What is marble?

The word “Marble” comes from Greek origins, meaning “shimmering block of stone”. Commercially, any stone (other than granite) capable of taking a polish is called marble.

Marble is a metamorphic rock, which starts out as a limestone mainly composed of calcium and dolomite, but has been transformed by immense heat and pressure over time by the Earth. The addition of other minerals are what gives these stones their unique veining, colouration, and physical properties making them more or less rare. Marbles originate from all over the globe, and can be found in white or black, as well as in all the colours of the rainbow.

The main components of calcium and dolomite render these marble sensitive to acids and softer than their granite counterparts. This means that they are more prone to wear and tear over time and develop what is called a patina or surface tarnish. These properties are also what allows the stone to be soft enough for carving and sculpting into beautiful furniture and architectural details that we see all over the world. Marble is one of the most popular stones for interior design applications and adds a sophisticated feel to any décor. It is used for floors, walls, fireplaces, furniture and vanity tops.

With today’s technology, marble is being produced in ways that are more resistant than ever before, allowing for the extraction and fabrication of colours not typically seen before. There are more and more products and procedures to protect and care for your marble, and you can learn more about them here.