Marble
Types of Stone – Marble
Nothing is as stately, elegant and timeless as marble. This stone imbues a sense of grandeur in any environment. But what is marble? Where does it come from? Learn all about the basics of marble in this informative guide.
The Alchemist's Stone
Marble is a stone that has undergone great transformation over time The changes are both chemical and physical, occurring over time with the application of natural heat and pressure. Limestone, a soft stone made mostly of calcite, begins to recrystallize due to magma’s heat or the pressure of tectonic plates within the earth. The calcite grows and interlocks, becoming marble.
Where is Mable Found?
Marble originates from many different areas. It is most popular in it’s Italian and Greek varieties, which are generally of a higher purity than other varieties. You can, however, find marble in other areas of the world such as Vermont or Macedonia.
Who's the Purest of Them All?
When shopping for marble, one thing to consider is the marble’s purity. This refers to the marble’s color. Pure marble is white or very light. Although many people desire the streaking present in other forms of marble, these are considered less pure.
Mineral deposits that settle into the marble during formation make these veins. The deposits may have already been present in the limestone or may occur during formation.
Coloured Marble
Marble can occur in a variety of colors due to these mineral deposits. Clay, iron, mica, and quartz can all cause colors ranging from green to blue to pink. Different kinds of oxides, such as iron and hematite, can also affect color.
Marble is a “Softie”
Marble’s soft nature makes it the perfect stone for carving. Marble can obviously last a long time, as seen in ancient ruins, but it will begin to show wear due to its softness. Acids, weather, and time can all have negative effects on this stone.
Sydney Marble Restoration
44 Market St,
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 0420696964