What is Doctored Stone?

Excerpted from the book, "Maintenance and Restoration of Natural Stone According to Maurizio Bertoli"

Ever ask yourself, "What are those weird 'ghost stains' and 'ghost rings' on my granite countertops”? If so, you may be the victim of stone doctoring.

So, what is “stone doctoring”?

Let’s take it one step at a time and start from the official definition of the word, doctoring.

According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the informal definition of doctoring is:

a.) To adapt or modify for a desired end by alteration or special treatment <doctored the play to suit the audience> <the drink was doctored>

b.) To alter deceptively <accused of doctoring the election returns>”

A cross-check of the same word (again, its informal meaning) on Dictionary.com not surprisingly confirms the one given by Merriam-Webster:

“To repair, especially in a makeshift manner; rig.”

And also:

a.) To falsify or change in such a way as to make favorable to oneself: doctored the evidence.

b.) To add ingredients so as to improve or conceal the taste, appearance, or quality of: doctor the soup with a dash of sherry. See Synonyms at adulterate.”

In conclusion, the informal meaning of the word, doctoring is an alteration, implemented in many different ways, of the original state of something that could be either tangible or intangible.

It is now time to relate the understanding of this definition to the world of stone. (doctored stone >>)

What's being done about this deceptive practice?

It's unfortunate that industry standards for stone are so 'iffy' in the United States - and in fact worldwide - that they are virtually non-existent. Laws protecting consumers are sketchy at best and the established industry association, The Marble Institute of America, has taken a very passive position (you can see an example of their position in cases.)

The good news is that a group of very passionate people are joining forces to effect change and to educate consumers for their own protection. Marblecleaning.org is a site devoted to answering consumer questions and helping homeowners with issues they are faced with. This site, working hand in hand with marblecleaning.org is here to focus specifically on the issue of stone doctoring.