Marble is a metamorphic rock. That means that over eons it was created out of another rock. In this case, it was limestone, a rock made largely out of calcium.

Marble can range from pure white to solid black, and many types of marble are embellished with elegant veins and clouds.

The price for marble is comparable to granite, although it is more expensive. To balance the cost, some homeowners who still want the benefits of marble countertops have an insert of the stone in a counter made of another stone.

Marble is quite soft and porous and does need to be sealed. The counter might come sealed from the factory, but the homeowner needs to seal it every couple of years to keep it from being stained or etched. Fortunately, this is easy to do. Clean the countertop with water and a mild cleanser, and let it dry overnight. Then, use a clean white towel to saturate the stone with sealant. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Marble countertops are a brilliant choice for kitchen countertops. They are cool to the touch, which makes them just right for rolling out pastry dough.

Besides sealing it, marble needs to be protected from even mild acids such as lemon juice or wine. Spills should be blotted up right away. Marble should never be cleaned with harsh cleansers such as ammonia or even vinegar. A cleaner that has a neutral pH is best.

Once the stone is sealed it is easy to clean. Just dust it once a week, and wipe it down with a clean cloth dipped in lukewarm water and a drop of neutral cleanser.