263.

QUERY: Should an altar with a table of wood or metal be consecrated?

REPLY: Yes, The GIRM no. 263 says: "According to the Church's traditional practice and the altar's symbolism, the table of a fixed altar should be of stone and indeed of natural stone. But at the discretion of the conference of bishops some other solid, becoming, and well - crafted material may be used." The consecration should be carried out according to the existing practice until a new rite is ready: Not 6 (1970) 263, no. 34.