Marble is a crystalline igneous rock composed mainly of dolomite or calcite. Naturally occurring in a variety of colours such as white, black, blue, green, pink and red, marble can be treated by grinding and polishing to reveal its elegant texture. A symbol of luxury and monumentality, marble has an almost unlimited lifespan, although it is less resistant to wear than granite. However, it is sensitive to acids, prone to staining and is not suitable for high traffic floors or kitchen worktops due to its porosity and sensitivity to abrasives. Matching marble stone to large areas can be difficult due to the natural colour variations, but it is ideal for decorating fireplaces.