It is a rare thing indeed when uncommon beauty is delivered in abundance. When it comes to Crema Marfil Marble, MS International  certainly delivers: production of Crema Marfil Marble is limited, yet MSI is the largest importer of this beautiful natural stone and offers the largest stock of this marble across the U.S. in the greatest variety, including an extensive line of Crema Marfil marble slabs, mosaics, and backsplashes.

About Crema Marfil

Crema Marfil Marble is a name that identifies a family of limestone that is extracted from mountains in the region of Pinoso, located in southeastern Spain. Mount Coto and Mount Zafra are host to more than a dozen quarries which are solely responsible for supplying the world’s demand for this pristine stone. MSI’s supply comes from the Crema Marfil Monte Coto quarry. Located in Pinoso (Alicante. Spain), it is the largest of its kind in the world and is internationally recognized as the source of the very best cream marble—in addition to other marbles, limestone, sandstone, and Spanish Gold. The Crema Marfil Monte Coto quarry is also known for superb quality control and respectful mining techniques. The quarry functions with the environment in mind, and areas are restored when work has concluded.

These high standards for production, together with regional exclusivity, lends to Crema Marfil’s elite status. The stone has gained a legendary prestige and is highly sought after internationally for premier locations like 5 star hotels. Limited availability does not entirely equate desirability- it is also the look of this marble family that makes it so popular.

Within the family of Crema Marfil, there is a variety of choice in terms of appearance. Like any natural stone, each slab is different, sometimes markedly so. Slabs can be light or dark, uniform or variant, with heavy or delicate veins (or none at all), and may have distinguishing characteristics that lend themselves to nicknames. For example, “flower” Crema Marfil, as termed by locals, has white spots that look like blooming flowers. “Rice grain” variety offers interesting grain displays that look like smatterings of rice, though they are actually fossils. There is also “water” Crema Marfil, which looks like waving water, and “encalizado”, which looks most like pure white limestone. Regardless of the characteristics within the family that differentiate one variety from another, all Crema Marfil Marble does have something in common  – its primary color is a gorgeous neutral cream, and it is appreciated for both its warmth and versatility. 

Applications for Crema Marfil

Crema Marfil is excellent for marble flooring, marble countertops, mosaics, and backsplashes. As arguably the world’s most popular and desirable marble, Crema Marfil is a signature of high-end design, notable for a sophisticated neutral tone that works equally well in traditional and contemporary design schemes. A stone that can look dramatically different as a result of its finishing, Crema Marfil Marble is often seen as highly polished but may be honed, sanded, or hammered to fit the desired design. 

Interesting cuts, like hexagon mosaics, serve as a warm backdrop to cabinetry and appliances from wood to metals, and Crema Marfil backsplashes further enhance the look of Crema Marfil countertops or other natural stone surfaces. MSI even carries Crema Marfil mixed with other stones for backsplashes. Emperador Blend Bamboo, Emperador Blend Splitface, and Ibiza Blend patterns that exemplify Crema Marfil’s ability to blend beautifully with other colors and stones. It is this unrivaled versatility makes Crema Marfil Marble a first choice for discerning designers who like the flexibility to play with a complex palette of materials.

Availability of Crema Marfil

MSI brings the most popular marble in the world to the U.S. in a rare abundance!

MSI acquires the largest inventory in the United States of Crema Marfil Marble and carries the widest variety of patterns and sizes in stock, which means that this stone is easily accessible for even the smallest and largest scale projects. 

We stock 3 main qualities of Crema Marfil:

Crema Marfil Classic is characterized by higher variation, some rice graining, significant veining, and dark tones. Of the three qualities, Classic is the most affordably priced and is popular for both home and residential applications.

The next category, Crema Marfil Select, is lighter and more ivory in color, and is characterized by moderate to low veining. The more pure and clear the stone, the higher the grade. Thus, the third category, Crema Marfil Premium, is the highest grade. It is ivory in color with very minimal veining and is exceedingly desirable for high-end projects.

