Types of Stone
Marble and Slate
Marble and slate are forms of limestone that have been subject to extreme high temperatures and pressures over a long period of time. Because of the change that goes on, they are called "metamorphic" rock. The rock basically becomes molten, causing the swirls and veins.
Limestone and Sandstone
Limestone and Sandstone are sedimentary rocks. These kinds of stone are formed from layers of sediment over time. Limestone is formed in water and can be identified by fossils found in the stone. Sandstone looks and feels like sand.
Granite
Granite is an igneous rock which is formed from magma deep in the earth. Granite can be identified by it's crystalline appearance and it's extreme durability.
How to maintain your marble and stone floor
Why Maintenance?
Maintaining the desired finish
To keep it clean
Safety
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Daily Maintenance
Dust Mopping
Sand, dirt and other grit is the single most threat to your stone floor. If your stone floor is dust mopped on a daily basis you can cut down on the maintenance your floor will need.
Use a clean, non-treated, dry dust mop and place walk off mats (when possible) to eliminate a good portion of sand and grit. If dirt and sand are removed, there won't be anything to grind into your floor.
Cleaning
When cleaning your floor, use a clean mop with a quality neutral cleaner or stone soap. Neutral cleaners have a pH of 7 and more acidic cleaners shouldn't be used on a regular basis. Be sure to follow the directions because too much cleaner will leave a film and cause streaking.
Maintenance Options
Ignore it
This is fine until the floor starts to look like someone dragged a dumpster over it. The best thing to do is implement a maintenance program as soon as possible.
Damp Mop Only with Water
This is fine but it really only serves to do one thing: distribute the dirt over the floor contributing to rapid detorioration.
Wax
This is a very common solution to maintaining a stone floor. The problem is most waxes are not meant for stone floors and will make it harder to maintain. Waxes and coatings usually require twice the maintenance of polishing methods.
Penetrating Sealers
Penetrating sealers are not meant to be maintenance products. These should be applied on a periodic basis.
Permanent Coatings
Permanent Coatings are urethanes and epoxies and don't belong on stone floors. These coatings can yellow, look artificial and block the breathing of a stone floor resulting in rapid deterioration.
Crystallization
Crystallization, recrystallization or vitrification is an appropriate method for maintenance on most marble floors.
Powder Polishing
Powder polishing is an acceptable maintenance procedure for stone floors.
Honing
Honing is really a restorative process but sometimes can be considered a maintenance option. There are times when a marble floor will require frequent honing and thus become part of the maintenance routine.
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