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Yes, limestone often turns yellow over time when improperly cared for. The stone contains natural iron deposits, which can oxidize when exposed to water, acids, or harsh chemicals, such as bleach. Without exposure to water or chemicals, limestone should not turn yellow. Always seal limestone countertops to protect them from moisture, and only use gentle cleansers designed for stone.

If you would rather use vinegar to clean the stone fireplace instead of dish soap, this mixture should work fine. Vinegar is slightly acidic, however, so it may etch some kinds of stone without quite a bit of diluting. For a stone fireplace, dilute it to about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of hot water. It’s a smart idea to test the diluted mixture in an inconspicuous area of the fireplace and watch for etching. You can use vinegar to clean quite a few different items around your home, and it’s especially good at removing stains.

Using water when cutting stone drastically reduces the amount of dust that comes off the stone. It’s beneficial to cut down on the amount of dust for respiratory and other safety reasons, such as keeping your vision clear while using an electric tool. Even with protective eyewear, the dust can still cloud your safety glasses. You should always wear protective gear when cutting stone.

You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.