Marble Information and Care
About Marble
The use of marble dates back thousands of years to ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. Capable of bearing immense weight, marble was ideally suited for monolithic columns and supporting structures in public, private, and religious buildings. From the richly coloured red floor of the basilica of Saint Paul in Rome to the walls of the Palace of Versailles, to the elaborately designed nave of England's Salisbury Cathedral, marble has been used in some of the world's most awe-inspiring buildings.
Although the word "marble" originates from the Greek, marmaros, meaning "a snow white and spotless stone," marble can be found in a rainbow of colours. And because no other stone offers the opportunity for refinement quite like marble, it has been the medium of choice for some of the world's greatest sculptors. The most famous, Michelangelo, carved David from a single block of marble.
The minerals that result from impurities give marble a wide variety of colors. The purest calcite marble is white. Marble containing hematite has a reddish color. Marble that has limonite is yellow, and marble with serpentine is green. Extremely pure calcite marble is used for most statues. This kind of marble is translucent--that is, light penetrates a short distance below the surface of the marble before it is reflected.
At Metropolitan Galleries, Inc. we use only the finest quality Hand Carved Marble. Our stone quarries are located all over Europe and Asia. The various types of marble we use in our selection of Hand Carved Statues, Fountains, Tables, Mantles and Planters is second to none.
Care and Cleaning of Marble
The marble piece that you have purchased is a wonderful investment that will give you many years of enjoyment. Marble stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will continue to keep it looking beautiful for many years to come.
Clean the marble surface with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap (available at hardware stores) or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a soft cloth for best results. Too much cleaner or soap used during cleaning may cause a film residue and cause streaking to occur on your marble sculpture. Never use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble. Always rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams, these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface. In outdoor pool, patio or hot tub areas, flush with clear water and use a mild bleach solution to remove algae or moss.