Marble has a beauty that is unsurpassed. It can be used anywhere that a stone surface is desired. However, marble is much softer and more porous material than granite or quartz. Although marble is frequently used in European kitchens, North American homeowners tend not to be accepting of the marking and staining that comes along with using marble in a kitchen. North American homeowners tend to be happier using marble in bathrooms, on bar tops and fireplaces.