Why should I go to Orma marble palace to select marbles?

Orma marble palace is south-Asia's largest stockyard for marbles and granites. It offers a wide selection of the original marble quarries. One can get the colours and designs of one's choice and at very reasonable rates. We also have outlets at four different places in Kerala {add a link to showrooms if you can} unlike any other marble dealers.

I don't have any idea about marbles and granites. So how can I select the best one for my purpose?

We are at your service. We give you an idea about marbles and granites through our online expert advice (add a link if u can) or you can call us at-----------.

What other services does Orma Marble Palace provide?

We provide online advice to your questions about marbles and granites and we also have special schemes for NRIs. We undertake Flooring Contracts; manufacture all types of Mosaic Tiles, deal in Chips, Powders, Oxides, and Polishing waxes. We have engraving and embossing facility and undertake mirror polishing. We also deal in Sanitary Wares.

Some questions on marbles and granites.

Is marble resistant to stains and cracks?

Apart from a certain range all marble are resistant to stains. Cracks occur only if not handled nor lay properly.

Is Granite acid resistant?

Hydrofluoric acid (HF), found in most rust removers is one acid that'll severely etch, pit and dull a polished granite surface.

What can Marble, Onyx and Granite be cleaned with?

These stones will need to be cleaned with any non-abrasive material. If cleaned with an abrasive cleaner they will lose their finish.

Is it possible to get uniformity in color and textures in marble?

Only if marble slabs are sliced from the same block is it possible to achieve uniformity in textures.

How often does marble need to be polished?

For highly trafficked areas once in three years, other areas once in 5 years.

How many times can Marble be polished?

Marble needs polishing up to 5-7 times.

Can Marble be used for exteriors as well?

Marble has been extensively used in showrooms for wall cladding and exteriors as well.

How to maintain and clean marble?

Never use harsh detergents containing acids and alkaline on spills. Acid eats into the surface and alkaline takes away the sheen. Clean it with a mild detergent and water or with any antiseptic liquid in combination with water.

Can the back of a marble tile be sealed with an impregnator prior to installing, in order to avoid efflorescence?

Sealers are designed to repel water. They will then repel the water in the setting material resulting in loss of bond. However, if the marble is set in epoxy, this problem does not occur and at the same time you can avoid efflorescence.

Why does new marble have a white powder on it that cleans up with water but keeps coming back? How can one clean it off permanently?

When the marble is installed, it is set in a mortar base that is wet. As the moisture leaves the mortar, it carries with it-dissolved salts that are deposited on the surface of the stone in the form of white powder. This is called efflorescence. Unfortunately, every time you clean the floor with water you are only dissolving more salt in the stone, and when it dries, the salts return. The solution is not to mop the floor with water. Either vacuum the powder or buff it off with a dry pad. The salts will eventually work themselves completely out of the stone.

Why does marble polished with a powder, get a dull, wavy appearance and sometimes looks rough and dimpled?

Most marble polishing powders contain acid, which means if you use too much powder, you're effectively using too much acid or working the acid for too long into the floor. This condition is called 'orange peeling'. The best way to avoid 'orange peeling' while polishing is to apply a small amount of powder and work it for a while, making sure to check it often by pulling the slurry back with a window squeegee. If a shine is not being produced avoid using more powder till you have worked the powder a little longer. If you still happen to 'orange peel' the marble, you'd have to re-hone the marble to remove the dimpling. Adding more powder while polishing doesn't mean you can remove 'orange peeling'. Certain types of marble like Negro marquina, Crema marfil and other soft marbles are very easy to 'orange peel'.

What is better between marble and granite for kitchen countertops?

Marble is available in a variety of colours but it scratches easily. Given, that you'd be cutting a lot of meats and vegetables, marble is a poor choice. Granite is scratch resistant and will take cutting, but it can very porous and if you're doing a lot of cooking with hot oil, it can stain very easily. Granite can be protected against staining if you seal it with a good quality stone sealer.

Why does black granite especially countertops fade?

Black Granite is sometimes doctored with dyes and oils to darken the surface. The fading is nothing but the wearing away of these dyes and oils. The remedy unfortunately is to re-polish the top, which incidentally is expensive. To check if granite top has been doctored, before you purchase it, take a clean white rag and apply some acetone to the surface of the granite. If any residue or black color is observed on the top, it means it has been doctored.