Cultured marble is man-made, and blends pulverized natural marble with synthetic resins and dyes. After it's shaped into a countertop, a clear protective gel is painted over the cultured marble so it will last longer. For those who want marble, but don't have the budget for something authentic, cultured marble the go-to choice.
Cultured marble is durable, and its surface is non-porous, unlike real marble. As a countertop, the non-porous surface protects it from permanent stains and other damages.