HOMEOWNER WITH QUESTIONS

[c_NOrma]

HELLO!

I just spoke to someone who has a problem and I don't know how else to help them.

This homeowner has an absolute black countertop. He says that a spot appeared after placing something hot onto it. First, I thought it might have been grease. He said that someone told him to try wiping it up with acetone but, it's not making any difference at all.

I sincerely doubt that heat on abs blk can cause any damage much less a pot.

What could be the possible causes of this and what can anyone here suggest for removing it. Thanks.

[David Edwards]

Can you get a picture? If so and you post it here, you'll be able to get a LOT more help on this.

[jvcstone]

Unfortunately, because the natural stone industry if essentially unregulated, there are several black absolute imposters on the market. Some are dark gray gabbro's that have been dyed black, and the dye tends to break down. There is another "black Absolute" that is a real rogue of a stone that contains calcium binders, and will etch from acids like a marble- resulting in a gray "stain". I'm thinking that something other than a hot pan has caused the problem.
One final thought- Most dark "granites" are so dense that they do not absorb sealers very well, if at all, and if sealer has dried on the stone surface- that could be the problem as the sealer could very well react to the heat.
JVC

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

	Marble MARBLE: CHARACTERISTICS This standard includes general information on the characteristics and common uses of marble and identifies typical problems associated with the material. INTRODUCTION Marble is an extremely hard, metamorphic stone composed of calcite (CaCO3). It is formed as a result of the recrystallization of limestone under the intense pressure and heat of geologic processes. The effect of this process is the creation of a stone with a very tight crystalline structure and small but definite porosity. Because of its structure, marble can take a very high polish and is a very popular decorative stone for architectural and sculptural uses. The limited porosity of marble, especially polished marble, makes it less vulnerable to the leaching effects of water. Calcium carbonate, however, of which marble is composed, is highly susceptible to attack by acidic agents. Marble is readily dissolved by acids, even very dilute acids, however the actual results of acidic exposure will vary with the nature of the acid. Chlorides, nitrates, sulfates and other chemical compounds react differently with marble and produce various by-products, which have a wide range of solubility and impact on the durability of marble. For this reason, it is always important to determine the exact type of pollutants causing marble deterioration. Marble itself can be of two types, one composed of calcite and the other of dolomite. Dolomitic marble is much more resistant to acid attack than calcite marble. The color of marble ranges from the brilliant white of calcite to black, including blue-gray, red, yellow and green, depending upon the mineral composition. TYPICAL USES Marble has many decorative and structural uses. It is used for outdoor sculpture as well as for sculpture bases; in architecture it is used in exterior walls and veneers, flooring, decorative features, stairways and walkways. The way in which the stone is used may be a factor in limiting or controlling the severity of exposure. The use or function of the marble may also affect the feasibility of applying certain treatments, but type of use is not the primary factor in the major types of deterioration and damage to which marble is susceptible.

[c_NOrma]

Jvcstone, thank you so much. I actually have heard about there being 'not absolute black' granite in circulation. And the bit about the sealer on the surface possibly being damaged is intriguing.

Jason Edwards, I don't have any pics of his stone. But, when/if I speak to him again, I'll ask whether he has any for me to post. Thanks for your help.

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.

Originally Posted by c_NOrma

Jvcstone, thank you so much. I actually have heard about there being 'not absolute black' granite in circulation. And the bit about the sealer on the surface possibly being damaged is intriguing.

Jason Edwards, I don't have any pics of his stone. But, when/if I speak to him again, I'll ask whether he has any for me to post. Thanks for your help.

Testing of the absolute black will show if it was enhanced with a white rag and acetone. Rag should be greyish transfer color.

The white spot from the heat is the sealer that was put on the stone, almost sure of it.

james

	sealer Impregnation: This is commonly known as sealers. This is the first stage in preserving and maintaining your investment. This stage should occur ever six to eight months. There are three types of impregnation (solvent, water, silicone based), regardless to brand. This will stop most water base stains from occurring. It also will stop the stone from been damage beyond repair.