Marble

Marble is a crystallization of limestone, used as a building material throughout human history and known for its pleasing sheen and polish. It has formed the basis of many of the significant monuments and artworks of the past, such as the Parthenon and the Venus de Milo.

Types of Marble

Marble is primarily composed of calcite (the mineral remains of marine organisms), but frequently contains impurities of such minerals as clay, sand, or iron, and these often contribute a unique texture of curls and veins that can often show up quite vividly depending on the shade of the stone. Some polished marbles evidence natural patterns that vaguely resemble landscapes or skylines. Marble can be found in a wide variety of colors: while pure limestone usually crystallizes into the austere white tone classically associated with marble, the presence of other minerals can alter the hue dramatically, ranging from rich blacks to seething greens.

Grades of Marble

Not all stones classified as marble are in fact marble in a technical sense, and builders commonly use the term to refer to any durable stone that takes a polish, including dolomite, travertine, and uncrystallized limestone itself. Marble-like stone is classified into four grades. Group A marbles are the most heavy-duty, and this group usually encompasses true marbles. The remaining grades become increasingly softer and more flawed and are often used for finishing work and ornamentation rather than construction itself. Such flawed marble tends to be more attractive to the eye, as it is the impurities which grant marble its distinctive appearance.

Marble in the Home

Marble is commonly used in kitchen countertops. It possesses the advantages of natural beauty and a wide selection of colors, but due to its softness and porousness, it tends to stain and take damage more readily than its counterpart material, granite. However, for those able to pay for the cost of a resurfacing every few years, the stylish swirls of marble counters can be well worth the added expenditure over the somewhat drab monotony of a granite block.

Marble is often preferable for use in table tops, which receive less exposure to abrasive agents than counters, and thus can afford to allow form to win out over functionality. Marble is also a highly traditional material for use in floor tile. It is less resistant than granite flooring but can be an attractive accent for areas that do not receive excessive foot traffic. It is also an elegant choice of material for bathrooms, both in bathtubs and sinks. Other popular uses for marble are in stairways, fireplaces, and bar counters.

By Matthew Ingalls