Sizes include 12x12, 18x18, 12x24, 24x24, 6x6, and 2cm slabs and 3cm slabs for countertops, prefabs, and mosaics. 

White marble is undeniably one of the most recognizable and elegant natural stones available for countertops today.  Marble stone buyers are typically drawn to the high end, discerning look that is a marble countertop, valuing its smooth, clean look for a bathroom vanity, wet bar, or kitchen countertop.  A white marble slab over deep dark wooden cabinets is an Old World look that began with the kitchens and coffee houses of Italy.  It was made even more popular in the U.S. by Martha Stewart centuries later, when she invited viewers into her home to see her work dough and pastries on cool, white cararra countertops. The fresh look of white marble accentuated by a vase of colorful purple peonies, a basket of brown eggs, or a bowl of colorful fruit inspired an explosion of photo shoots and a burning desire by homeowners to mimic Martha’s style in their own homes.

The look of marble slabs, with their striking veins against gorgeous white backdrops, are one reason why people want it. It is the epitome of luxury, for those wanting ‘the best’, and yet it is surprisingly one of the most affordable natural stones, another reason people want it. So why doesn’t everyone have marble countertops in their bathrooms and kitchens?

Marble is known to be a more porous, softer stone than some of its natural stone counterparts. Its nature lends itself to staining and etching more easily. Some buyers are undaunted by the possibilities of chips or stains, however, as they feel the patina adds to the character of their kitchen or enjoy the process of ageing natural materials. Others, however, desire a more modern design aesthetic that necessitates a less “lived in” look for their countertops. With proper choices, care and maintenance, marble countertops can certainly satisfy this second group.

Before we discuss a few tips to keeping marble countertops looking new, we offer a clarification on the term “etching”. Permanent etching would be the result, for example, of placing an acidic lemon face down on a marble surface for a period of time. When removed, the result would be a clear mark that is less shiny than the rest of the surface, likely permanent. Temporary etching would be more like what happens when the stone gets wet from water. The affected portion would appear darker until the water soaks in or dries, with no lasting change to the stone itself (common to many natural stones that are not sealed). For the purposes of the tips below, we’re referring to permanent etching, a result acceptable to those embracing an Old World patina and a result less desirable to those with a modern look in mind.

- Honed marble countertops are a usually a better choice than highly polished marble slabs if the look of etching is not desirable. Permanent etching is less noticeable on a more matte surface.

- All spilled liquids and spices should be wiped immediately from the surface. Red or purple liquids will stain more obviously and should be taken care of with greater urgency. Red wine, beets, turmeric, mustard, oil, and blood are examples of items that should not be allowed to sit on marble.

- New marble buyers are encouraged to retain an unused piece of their marble to test its limits. Leftover pieces from the install, such as remnants from cutting the holes for sinks and faucets, are ideal for this purpose. Use them to experiment with liquids, spices, and knives to get a sense of what your particular countertop can endure. Knowing a red wine drip needs to be swiped up within 5 minutes but a few drops of beef broth can sit for hours on a particular marble is invaluable information down the road to owners who wish to delay ageing.

- There are products designed for polishing marble countertops. Stains can often be removed with these polishes. Keep them handy for spot removal, as the quicker a polish is used, the more likely it will combat staining. Over time, some stains will also fade on their own or become lighter and less noticeable.

- It is true that marble is a “softer” stone. However, it is still stone. It can usually endure more than owners think. Take care in high traffic areas, such as around the sink or landing spots for pots and pans, but keep in mind that the softness of the stone does have an advantage. Marble can be re-honed or polished to treat etching, scratches or stains. Harder surfaces do not offer this option.

- The key to keeping marble looking beautiful is to seal it. Though it can be professionally done, sealing is an easy do-it-yourself project with a wipe-on sealant. Well-sealed marble will ensure liquids bead on the countertop and do not sink in. How often sealing is needed will vary depending on the type of sealant used in the past. When water does not bead on the surface, it is a good indicator that it is time to reseal.

