How delicate is marble?

[Concestor]

We just bought some marble bedside tables and the information that comes with them says you can't put even a glass of water on them because it will damage them. That's ok, I'll put my water on the floor but...

We were considering getting marble side tables for the living room but with two children this has really put me off - can you really not put anything on marble? We hate coasters so that's not an option unfortunately.

Is marble really that delicate?

Marble is quite porous and easily scratched. It's relatively soft compared to other rocks, which is why it's used for statues. I'd find something in IKEA for your side tables until your children have left home...

You don't want to use anything acidic either, I think you can buy marble cleaner. Although it looks nice it's not the most practical of surfaces.