Your natural stone worktops are durable but they are not completely invincible. There are a few factors that can cause damage such as cracks, chips, stains and etching. Potted plants are sometimes the culprit when it comes to stone damage. Here’s what you need to know about this type of damage. Stain or etching The first thing you need to do is move your plant to a safe spot and inspect the damage more closely. You need to determine whether it has caused a stain or etch. In general, stain are usually darker than the colour of the stone because the stone has absorbed the contaminant. Etching is normally lighter than the colour of the stone and it can feel rough to the touch. If the pot is resting directly on the stone, it can leave a dark ring under the pot. This means that moisture has penetrated and stained