Marble countertops are classic. Timeless. They offer a bright, stunning white unrivaled by other natural stones. Best of all, marbles come in a variety of colors from Carrara White marble to the darkest China Black, and are elegant, affordable options for natural stone lovers. Whether a buyer desires an aged look, etches and all, or a sleeker surface, marble can meet the needs of most, even in high traffic areas.

MSI is the leading importer and distributor of countertop products in North America, offering more than 50 marble color options and patterns to choose from. For more about marble and marble care, click here for a download of “Care and Cleaning of Natural Stone”, or visit The Marble Institute of America or The Natural Stone Institute on the web.

Over the past weeks, we have taken you around the world to see natural stones as we see them – multigenerational, varied, and boundless. We discussed granite, marble, travertine, slate, limestone, and onyx, described how they are formed, and explored their many uses from national monuments, landmarks, and tourist destinations to every day products past and present. This week, in our final installment, we’d like to bring it altogether and offer you an overview of each stone to demonstrate how a premium surface from MSI can become a piece of art in your home or business. 

Granite – Easily the most well-known natural stone as a building material in today’s design lexicon, MSI offers a vast variety of granite countertops and granite tiles for flooring, as well as granite landscaping stones, like cobbles, for outdoor needs. Though it is the hardest of the natural stones and also known as the most “maintenance free”, making granite great for interior and exterior applications, this natural stone’s true virtue is its broad range of patterns, colors and crystalline variation, and versatility when it comes to cuts and finishes. As discussed in our tour of national monuments, granite is a popular choice for its ideal carving surface; however, it is also a perfect choice to bring a little majesty to your next project.

Marble – Your home may not be the Taj Mahal, but it can feel like it with a selection of marble tiles for flooring or marble slabs for countertops. Marble’s distinctive veining that can reveal itself as bands, streaks and clouds and variance in white, black, grayish and even pink and red shades makes it a great natural stone for accenting an area like a foyer, fireplace, or special countertop. As a piece of marble can be more susceptible to etching depending on its mineral content than an invulnerable stone like granite, it is best utilized selectively as a piece of definitive artwork for minimalist or dramatic looks.

Travertine - Travertine exemplifies the uniqueness of natural stone and offers us breathtaking achievements, whether untouched in its native environment or realized as man-made structures. Travertine tiles are one of the most popular natural stones for both interior floors and for exterior floors as travertine pavers. Travertine caps, treads, copings, flagstone, and ledgerstone will also redefine the look of an outdoor paradise. Travertine just as easily stands alone as it works in partnership, as travertine can be combined with other stones, metals, or glass into stunning mosaics that emphasize the whites, creams, browns, coppers, and pinks of this unique stone. It’s truly a wonderful combination of strength, like granite, and beauty, like a traditional marble, escalating the quality of design.

Slate – In our Romancing the Stone blog about slate, we celebrated its many merits – flat and smooth, thermally stable, fireproof, resistant to water, and more.  However, slate is more than just a adaptable stone we’ve been using since 6000BC. It is arguably one of the most distinctive and attractive of the natural stones. Light to dark grey, black, green, pink or red, purple, brown, blue-grey, or mottled, slate boasts a vibrant array of color and exceptional texture. Slate is suited to indoor and outdoor use. We offer slate tiles for flooring, mosaics for wall cladding, and slate pavers and landscaping stones for colorful patterns. It can bring an “old-timey” look to a room or modern sophistication, and the fact that no two pieces of slate, even from the same quarry, look alike means that a focal point of slate can be a piece of unrivaled art in itself. 

Limestone – It’s hard to imagine that a stone with so many practical and industrial purposes, such as for an additive in paint or filler in toothpastes and antacids, can also be something beautiful to look at. Nonetheless, the muted tones of limestone are perfect for a casual design aesthetic, and the very nature of stone itself implies wealth and prosperity despite the comfortable look. MSI offers limestone for a variety of applications – limestone tiles for flooring in low traffic areas; limestone slabs for countertops; limestone mosaics and beveled tiles for bathroom and fireplaces; and natural cut flagstones for your outdoor art gallery.

