White Marble Gaining Popularity in Kitchens 8/31/2011 12:22:00 PM 
An interesting trend is developing in the natural stone business and it signals a return in interest to some classic stones. More and more, homeowners and kitchen designers are calling for the use of white marble, a stone that has been used in this setting for centuries, but recently saw a decrease in interest due to the explosion of the granite market.
Many stone fabricators are hesitant to recommend marble for kitchen applications because of the fact that marble has a reputation for staining easily and because marbles are calcium based stones. Calcium is susceptible to acidic substances and, as a result of interaction with an acid, marble can etch, leaving a discolored appearance at the spot of interaction. Someone interested in utilizing marble in their kitchen should know that this is a possibility, but with care and quick spill removal this should not be a great concern.
Each marble has different physical properties, so aside from the aesthetic quality of any stone, one should make their final decision and choice based on the makeup of the stone…and, generally speaking, that does not mean its appearance. Absorption rate is one of the most important factors when considering which stone to use for kitchens because absorption rate refers to the percentage of moisture absorbed by weight. Generally speaking, the lower the absorption rate, the lower the risk of stains. Some marbles like Vermont’s Danby White (absorption rate of .06 percent) have an extremely low absorption rate. This is lower than many of the most popular granites currently utilized in the market today, making Danby White a great option for the person looking for white marble in their kitchen.
Proper care and maintenance of marble can also add to its viability in kitchen applications. Regular cleaning with a pH neutral natural stone clean along with the use a water based impregnator once per year can seriously decrease the risk of staining. If staining does occur, there are a number of poultice solutions that will draw out just about any markings including red wine.
What does all this mean?
White marbles with low water absorption rates can be an excellent, safe choice for your kitchen. If you look in any candy factory or any professional bakery around the country, most often you find that they are working on a slab of white marble. Visit Europe and you will also find many kitchen’s with white marble countertops. It has been this way for hundreds of years. The true beauty of white marble can increase over time. Not only does it maintain its’ natural beauty, but it reinvents itself eventually reaching the legendary Italian patina finish. White marble, like Vermont’s Danby White was and is becoming again a great choice for kitchen countertops.
Todd Robertson, a member of the Marble Institute of America is the, Director of Sales & Market Development at Vermont Quarries Corp. Todd is well informed on all white marble products having been directly involved and having helped develop the market for two of the three main U.S. white marble producers. The ownership group of Vermont Quarries Corp are located in Italy and also own white marble quarries in the region of Carrara. White marble has become Todd's passion and focus. Exploring the history and looking to the future of its continued use and understanding is my goal.
