How to tell if it’s real marble?

1. Evenness of colour

Colour is a huge deciding factor for most people, and rightly so. Marble comes in a wide spectrum of hues – sometimes even featuring multiple colours in the same slab. However, uneven colour or discolouration in some areas is indicative of poor quality.

Additionally, look for even surfaces that indicate premium quality stone.

2. Veins

There is no real test for checking the veins of marble as each slab is unique. However, you can get a faint idea by looking at the grain pattern respective of the place of origin of the stone. For Italian marble, the finer veins with clear contrast are a sign of authenticity. On the other hand, fake marble is dull and the veins are often thick and compact.

Furthermore, engineered marble is artificially made which means its patterns are not completely unique.

Please note: It is possible to cut the same block of marble in different ways (cross-cut and vein-cut) to achieve unique veining patterns.

3. Shine and gloss

The glossiness of real marble is inimitable. It is one of its most desirable attributes and noticeable characteristics, and can’t be sustainably duplicated.

Counterfeit marble can never reproduce the brilliant shine and smoothness of genuine marble.

4. Knife test

If you are trying to determine if what you’re looking at is real marble, check for minor scratches or wear. If you scratch a knife (or any sharp object) across an area on the underside of the stone or in an area that will not be seen and you don’t see any damage, then the stone is likely man-made marble or granite.

Which marble is right for you?

Once you figure out how to determine the quality of marble, you need to select the right one for your home depending on many factors. Here are a few tips to choose the right marble for your space.

How to select the best marble for your home?

Colour

Since marble is a versatile stone that is available in a wide spectrum of colours and patterns, choosing the colour of the stone is vital to your dream project.

Some shades subtly tie in your room together whereas some draw the eyes. Lighter shades expand the space while darker hues add mood. Take your time and choose carefully.

Personality

Each stone has a distinct personality. Find the one you resonate with most.

Do you lean towards ostentatious and striking patterns? White Panda or Esparada sounds like your thing. Are you looking for something sophisticated and elegant? Perhaps Cat’s Eye or Crema Lumos might be up your alley. Do you fall somewhere in between? You may want to check out Golden Dream or Grigio Coralito.

Bright and vibrant or subtle and muted – no matter what your style, there is a marble out there that perfectly captures and reflects your personality.

Cost

Since marble flooring calls for a larger area to be covered, it’s a good idea to check the price tag and discuss the budget with your stone expert.

• Browse through the variety of marble and narrow down a category before visiting the warehouse.
• Research what factors affect the marble price and explore ideas to add a dash of exotic to basic and spice up your interiors without breaking the bank.
• Finally, only buy from a trusted marble company to ensure you get the most value for your money.

How to choose marble for flooring?

Soft and lighter coloured marble is preferred for flooring in homes where light needs to be reflected more. White marble is often the most desired for homes, but beige and grey are catching up.

While beige, cream and white marble remain classic choices, you can choose to go against the grain and explore other hues from the rainbow. More and more people are getting experimental with their choices and inclining towards grey marble and other darker colours too.

Please note: The images you see on a website or any digital catalogue cannot justify the actual beauty of the stone. Please visit and check the slabs before buying.

How to choose marble for wall cladding?

Wall cladding with marble is a great way to draw attention to focus walls or certain areas of the home. Brilliant coloured marble are often the way to go. However, softer shades with dramatic patterns also add a touch of sophisticated elegance to interior spaces.

How to choose marble for countertops, tabletops?

Natural stones for kitchen islands, countertops and tabletops are show stoppers in their own right. They enliven the room and earn compliments from guests while also serving as a sturdy surface that lasts for ages. This is also why there are no hard and fast rules to comply with while buying marble for countertops and tabletops.

Let your creative side shine and opt for contrast or complementary stone that ties in together with the rest of your room décor.

You can practically use any marble (or granite or quartzite) for kitchen backsplashes and countertops, especially with 3D surface finishes. Are you inclined towards busy, noteworthy patterns or sober stones with fewer veins? No matter what you prefer, it can be used in your kitchen.

How to choose marble for showers, bathrooms and washrooms?

Darker shades take the trophy for showers and washrooms although lighter shades aren’t far behind. For powder rooms, washrooms, bathrooms, etc. the common choices are black, brown and dark grey.

They don’t etch and discolour easily. Also, they often come with contrasting veins such as in Belgium Black and Noir St. Laurent black marble, which adds to the character of the personal space besides looking lavish.

Please note: All white bathrooms are not a thing of the past yet. If you have Pinterest boards dedicated to them, there are many white marble varieties for you to choose from.

Bonus pro tips to remember while shopping for marble:

• You buy unpolished marble slabs, but you need to know what kind of pattern will emerge after installation. Splash some water on the unpolished marble and you will get a fair idea of what it will look like.

Furthermore, here at R K Marble, we have some polished samples from each lot to give you a clearer idea of exactly what you are buying.

• You can transform the look of the stone with various marble surface finishes. While polished and matte finishes are popular choices, there are many more interesting options available in the market nowadays.
• Call the facility before visiting and enquire about the marble colour, cost and dimensions you require. This not only saves time when you visit but also enables our Stone Experts to better assist you. So when you arrive at our Warehouse or Showroom, our Stone Experts can take you directly to the selections that meet your needs.

Don’t fall for fake

You get what you pay for. Even if the cost runs higher, premium quality marble will last you a lifetime, giving your home a classic vintage and sophisticated look without breaking bank year after year.

Fight the fake by choosing a renowned and reliable marble company – such as R K Marble – and ensuring you get the most value for your money.

Touching and feeling the texture of the marble is a great way to understand the difference in the quality of marble.

R K Marble welcomes you to witness and experience the highest quality imported marble at our Experience Centre in Delhi, Gurugram and Kishangarh.