Maybe you have been perusing marble patterns to select an appealing surface for your kitchen and you came across a “marble that performs like granite,” or the proper name: Dolomite. As a stone that usually flies under the radar, Dolomite is sometimes marketed as a user-friendly marble, yet the sedimentary rock has its own category and deserves attention. After all, it offers on-trend patterns and elevated resilience to everyday wear. Though, we think it’s important to understand: Dolomite is not actually “hard marble,” and it does not perform like granite.
What’s the Dolomite Look—Defining Characteristics
The clean-and-crisp color palette of grays and whites that is in demand is naturally Dolomite. Usually, dolomite is gray, white and can include some tan tones. Sometimes, Dolomite will feature tinges of pink, brown, black or green—but most Dolomite is shades of gray and whites similar to the classic marble coloring.
Another defining feature of Dolomite is more prominent veining and streaked patterns, reminiscent of marble yet bolder in many cases. Dolomite delivers a sophisticated finish to kitchens and bathrooms. While on the surface it resembles marble, there are some key differences.
Marble vs. Dolomite—What’s the Difference?
Marble is a classic, luxury surface with a calcium carbonate composition that causes it to react to acids (a squirt of lemon juice) and can cause etching. Its porosity also results in staining if spills are not tended to immediately. Yet, marble is rich with character and a sought-after stone surface that is timeless, durable, available in a range of colors and patterns, and features characteristic veining. No two slabs are alike. Plus, you can choose polished, honed or textured finishes.
Dolomite is a sedimentary rock made mostly from the mineral dolomite and it’s also known as dolostone. Sometimes, showrooms will label Dolomite as “hard marble,” and the reason for this is because it is denser than marble. Dolomite is porous, though not as susceptible to staining, etching and cracking as marble. Still, you must take care of the surface, including sealing it. If you spill pickle juice on a Dolomite countertop and neglect to clean it up immediately, the surface will remind you of the oversight with etching and a stain. If you set a glass of red wine down that leaves a cabernet ring on a Dolomite surface—again, expect a stain unless you wipe it clean right away. That said, Dolomite can handle more wear-and-tear than marble, which is ideal for households that want a marble-looking surface in a high-use area like a kitchen. Basically, Dolomite performs like marble with more give.
When to Choose a Dolomite Surface
Selecting a stone surface for a kitchen, bathroom or any space in your home or commercial setting can be overwhelming because of the different stones available and, for each, an expansive range of patterns. Many are interested in the marble appearance, and Dolomite can be an appealing alternative if you’d like a little bit more peace of mind related to staining and etching, and you’re looking for a marble appeal without the price tag. We don’t consider Dolomite a stand-in for marble—not at all. These two different stones are beautiful and functional in their own right. But understanding the differences will help you make an informed decision when the time comes to narrow down stone surface options.
We encourage you to ask about Dolomite—find out how it can work in your space. Tour our showroom so you can personally see the difference and let the stone speak to you. We’re here to help.