The big interior scam – marble look instead of real natural stone

An alarming trend has emerged in the world of interior design and online shopping: more and more companies are offering “marble-look” products that at first glance look like real marble and are often advertised as such, but are actually made from artificial materials consist.

The imitations are often made of ceramic, resin or even plastic that are printed or coated with a thin layer to give the appearance of real marble or other natural stone.

The result may seem deceptively real at first glance, but it is nothing more than an illusion. The perfidious thing about this practice is that many (even well-known and well-known) companies initially advertise their products as real “marble” without making it clear that it only has a marble look.

Hidden truth in the fine print

Only in the small print, often hidden in technical data sheets, a long detailed description or on the last page of the product data, is it noted that it is not a real natural stone.

Consumers are deliberately misled. In addition, these imitations are often sold at prices that are equal to or very close to those of real marble.

But why is that the case? And why should we consciously choose real natural stone?

The trick with the margin: Marble look at the price of real marble

Marble has stood for high quality and exclusivity for centuries. Its natural beauty, created by the unique grain and structure of each stone, makes it a sought-after material for high-quality furniture and interiors.

However, real marble is expensive to purchase and complex to process, as special machines and trained personnel are required. This is exactly where many companies come in who want to maximize their profit margins and minimize their investment by selling products with a marble look.

The production of imitation marble is significantly more cost-effective compared to the extraction and processing of real marble.

Plastics, ceramics or synthetic resins are processed and printed to look like real marble. But instead of offering these imitations at a cheaper price, many companies deliberately rely on customers' ignorance. They market these products as luxurious alternatives and often charge the same price as real marble - or just slightly less.

The difference is often only mentioned in the small print, so many buyers do not recognize the attempt at deception at first glance and think that they are purchasing high-quality natural stone.

This strategy aims to maximize profit margins by keeping costs low while achieving high sales prices.

However, you as a consumer end up paying a high price for a product that offers neither the longevity nor the quality of real marble.

Why real natural stones are the more sustainable choice

In addition to the morally reprehensible deception caused by high prices for inferior products, there is another important aspect: sustainability.

Marble-look products are often made from non-renewable raw materials and require energy-intensive production that is harmful to the health of employees.

The materials used for these imitations are often plastics or composites, which are neither biodegradable nor environmentally friendly.

In contrast, real marble is a natural material that has formed in the earth over millions of years. Its extraction requires little or no energy, depending on the mining method, and the lifespan of real marble is incomparably longer than that of imitations. Incidentally, no energy is used when processing the marble, which makes natural stone a particularly ecologically sustainable material.

While marble-look products can show signs of wear after a few years, real marble will last for several centuries if cared for properly. This reduces the need for replacement and significantly reduces the environmental footprint.

We, the MAGNA Atelier , consciously focus on working with real natural stone, which we process regionally and sustainably mine in the countries of origin.

Our natural stone tables are not only long-lasting masterpieces of craftsmanship, but also a true piece of nature, unrivaled in their uniqueness and beauty.

By producing locally, we minimize transport routes and associated CO₂ emissions, which underlines our contribution to a more sustainable future. We also offset the emissions of every order with our partner Greenspark .

Authenticity versus imitation: an incomparable difference

In addition to sustainability, there are also aesthetic reasons why real marble is far superior to the marble look. Every block of natural stone that is processed in our workshops is unique.

The natural color gradients, veins and patterns found in each stone tell a story spanning millions of years. No imitation can ever imitate this authenticity.

Marble-look products, on the other hand, are mass-produced goods. They may seem appealing at first glance, but they are uniform, without the depth and character that real marble offers.

If you choose real natural stone, you are choosing a unique piece that impresses with its natural beauty and durability.