Finding High Quality Marble

Finding High Quality Marble

High quality marble is one of the most luxurious materials on the planet, but its luxury comes at a risk. Much of marble’s beauty comes from the imperfections within the tile, which makes it temperamental. Too many imperfections may give the appearance of beauty while undermining the durability, and this will cause the marble to break or crack more easily.

The key to finding the perfect marble, one of exceptional quality and beauty, is in the balance between visual imperfections and internal strength, and there are many ways to look for these.

Thickness and Shape of High Quality Marble

Also known as calibration, the thickness of a tile is not directly linked with its quality, but it can go a long way towards ensuring its durability. The cracked and fissured appearance of marble is beautiful, but it also weakens the stone considerably. For thinner tiles, this creates a real danger down the line. A thicker tile means a higher likelihood of success and longevity, especially if there are many cracks just beneath the surface.

It is advised to inspect the edges of all your marble tiles as well. Marble has a tendency to break or split along fractures. A quality piece of marble will have been cut with perfect edges and without the breaks that can happen along corners. A more perfect edge also means the tile’s inherent strength is more reliable.

Cracks and Fissures

This is the tightrope walk of marble. Many people prefer an extremely cracked or fissured appearance, feeling that the blending and fracturing of colors are what truly enhances the marble. While this may be true, it also means that the marble will be riddled with flaws. A good way to determine the depth and severity of a flaw is to look at the other side of the tile. If a crack or fissure is prominent on the front and back of the tile, it means the integrity of the marble is at risk. A tile with a fissure that runs all the way through is likely to fracture and break down the line. Always prioritize tiles with fissures or cracks that do not bleed through to the other side.

As with the tile’s shape and edges, chips are also a good indication of strength. While some small amount of chips or cracks along the edge are acceptable, there should be some concern if you see chips along more than five percent of the tile.

Some vendors will attempt to hide these imperfections with filler. Although it is hard to spot these doctored tiles, you can usually tell if the typical shine of the marble looks slightly duller in certain locations.

Remember, with marble, the durability is just as important as the appearance. It is an investment into your home’s appearance, and its value, so it is always worth your time to ensure your marble is of the highest quality.

If you do have damaged tiles installed, or they have worn away from years of use, you do still have options though. Stone restoration is one of our major services, and it can dramatically improve the appearance of your stone or tiles. Call now to get an estimate if you think your tiles have been damaged.