Onyx – This semi-precious stone is indeed the crowning jewel in a home or business application. As noted in our blog devoted to this natural stone, onyx is particularly suited for exotic countertops, like bartops, or for fireplace faces and backsplashes where the stone sees gentle use but is highly visible. Onyx tiles may be used for flooring, especially as edging and accents, and is also beautiful in combination with other stones, glass, or metal as eye-catching mosaics. Onyx may not be as versatile as the other natural stones we’ve discussed in this series (only in the sense that it cannot be downplayed and cannot help but uplift a room), but it certainly is the prime example for how a natural stone alone can be a piece of art. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed our Romancing the Stone series and invite you to take a look back at each of these natural stones, deeply rooted in tradition, generationally appealing, and variant in application. 

Romancing the Stone: Introducing MSI’s Natural Stone Series

Romancing the Stone: Monuments that Stand the Test of Time

Romancing the Stone: World’s Most Beautiful Travertine 

Romancing the Stone: No Boundaries in Quality

Romancing the Stone: Slate is a Timeless Stone

Romancing the Stone: The Many Faces of Natural Limestone

Romancing the Stone: Bring it Together Natural Stone Mosaics

Romancing the Stone: Onyx - Jewel of Ancient & Modern Design

Given all the innovations available to us in today’s modern building materials, it is easy to overlook the original building material that influenced it all. Call us romantics, but nothing compares to real, natural stone. In our upcoming series “Romancing the Stone”, we will remind you why natural stones can be imitated but never truly duplicated. 

Within this targeted focus on natural stones, we’ll cover the following attributes: traditional beauty, historical implications, generational appeal, multi-purpose applications, unrivaled variation, limitless geography, and abundant supply.

Granite, marble, slate, limestone, travertine – we will explore how each of these natural, boundless resources has its place in history as both a symbol and as a reliable material. We will visit formal monuments, introduce you to every day applications of natural stones that might surprise you, and take you on a journey from landmarks in our own backyard to the world’s most breathtaking exhibits of natural stone. 

We hope you’ll join us as we take a unique look at Earth’s most beautiful, useful, and plentiful treasures – natural stones.

Coming Soon: The first installment of the Romancing the Stone series, “Natural Stone Landmarks: Granite, Limestone, and Marble”. From the Vietnam Memorial to the Egyptian Pyramids, we’ll examine how natural stones have been traditionally and historically important the world over, for thousands of years.

Natural stone is created in the earth as a product of a symphony of natural forces. Its origin and composition depends on constantly changing factors such as time and place, heat, pressure and chemistry. This is what makes each stone such a powerful work of art. Even within one specific type there is a great deal of variation, an infinite array of hues and textures, that contribute to its own special personality. The myriad of choices make it easy to create a backsplash that is truly one-of-a-kind.

At first glance, many stones may look similar to each other; however, each type is quite unique and has undergone different processes to become the amazing product that we see and touch. There is no one right material or grouping of materials to choose as they are all beautiful in their own right, and the color and finish choices are plentiful. A brief bit of geology can help you get to know more about the stone(s) you are considering. Some of these works of nature are highlighted below and fall under one of three categories:

SEDIMENTARY: This stone came from organic elements such as glaciers, rivers, wind and oceans. Tiny sedimentary pieces broke off and accumulated to form rock beds and these were fused through many ages of intense heat and pressure. Members of this group include but are not limited to:

Limestone: Formed over millennia in subterranean water systems, and in ancient ocean beds, this stone was popular in the medieval period for the construction of castles, forts, and cathedrals, many of which stand today. Limestone is rugged yet has a refined beauty all its own, and lends an old-world appeal that is gaining popularity.

Sandstone: A very durable formation of quartz grains (sand). Sandstone has been a part of architectural history since civilization began and is prized for its unique, striated weathering patterns.

