Hard water damage to natural stone is a buildup on the stone’s surface caused by mineral deposits. One would imagine that having a water softening system installed would protect natural stone. Although it is true that soft water will eliminate the problem of mineral deposits on stone, soft water can create an entirely new problem. Lacking in minerals, soft water pulls minerals from natural stone. If your stone is marble or some other soft, calcium-based stone, soft water can degrade and dissolve your stone.