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Granite and marble compare well against each other in terms of price, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Deciding which one is better depends on your personal style and preference. Both materials resist damage like chips and cracks well. You should seal both material types against staining and etching, but they’re still susceptible if oil, wine, coffee, tomato sauce, or juice are left on the countertop long enough. As material and installation costs range similarly, the deciding factor is your budget, design, and preferences.

A water-based, low- or no-VOC sealer is typically a good choice for marble countertops. Choose a sealant that is certified safe for contact with food when applying to kitchen countertops. For high-traffic areas, look for formulas that have heat-resistant and acid-resistant features. While there are economical and convenient spray-on sealers, they don’t coat the surface as effectively as the ones you apply with a pad or brush. 

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.

Yes, baking soda does shine marble. Sprinkle it directly on the marble and let it sit for about five minutes, then wipe it clean with a damp microfiber cloth. If you’d like to make a baking soda paste, then simply mix the baking soda with equal parts water and apply it. You can also add baking soda and dishwashing liquid to a bucket of warm water and mop a marble surface.