. Buying the wrong type or the wrong size can end up costing you a fortune. What size system do you need though? Advanced Climate Solutions in Brisbane have set up an easy guide on choosing the right size air conditioner. Click Here

Kitchen

When renovating your kitchen, there are a million different options and directions that you can take. The first question you should ask that might save you a fortune is; do I like my existing layout? If you like your current configuration and your cabinets are in good condition your best option may be just to reface your existing cabinets. This will cut the labour and material costs dramatically and give new life to your current kitchen without breaking the bank.

The second question that you should ask is for your benchtops. Can you find a second hand or surplus slab from another renovation on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace? This will save you a substantial amount off the recommended retail price and opens the avenue for bargaining even further. If you are thinking that the stone won’t be the right size though. That’s where the team at Marble Everlast come in. We offer stone cutting services for your sink and tap holes and to cut to size. With access to a local stonemason, you can get what you want for a fraction of the price you would have paid on a stone sales floor.

Flooring

There is a tonne of great low-cost options when it comes to flooring, but one of the best ways to save on flooring is to use what is already there. This is an option when you have existing timber or stone floors. One of the significant advantages of these surfaces is that they can be refinished. Much like timber floors that can be sanded down and repolished, stone floors can be resurfaced by a stonemason. Stonemasons will use diamond pads on a flooring machine going through the grades just like a piece of timber. Stone surfaces can then be polished or honed depending on the finish your design requires. If you don’t have the luxury of stone or timber flooring already in place, they are a fantastic investment for the reasons just mentioned.

Bathrooms

Bathroom surfaces need a hardwearing surface so like flooring, why not go with a surface that can be resurfaced like stone. Stone looks luxurious and is timeless, which means that it will outlive trends and fads. Using stone tiles and vanities will help you get a better return on your investment in the long run due to the fact it can be ground down and refinished.

Landscaping

Making a good first impression starts with curb appeal. The best and most cost-effective way to improve curb appeal is with great landscaping. There are a lot of options when it comes to landscaping, and the choice can be tuff. You can never go wrong with new turf whether artificial grass or real (although the artificial variety can save you a tonne in maintenance heres a quick how to install artificial grass guide) and the right selection of hardwearing minimalist plants.

If you are doing it yourself, you want a good quality landscape supplies store like Wellers Hill Hardware and Landscape Supplies. They are based in the Brisbane Southside and offer a delivery service for their landscape supplies. A huge benefit of using a reputable landscape supplies yard is they can give you great advice for your landscaping projects.