Honed is not as shiny as polished and lacks the reflective qualities that polished marble has. To the touch it is velvety and has a satin-smooth look to it. Honed is more scratch resistance as it does not have a gloss finish like polished. This property is created because honed marble does not have the reflective surface like polished consequently when light hits it the marble scratches do not show up as clearly. This is also true for watermarks and smudges, this makes it an overall lower maintenance product.

Polished looks so regal. The polishing process brings the full character and charm of the stone to the surface. It gives the veining clarity that the honed does not have. Polished marble has a smooth shiny surface almost mirror reflective with its glossy finish. The polishing does create a level of protection (though the sealer should be doing this) for spills and liquids. It still must be sealed. But should the sealer wear in places without you reapplying, you will get more resistance from the polished than you would the honed.