In Hong Kong, marble is commonly called "wan sek" (cloud stone); in mainland China the same material is usually called "da li shi". Marble is a metamorphic rock formed when limestone or dolomite recrystallises under heat and pressure. It is composed mainly of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and has a Mohs hardness of about 3 to 4, softer than granite and vulnerable to acids, but prized for its natural veining and warm lustre.
Limestone or dolomite recrystallises deep in the crust under heat and pressure into a metamorphic rock made mainly of calcite or dolomite. Impurities such as iron, manganese and clay are drawn out into veins during metamorphism, producing the veining we see. Because impurity distribution is irregular, every slab is unique, which is both marble's greatest value and the hardest part of controlling colour variation on large projects.
Four colour families dominate the Hong Kong market: white (Calacatta, Statuario, Carrara, Arabescato), beige (Century Beige, Emperador, Crema Marfil), grey (Tundra Grey, Castle Grey, Cyprus Grey) and black (Nero Marquina, Laurent Black Gold, Portoro). Whites are used for countertops and bathrooms, beiges for lobbies and residential floors, greys for contemporary offices, and blacks for feature walls and reception counters.
Marble suits interior walls, TV feature walls, bathroom walls and bath surrounds, entrance features, window sills and thresholds. It can be used for kitchen countertops, but expect etching from acids such as lemon juice, vinegar and toilet cleaners. For outdoor paving, driveways and stair treads, granite is normally recommended instead.
Clean with water or a pH-neutral detergent and avoid acidic or highly alkaline cleaners. A penetrating sealer applied annually reduces staining risk. Dull surfaces and light scratches can be restored by crystallisation polishing, usually completed in one working day with minimal dust. Deep chips need local repair or re-polishing.
Yes. Both refer to marble; Hong Kong and Guangdong call it cloud stone while mainland China uses "da li shi". We use the Hong Kong term as the primary name, glossing the mainland term where helpful.
At Mohs 3 to 4 marble is softer than granite and can be marked by hard objects and acids. Sealing, using chopping boards and wiping acidic liquids immediately prevent most problems.
Yes, marble flooring is common in Hong Kong living rooms and lobbies. Large areas need dry-laying and book-matching before delivery, movement joints, a wear-resistant variety and protective sealing.