Marble is a popular natural stone used in high-end commercial spaces and
in many residences. Marble evokes a sense of timelessness and also provides
a luxurious atmosphere. It also stands as a very stable surface in natural
stone tiles.
Marble is a material that has been used ever since ancient times; Romans
and Greeks used marble for the construction of statues and temples to honor
their many gods and goddesses. These structures, many of which are still
standing today, are testaments to the durability of marble, as well as
monuments to its beauty.
Where Does Marble Come From?
Strikingly beautiful and unique marble is formed by exposure to extreme
temperatures and pressures. Marble is a metamorphic rock, a stage in
development during the formation of limestone or dolostone. During this
metamorphosis, a complete re-crystallization of the original rock into
an interlocking mosaic of calcite, aragonite, and/or dolomite crystals
occurs. The result is a smooth and refined material, wonderfully
patterned with rivulets of color that make each interior unique.
Characteristics of Marble
- smooth and opaque
- distinctive for use as building materials;tile, facades, and countertops.
- characteristic veins and swirls found on the surface
- random patterning and color variance.
- reputation for opulence
Production of Marble
- drills bore deep into the rock bed
- wiresaws are inserted to extract marble
- wiresaw cuts the marble in large chunks
- marble chunks are transported to mills nearby
- marble is further sawn into more manageable chunks to create large marble slabs
- the rest is cut into tiles for use as commonly sought-after building materials - flooring and wall tiles
- marble tiles are separated according to color
- marble tiles are polished on one side
- marble tiles and slabs are checked for natural faults
- natural faults are filled with pigmented resins in order to maintain stability
Once all the polishing and checking is done, the marble is ready to be shipped.
A Practical Flooring Choice
Marble has been used since ancient times for a variety of purposes:
- columns
- statues
- wall cladding
- sink basins
- floor tile
Modern times have found additional uses aside from flooring and wall use in:
- countertops
- backsplashes
- tub/shower platforms and surrounds
- hearth platforms and surrounds
Marble is widely used in areas where cleanliness is of prime importance, like hospitals for example. It has also been chosen in many homes for use in flooring because it provides a refreshing, cool walking surface particularly in hot and humid areas.