I'll let you into a secret - you can't actually see the dust. But it is there.If you wipe your finger across the surface you will pick up dust and then you notice that the whole thing needs dusting. Easiest to do it with the brush attachment on the vacuum cleaner. If the stone is smooth it isn't a problem you can use a duster, but with brick it can catch the fibres off the duster. Or use one of those rubber bladed brushes to sweep it down with without damaging the stone or brick.

Actually; Rough Surfaces HIDE the Dust a lot Better than Smooth Ones Do... So if Somebody catches You with a dusty stone Fireplace- They're going to Think ; " Humph ! Some Housekeeper THIS One Is !! " ! ;)

Vacuum it from time to time.

I love the look of stone or brick fireplaces but I wonder how hard it is to keep them clean? I'm not talking about soot, I mean ordinary household dust. Such a rough surface must collect dust! Should I opt for a smoother look, like marble or tile? Or is keeping the stone dust-free not that big of a deal?