Delicate...that's all I can say about Marble and Granite without hurting it. They are all natural stones that actually breathe and change due to it's surrounding circumstances. As precious as a flower, Marble and Granite should be cared for with diligence and LOVE. Pay attention Beloved...this is not hard but must be remembered or the consequences are grave and detrimental to the life of your Marble, Granite, Travertine, Limestone, Soapstone and Onyx. Let's learn about what they are.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from liquid magma, cooled slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of diamond. Its hardness and density comes from the fact that it has been solidified within the earth under extreme pressure. It consists of feldspar, quartz, mica and other minerals that all contribute to the unique coloration and texture of each granite deposit. Granite is considered an ideal choice for kitchen countertops because it can withstand high heat (up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit). Granite countertops are virtually scratch-proof and will not scratch even when directly cut on.
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from the recrystallization of limestone under intense pressure and high temperatures within the earth. During this process, other minerals are introduced into the structure, which produce beautiful colors and veining which characterize marble. Marble colors vary from white to black, being sometimes yellow, red and green, and frequently beautifully veined or clouded. Marble is scratch and stain-prone, as it is not as hard as a granite surface. It is not preferred in the kitchen, but works well in bathrooms, on hearths, and in some furniture applications.
Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed largely of the mineral calcite, most commonly coming from marine organisms. Limestone often contain various amounts of silica, as well as silt, clay and sand. Domestic limestones are grey to buff in color, while imported limestones contain colors from beige to dark brown, yellow, red and black.
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock made up of mineral deposits created by nature and quarried from the earth. The main mineral components in soapstone are talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnesite, which gives it the soft touch. Soapstone has a unique color with light flowing veins. It is very resistant to heat, which makes it suitable for kitchen countertops and woodstoves. Soapstone maintenance includes periodic application of mineral oil.
Travertine is a sedimentary rock, mostly made of calcite that was generated by the deposit of such minerals from hot water springs and streams pouring from them. It is a very porous material, and holes are generated either by gasses trapped by the sediments or by water plants that were trapped inside the formation and then decomposed. It is highly susceptible to heat, scratching, staining, and acidity, and is not recommended for kitchen projects.
Onyx is the result of water dissolving existing limestone and re-depositing it as a new kind of stone. In limestone caves, onyx is formed by drip water, like stalagmites and stalactites. Onyx is best for furniture pieces, bathrooms and fireplace surrounds.
Translucent Onyx
Onyx Bathtub
Remember!
It is important to dust the surface everyday if possible and to clean spills and messes as soon as they occur! Do not use acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they break down the sealer and your stone will be more prone to staining and you will be left with a dull surface. Daily cleaning includes the use of Castile soap and water.
It's that simple, my Precious Ones. Do not over complicate the nature of things. These natural Stones don't need a lot of fuss but they do need your Tender Loving Care! Until next time my Friends...Remember, Cleanliness is next to Godliness!
The answer is a resounding YES!!! If your Momma didn't tell you...give her a break. Maybe she didn't know. I will admit it, I am as surprised as you are. I have just always sprinkled Salt on my food and kept it handy to extinguish kitchen fires. My mother did not pass along this information either. There is so much about Salt that is intriguing and even beautiful too. So let's find out all about it shall we, Beloved?
Supernatural Salt
The Great Salt Lake
The Great Salt Lake has very beautiful sunsets, ranging in hues of lavender as you can see, pinks, golds, crimson and blues you never thought existed. Basically the Great Salt Lake is a small Sea surrounded by land. The Salt in the Great Salt Lake allows you to float very easily.
The Dead Sea
The Dead Sea is made up of 30% Salt. Obvisously you can float in the Dead Sea, plus it has Health Benefits. Many travel to Israel just to receive those miraculous healings. One of the most interesting sights to see is people covered in Dead Sea Salt Mud.
The Dead Sea beholds a Beauty with Salt like no other place in the world. I believe it is because of God's Supernatural hand primarily in the midst of the Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
And then there is the Dead Sea Scrollsand the most recent findings 70 metal booksfound near a Jordan Cave is absolutely amazing even though it was not in the Dead Sea. There is just always something Supernatural about God and what He creates. And don't forget, God says Christians are the Salt of the Earth!!
