Back in the days of old, you could identify where a piece of marble came from by its color. Marble quarries were few and far between, and marble extraction techniques were incredibly labor-intensive. Once a marble block or slab was released from the quarry wall, getting it up and out was a Herculean task involving ropes, pulleys, wooden beams, rollers, winches, and levers.

It’s easy to see why this beautiful stone was so highly valued and considered for use only among the elite, commissioning elaborately detailed statues or erecting palaces complete with marble walls and flooring.

Today, marble is found and quarried in most countries around the world, though Italy, Spain, China, and India represent the majority. Due to its increased availability and advances in extraction techniques, it is much more affordable, though it still invokes a sense of luxury and sophistication in any home. Popular applications include countertops, floors, walls, windowsills, and fireplace hearths or surrounds, making it a suitable addition to any room in the home.

The key to retaining the inherent warmth and beauty of this natural stone is through the proper cleaning and maintenance techniques, in addition to having a few tricks up your sleeve in the event of an emergency. Knowing how to remove oil stains from marble, for example, can save you time and money, and all it takes is a simple poultice.