Why Does Premium White Marble Have So Many Problems? – Breaking Down the Major Quality Defects

Analysis of Common Quality Defects in White Stone | Common Quality Defects in White Stone & Marble

White stone, particularly white marble, is widely used in interior and exterior decoration due to its pure and elegant texture. However, during processing, installation, and use, some common quality defects often occur, affecting both aesthetics and durability. The following is an analysis of the main issues and their causes.

Introduction to Key Properties of White Stone

Category	Arabescato Marble	Calacatta White Marble	Volakas Marble	Ariston White Marble
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Origin	Italy	Italy	Greece	Greece
Density (g/cm)	2.72	2.72	2.63	2.76
Water Absorption (%)	0.14	0.18	0.18	0.28
Mohs Hardness	51	59	56	61
Flexural Strength (MPa)	7	7	11.12	18.1
Compressive Strength (MPa)	114	139	130	140
Characteristics	Dark gray veining, fine-grained structure, classic white marble	Natural flowing veining, smooth and elegant, rich natural character	Jade-like white tone, fine texture, elegant appearance, relatively soft	Milky white background with light gray and dark gray mountain-style veining

1. Efflorescence and Calcification
During wet installation, alkaline substances (such as CaSiO₃) in the cement mortar hydrolyze in the presence of water, producing calcium ions and hydroxide ions. These substances migrate to the surface through the stone's capillary pores or joints. After the water evaporates, a white powdery residue remains, known as efflorescence. When these alkaline substances further react with CO₂ and SO₂ in the air, forming compounds like calcium carbonate and calcium sulfate, calcification occurs. Calcification can severely erode the stone surface, damaging its gloss and structure.

2. Staining and Discoloration
The microscopic pores of stone can absorb liquids and contaminants. Water-soluble or oil-soluble colored substances penetrate these pores, forming organic stains that are difficult to remove. Common sources of contamination include:

• Black: Tar, dust, shoe prints, etc.

• Yellow/Brown: Rust, coffee, urine, inferior adhesives, etc.

• Blue/Green: Copper corrosion, ink, algae, etc.
  Additionally, residues from labels and tapes used during construction can cause localized staining.

3. Yellowing
White marble (e.g., Arabescato Marble, Calacatta White Marble，Volakas Marble，Ariston White Marble ) is particularly susceptible to yellowing. The main causes include:

• Insufficient Protection: Moisture infiltration leads to the oxidation of iron elements within the stone, forming iron oxide.

• Contamination During Processing: Rust from equipment contaminates the back of the stone.

• External Contact: Rust from iron tools or fixtures stains the stone.

• Improper Maintenance: The use of acidic cleaners or inferior waxes reacts with the stone's components, causing yellowing.

4. Color Variation
Color variation may arise from:

• The source stone blocks coming from different quarry veins or extraction layers.

• Lack of scientific layout and numbering after processing.

• Installation not following batch sequence.

• Chemical reactions between the bonding material and the stone.

• Environmental Factors: UV exposure, acid rain erosion, and oxidation of chemical components can cause the stone to gradually fade or darken.

Conclusion
To ensure the beauty and longevity of white stone, strict control is necessary from material selection and protection to installation and maintenance. Choosing stable white marble, using dry-hanging or specialized adhesives to reduce efflorescence, applying comprehensive six-side protection before installation, and regularly maintaining with pH-neutral cleaners can significantly reduce the occurrence of the aforementioned quality defects.