Marble is often considered to be the most luxurious building material with its distinctive veining and soft clouding that grant the impression of translucence and depth.  It is available in a wide variety of shades and can come in a honed, polished, brushed, or tumbled finish.  Marble occurs when a type of Limestone is subjected to intense heat and pressure making it both strong and durable.  Its strength means that it can be applied to almost every area in the home.  It succeeds in being an excellent material for kitchen counter tops, and is also a good material to use for sinks and basins due to its natural resistance to staining.