Travertine: Classified as a limestone and a marble. It is formed through the accumulation of calcite from hot springs. Travertine was used in the ancient world, but can also be found in modern buildings such as the Getty Centre in Los Angeles.

METAMORPHIC: These originate from a natural change from one type of stone to another through the mixture of heat, pressure, and minerals. The change may be a development of a crystalline formation, a texture change, or a color change. Samples of this type include:

Marble: A re-crystallized limestone that took form when softened by heat and pressure and then subsequent mineral changes occurred. For centuries, marble tiles have been a symbol of affluence with an air of artistry. The common material once used in ancient Greek and Roman spas, now finds itself adorning Trump Tower in New York City. Marble is much more than the traditional, elegant white we imagine. It also comes in emerald, silver, chocolate, vanilla and even shades of red.

Slate: The durability of slate tile may be attributed to its harsh beginning, formed under tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. It is best known for its distinctive layered composition made up of thin sheets of mud, clay, and ash which lends to its earthen appeal.

Your natural stone has evolved for thousands of years in order to become the beautiful piece you fell in love with. Proper care will enhance its appeal and can even help it to continue improving with age. Because it adds significant value to your home, a little maintenance is well worth the effort and will go a long way to ensure that your investment stays protected.

First Things First

Because surface dirt is considered to be the primary abrasive that breaks down the sealer, always begin by removing any loose dirt, dust or debris from the surface with a dry, chemical-free dust mop, kitchen sponge or soft towel. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner, especially models featuring plastic attachments as they can damage the tile and leave behind small pitting and scratches. Although natural stone may initially be thought of as being a hard substance, it is often a very porous material, so care must be taken to coordinate your cleaning regimen with the type of stone you have chosen. 

A Few of the Players

Marble – This surface can sometimes wear more easily than other types but it is one that can also be easily restored with light polishing. Use a soft cloth and warm water to clean and then use another cloth such as a shammy to buff and dry. Marble is very prone to water spots, so it is a good idea to never let it air dry. For cleaning marble floors, dust-mopping with a microfiber mop or soft cloth should be sufficient on a day-to-day basis, or use plain hot water if you need to get rid of any stubborn marks. Remember to avoid vinegar and other acidic cleaners.

Limestone - Is highly porous and reactive to acids, so acidic cleaners like those that contain citrus can easily etch or interact in ways that damage it. Scrub your tiles with a pH-neutral stone cleanser that is specifically approved for limestone. Never wash with household soap and water because soap and hard water will build up and make the surface look cloudy.

Slate - Remarkably nonporous, this stone is ideal for floors and outdoor use. Wash slate with plain warm water to get the longest life from your slate surfaces. Using cleaners with high acid or alkaline pH levels will cause slate to become brittle. Use a pH neutral cleaner when warm water just won't cut it. Because these cleaners are as gentle as water, they can be used on any surface that isn't harmed by water.

Granite - The benefits of granite lie in its ability to withstand slightly stronger cleansers. It is also one of the hardest stones making it extremely durable. Wipe down granite daily and as needed using water. Once a week, wipe down with a damp cloth and a stone cleaner formulated with a neutral pH. Never use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. They can scratch, pit, and etch the surface.

Do:

·     Place coasters or trivets under hot, cold or acidic items to protect your stone surface from deterioration and discoloration.

·     Apply an appropriate sealer for more porous rock such as Granite. For less porous material, a slightly tougher agent can be used to add shine and luster.

·     Use specialized cleaners made with gentle ingredients that add a protective coating to your stone. Most have a lower ph level and will naturally remove foreign material without harsh abrasives.

Don’t:

·     Use ammonia, bleach, or acid based products.

·     Apply abrasive cleaners that may wear the sealer or scratch your stone.

·     Wait to clean up spills as they may become absorbed and be more difficult to fully remove.  

By taking the time to ensure the proper care of your valuable investment, your natural stone tile will continue to reward you with beauty and performance that will endure and delight for generations to come.