Now that we have had our fun, it is time to get to the Nitty-Gritty of Salt......CLEANING!
Salt the Cleanser
Salt absorbs spills, especially helpful with greasy ones
Salt neutralizes smells, wonderful additive to garbage cans
Polishes Silver; Line your sink with foil, add a half a cup of Salt & half a cup of Baking Soda with two cups of very hot water, soak for thirty minutes or more then polish
One part Vinegar or Lemon Juice plus one part Salt for cleaning Copper
Remove smells from your hands after prepping food; rub Salt with just a few drops of water, then rinse away the odor
Degrease your oven, pans, pots and dishes with one part Baking Soda & one part Salt
Remove grease stains from carpet; one part Salt and four parts Rubbing Alcohol, rub in hard and rinse with water or steam vacuum
clean white wicker furniture; make a salty water solution, use a bristle brush, scrub and let dry in the sun
Check Out the fastest most simplest way to clean your Cast Iron Skillet below
Degrease and deodorize sink drains by using Salt and very hot water
Remove water rings from wooden furniture; one part Salt and one part Olive oil
Remove stubborn coffee and Tea stains with a mixture of Salt and Liquid Dish Soap
Clean refrigerators with Salt and Soda Water
Remove Rust with a mixture of Salt, Cream of Tartar and Lemon Juice; create a paste, set it sit for awhile and scrub off Rust Stains
For a sparkling Coffee Pot; Salt, Rice and Ice Cubes; swish around and then rinse
Wine Stains; Blot wine up, pour a pile of Salt, vigorously rub in, use cold water to rinse and then use a shop vac to vacuum up the area.
Over suds in laundry; add one cup of Salt to calm down the bubbles
Keep clothes from freezing on the clothes line this Winter; add one cup of Salt to your final rinse.
Brighten Colors and prevent colors from bleeding; add one cup of Salt to your wash
Remove Rust, Mildew and Perspiration Stains from your clothes; make a paste with Salt and Lemon Juice, rub it in, let it completely dry in the sun and then wash
Wash your Fruits and Vegetables with a Salt water solution
Clean dirt off your freshly picked garden vegetables, such as Mushrooms, Onions, Shallots and Potatoes; pour a whole lot of Salt into a container, bury your Vegetables, rub Salt all over them and then shake off the excess
Clean the ring around your tub, whether it's soap scum or hard water stains; use one part Salt and one part Lemon Juice, make a great scrubbing paste and then rinse
Clean Lipstick stains off cups; rub Salt and then rinse
Clean and deodorize Cutting Boards; rub plenty of Salt into your board, let sit for two minutes and then rinse
Kill weeds; one part Salt and three parts very hot water, fill a spray bottle and directly spray on the weeds that you want to dispose
Clean Piano Keys; make a paste with Salt and Lemon Juice, rub and then wipe off
Clean Artificial Flowers; pour Salt into a paper bag, place flowers in the bag, close and then shake
Clean Antique Linens; Boil in a pot, water, half a cup of Borax and half a cup of Salt. Steep until stains are lifted
Clean loose Diamonds; pour Salt into hands and rub together with Diamonds. Use white toothpaste, a toothbrush and Salt to scrub Diamond jewelry
Clean Motor oil off hands by rubbing them with Salt
Wipe away Smoke Film off your walls; mix Salt with Rubbing Alcohol and wipe away
Clean Belly Button Piercing....view video below
Pass the Salt, Please
We all need Salt, in more ways than one. A small amount of Salt is needed in our diet. There are a few things, Sweetheart, that I would like you to remember until the next time we discuss Salt.......oh Yes, there is so much more to talk about!
Take Life with a Grain of Salt, Pass the Salt, Please.......
&
Don't forget Beloved, Cleanliness is next to Godliness
Delicate...that's all I can say about Marble and Granite without hurting it. They are all natural stones that actually breathe and change due to it's surrounding circumstances. As precious as a flower, Marble and Granite should be cared for with diligence and LOVE. Pay attention Beloved...this is not hard but must be remembered or the consequences are grave and detrimental to the life of your Marble, Granite, Travertine, Limestone, Soapstone and Onyx. Let's learn about what they are. 
