Polished Marble

• Marble is a soft, calcium-based metamorphic stone. It has been subjected to tremendous amounts of heat and pressure underground to be transformed from a softer material into one that can be cut and polished.
  Polished or glossy marble refers to the finish given to the top surface of the stone. Various grinding tools are used to gradually remove surface material from the stone, polishing what remains to a high-gloss finish. This finish in no way affects how the stone performs once installed; it is for appearance only.
  Polished marble can be found in a wide range of colors. Most include some form of veining in a secondary color across their surface. Polished marble is highly reflective and works well in elegant settings.
  
  

Travertine

• Travertine is a calcium-based sedimentary stone. It is made of layers of mud deep inside hot springs that dried and hardened together. As the mud dried, water vapor escaping the stone left behind numerous channels or holes in the stone, which help to give travertine its unique look.
  Travertine is most often found in a honed, or flat finish with its holes filled in with epoxy, or in a natural, tumbled finish with its holes unfilled. Unfilled travertine must have its holes filled with grout during installation to help render it structurally sound. A few types of travertine, such as Travertine Navona and Silver Travertine can be found in polished varieties that mimic the look of polished marble.
  
  

Marble Use and Care

• Because marble is made of calcium, it is subject to etching or scratching. It is also porous and may absorb water from showers and other wet areas.
  Keep marble dry whenever possible to avoid water absorption and staining. Dust mop regularly to remove any particles, which may scratch its finish. Do not use cleaners which contain acids or alkalines, which may harm its finish; use a stone or marble cleaner instead.
  Seal the marble on a regular basis to help impede staining. Sealing will not protect against acid etching, however; blot up spills as soon as they are noticed to help prevent etching.
  
  

Travertine Use and Care

• Travertine is a calcite-based stone like marble, but it is even softer. It also can absorb moisture, scratch, stain and etch. Some types of travertine, which have a rugged, pitted finish, may not show wear as quickly as polished marble will, because the surface is already worn and not reflective. Polished and honed travertine will show wear more quickly.
  Sweep and dust mop travertine regularly, keeping it as dry as possible and blotting up spills as soon as they are noticed. Wash the stone with a stone cleaner and clean water and seal it on a regular basis to help impede staining.