Marble
AntiEtch®
Afghan Black Gold
Afghanistan
MarbleAntiEtch® Candidate
Fossil Stone
Morocco (Erfoud)
ASTM C503Food-Contact EligibleFrost ResistantAcid SensitiveSofter Surface
Fossil Stone
Photo coming soon
HardnessMedium(3–5 Mohs)
SoftHard
Acid SensitivityHigh Risk — Will Etch
SafeHigh Risk
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True Geology: Limestone with fossils
Fossil Stone is commercially sold as marble, but is geologically a limestone with fossils. This affects its actual physical and chemical properties.
Verify Before You Buy
Slab Yard Diagnostic Protocol
Marble is a beautiful, premium stone — but it has well-known performance limits. The diagnostic kit confirms you're getting genuine marble (not mislabeled) and gives you a chance to see how the slab will react to the acids you'll encounter in real life.
From your Stone ID Kit
Glass tileHCl dropper bottle (5–10%)Magnifier
The full step-by-step protocol — including expected results and red flags — is included in your downloadable Buyer's Guide.
Stone TypeMarble
Geological NameLimestone with fossils (commercially marble)
OriginMorocco (Erfoud)
ASTM SpecificationASTM C503
ClassificationCalcareous — Consistent
Available FinishesPolished, Honed (Matte), Leathered, Brushed, Tumbled
AntiEtch® FinishesPolished, Honed (Matte) only
Get Fossil Stone’s care guide — free
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ℹ️
True Geology: Limestone with fossils
Fossil Stone is commercially sold as marble, but it is geologically a limestone with fossils. This distinction matters because true geological classification determines the stone's actual physical and chemical properties — which affects how it performs, how it should be maintained, and how it reacts to acids and moisture.
🛡️
MORE® AntiEtch® Protection Available
Fossil Stone is a calcareous stone susceptible to acid etching. AntiEtch® provides permanent protection against lemon, vinegar, and other common acids.
Learn More🔬
MB Stone I.D. Kit — Test Your Stone
Not sure what stone you have? This kit includes the tools professionals use to identify stone type, test acid sensitivity, check absorption, and determine the right care products.
Shop Stone I.D. Kit — $139.97HardnessMedium(3–5 Mohs)
SoftHard
Acid SensitivityHigh Risk — Will Etch
SafeHigh Risk
HIGH — etches from any acid
🔥Heat Tolerance
~300–400°F
💧Sealer
Yes (impregnator)
Technical Details
ASTM SpecificationASTM C503
Mohs Hardness3–5
Absorption0.05–0.20%
Density (pcf)162–175
Compressive Strength (psi)7,500–25,000
Flexural Strength (psi)≥1,000
Abrasion Resistance (Ha)10–20
Thermal Tolerance~300–400°F
ClassificationCalcareous — Consistent
Geological NameLimestone with fossils (commercially marble)
OriginMorocco (Erfoud)
Where can you use Fossil Stone?
Tap an application to see the full recommendation.
🏠
Interior
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Exterior
Recommended Conditional Not Recommended
Care Instructions
Maintenance recommendations for Fossil Stone
🧹 Daily Cleaning
- Wipe surfaces with a soft, damp cloth or microfiber towel
- Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner — never use acidic or abrasive products
- Avoid lemon, vinegar, wine, or any acidic substance on the surface
- Blot spills immediately — do not wipe, as this spreads the acid
💧 Sealing Schedule
- Sealer type: Yes (impregnator)
- Seal every 1–2 years for normal residential use
- Test with water drops — if absorption occurs within 10 minutes, it's time to reseal
- Always clean the surface thoroughly before applying sealer
- Allow sealer to cure fully before using the surface (typically 24 hours)
⚠️ Warning Signs — Time to Call a Pro
- Dull spots or rings where liquids have sat on the surface
- Visible cracks, chips, or separating seams
- Discoloration or staining that won't clean away
- Surface feels rough or gritty in areas that were previously smooth
- White marks or dulled areas from acid etching (lemon, vinegar, wine)
- Grout deterioration around the stone edges
🛒 Recommended Products
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pH-Neutral Stone Cleaner
For daily cleaning. Avoid acidic or alkaline cleaners.
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Impregnating Sealer
Penetrates the stone to protect from within. Apply annually.
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MORE® AntiEtch® Treatment
Permanent acid-etch protection by Sureshine professionals.
🛡️ MORE® AntiEtch® Protection
Eliminate acid etching permanently. One application protects Fossil Stone from lemon, vinegar, wine, and all common acids. Applied by certified Sureshine professionals.
Get a free estimateNeed professional help?
Get a free consultation from Sureshine’s stone care experts.
Premium Protection · MORE® AntiEtch®
Protect your Fossil Stone
Fossil Stone is a calcareous stone that etches from lemon juice, wine, and coffee. MORE® AntiEtch® stops it.
- Permanent acid-etch protection
- Invisible — keeps the natural finish
- Installed by certified pros
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