I've been eyeing these muddlers for some years now and I guess I made the assumption that "with a solid surface tip on either end" meant marble. It's more like rubber (descrp says "Corian," which is usually compared w/ granite & quartz, but feels more like rubber). Still beautifully designed and the walnut wood is very nice (but you might have to oil it a bit to bring out the rich walnut coloring (it arrives kind of dry looking as many wood products do). Not really complaining as it's a chic and beautiful design, but noting my surprise w the non-marble material.