These students are pondering a broken grave marker. It poses special problems in restoration. In the past, broken markers have been repaired with a variety of easily available materials such as caulk, epoxy compounds, or cement. These materials have proven not suitable for marker repair. In fact, they do more harm than good. Markers are generally made from relatively porous rock, such as limestone and marble. Moisture moves through the rock like a wick and it is necessary that this happens. Some of the above materials form a barrier to this moisture transfer, resulting in more damage to the stone in the freeze/thaw cycle. Others are acidic and cause degradation of the markers. Newly developed materials specific for marker restoration have good bonding properties and allow for the movement of moisture.