For centuries, marble stone has been used for both exterior construction and interior design. This stunning material was used in everything from opulent palaces of days gone by and ancient statues to modern day mansions.
But where does marble come from?Â
In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a stone marble and explore marble’s origin… Not in the quarry from which it is cut but from deeper within the Earth where immense heat, pressure and time transform bland rock into this magnificent stone.Â
The Marble Origin Story
Natural stone is a broad term that is generally used to refer to any solid rock or mineral aggregate found naturally in the Earth. Granite, limestone, and even marble are all different types of stone.
Marble, however, is unique both in terms of how it formed and in terms of its origin and characteristics.Â
Marble features a characteristic and unique interlocking crystalline structure. This is due to the process by which it is created. Other stones feature different patterns, such as a granular aesthetic or a layered structure depending on their respective origins.
Due to the process by which marble is created, it is actually one of the softer types of stone. This makes it easier to work with and is the reason–in addition to its beauty–that it has been long favoured by builders, sculptors and artists.
So how is marble created exactly?
Metamorphic Transformation
Marble stone is formed when another rock is transformed under extreme amounts of heat and pressure over a significant period of time. Other stones, such as granite which is igneous (i.e., formed from cooling magma) or sedimentary stone (i.e., formed from an accumulation of other materials) are formed under different processes.
The metamorphosis of multiple sedimentary rocks begins with the shifting of the planet’s tectonic plates. This massive movement forces the minerals to rearrange themselves, creating the signature interlocking visual and also imparting a strength and veined appearance.Â
An intrusion of magma is another possible cause of marble formation. The intense heat and pressure from the magma is often enough to cause the minerals to crystallize and form marble.Â
Another unique feature of marble as a result of how it is created, is its translucency. While this does vary from slab to slab, marble offers more light diffusion than other natural stones. This means that light can pass through the stone to varying degrees. It’s part of the reason why marble is such a popular choice for backlit design elements.Â
Finding Marble Deposits
So, where does the marble come from? Marble isn’t found in a specific place or quarry. It occurs wherever the metamorphic process takes place.
Because of this fact, each marble deposit found boasts its own visual signature and unique characteristics. For example, the famous pristine white Carrara marble is found in Italy. The dramatically veined green marble of Greece is distinct in its own right. Plenty of other places, such as Spain, Portugal and India also have their own special and stunning marble deposits.Â
Extracting Marble
Extracting marble from the Earth is not an easy or simple job. In ancient days, more traditional tools such as wedges and chisels were used. But more modern techniques, such as diamond wire saws, are now used to cut through this exquisite and delicate stone with perfect precision.Â
When the slabs are cut, the different pieces are polished, honed and sandblasted to achieve the desired finish. They are then carefully transported by ship to showrooms around the world, like ours at Euro Marble.
Using Marble in Construction
As mentioned at the top of this article, marble has a long and illustrious history of use by builders, royalty and artists throughout human history. There are records of the ancient Egyptians using marble for their sculptures and sarcophagi. Both the Greeks and Romans used marble generously in their architecture. Kings and emperors displayed their opulence and wealth by featuring marble in their palaces.Â
All of this serves as testament to the enduring beauty and useful strength of this special stone.
Today, marble is used widely in the home. It is used to create stunning kitchen benchtops, flooring, wall cladding, fireplaces, staircases, vanity and even furniture. Beloved for its aesthetic, it also offers everything from heat resistance to easy maintenance and cleaning.Â
Explore the World of Marble by Contacting Us Today
The team at Euro Marble have been providing marble products and advice for over 30 years. We’re more than just the leader in the industry of marble and natural stone–we’re passionate advocates for this wonderful material.
Our highly skilled artisans bring hundreds of years of collective experience and can blend traditional methods of stone cutting with the use of the most state-of-the-art modern technology.Â
It doesn’t matter what sort of marble you’re after, when you need it and what you budget in, marble stone is a wonderful option that should be available to everyone. And with the team here at Euro Marble, it can be.
