9 Interesting Facts About Marble
People have been using marble in art and architecture for hundreds of years. Some of the most magnificent architectural structures in the world are built using this natural stone. Thanks to marble, we can still admire the stunning beauty of the Pantheon in Rome, the Taj Mahal and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Some of the building’s most beautiful features include the heavenly white marble tile floors
In fact, marble is undoubtedly one of the most popular types of natural stone, and we see it everywhere. That said, do we really know enough about this beloved material? In this article, we will share with you some of the most exciting facts about marble. Table of Contents
- Fact 1: Origin of the name
- ● This stone is named for its lustrous properties.
- ● Isn’t marble called “marble”?
- Fact 2: Marble is mined from the mountains
- Fact 3: Marble is actually made of limestones
- Fact 4: Color and texture
- ● Every board is unique.
- ● Marble is available in a variety of colors.
- ● The whiter the marble, the purer it is.
- Fact 5: Marble has various interesting properties
- ● Hypoallergenic
- ● Heat resistant
- ● Easy to work with
- Fact 6: Marble never stops changing throughout its life cycle
- Fact 7: Many historical buildings are made of marble
- 1. Egyptian pyramids are often covered in marble.
- 2. The Taj Mahal in India is entirely made of marble.
- Fact 8: You can find marble in seemingly impossible items
- ● Medicinal ingredients
- ● White powder and pigments
- ● Toothpaste
- ● Luxury electronic cases
- ● Bottling
- ● Calcium supplement for farm animals
- ● Toy Marbles
- ● China clay
- ● Eyeglass frames
- ● Acid neutralizer
- ● Paper and paint
- Fact 9: Michelangelo was wrong about marble
- Conclusion
Fact 1: Origin of the name
● This stone is named for its lustrous properties.
Marble is a stone known for its effects, and the word “marble” is thought to be derived from the ancient Greek verb μαρμαίρω ( marmaírō ), which translates to “to shine/glitter/glitter”. Marble is stunning and we can see why so many people love having it in their homes.
● Isn’t marble called “marble”?
The term “marble” as used by stonemasons and interior designers differs from the definition given by geologists. Geologists distinguish marble into metamorphic limestone and dolomite. Commercially, however, marble is used as a more general term for various metamorphic rocks. In summary, rocks and materials with commercial names like “marble” and “granite” may technically not correspond to those materials’ scientific definitions.
Fact 2: Marble is mined from the mountains
Many people do not know that during its geological life, marble was originally limestone. Once limestone undergoes volcanic and tectonic activity involving extreme temperatures and pressures, it will begin to change its molecular structure and appearance. Marble is a form of limestone that has crystallized. Limestone is heated, compressed and re-solidified to become elegant marble.
In the Sinai Peninsula, you can find exotic marbles in cream, cream, yellow, and patterns that look like golden flecks. Since the geological processes in this part of the Earth’s crust are interrupted before reaching the surface, it is technically more accurate to call this yellow marble limestone.
So, marble is actually mainly composed of limestone and calcium carbonate. It is formed by high pressure and temperature in the Earth’s crust. Metamorphic rock is a new type of rock that is formed by the metamorphic deformation of existing rocks, so in layman’s terms, marble is formed by the thermal melting of sedimentary rocks and then recrystallization.
Fact 3: Marble is actually made of limestones
Many people do not know that during its geological life, marble was originally limestone. Once limestone undergoes volcanic and tectonic activity involving extreme temperatures and pressures, it will begin to change its molecular structure and appearance. Marble is a form of limestone that has crystallized. Limestone is heated, compressed and re-solidified to become elegant marble.
In the Sinai Peninsula, you can find exotic marbles in cream, cream, yellow, and patterns that look like golden flecks. Since the geological processes in this part of the Earth’s crust are interrupted before reaching the surface, it is technically more accurate to call this yellow marble limestone.
So, marble is actually mainly composed of limestone and calcium carbonate. It is formed by high pressure and temperature in the Earth’s crust. Metamorphic rock is a new type of rock that is formed by the metamorphic deformation of existing rocks, so in layman’s terms, marble is formed by the thermal melting of sedimentary rocks and then recrystallization.
Fact 4: Color and texture
The purest color of marble is pure white. It can also come in other colors due to mineral and clay deposits. These deposits can cause the color of the gemstone to range from pink to yellow to black. Clusters of sediment can cause spots and textures on the stone. Marble can be polished to a high luster, giving it a unique grain pattern. Due to the natural veining and speckled pattern, no two marble slabs are the same.
● Every board is unique.
The veins that make marble so easily identifiable are actually impurities in the rock! Every marble slab is different, so sourcing marble from the same lot is key if you want all of your marbles to match as closely as possible. These patterns are the result of layered or granular mineral impurities within the stone. They create marble’s signature swirls and streaks that you often see on kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops.
● Marble is available in a variety of colors.
Although marble is naturally white, it can come in a variety of other colors due to clay and mineral deposits. You can choose from white, pink, green, gray, red, black and blue marble. It can also be cut into almost any shape you like. That’s why marble is one of the most versatile home improvement materials on the market today.
● The whiter the marble, the purer it is.
The unique grain pattern provides a sophisticated and classic look unlike other natural stones. These colors are caused by other minerals present in the stone. Therefore, the fewer inclusions there are in a marble slab, the whiter and purer it is.
Fact 5: Marble has various interesting properties
Marble is a fantastic material for kitchen countertops since it is long-lasting and simple to care for. However, it has many more interesting qualities that convince people to use it for renovation projects. Here are some of them:
● Hypoallergenic
Marble is a dense material, so the density and low porosity of marble make it hypoallergenic. Unlike carpets, which collect dust and animal dander, marble does not collect allergens. This is why marble is a popular choice for homeowners with allergy issues.
● Heat resistant
Marble is often cool to the touch because it is a dense conductor of heat and absorbs heat easily. For instance, when you place your fingertips on marble, your body heat is exchanged and expelled. This is unlike other surfaces that are not good conductors of heat. If you touch carpet or wood, the fibers and air pockets on the surface retain heat long enough for it to warm up, and the heat doesn’t dissipate quickly.
So compared to concrete and wood, natural stone is also suitable for areas with hot climates. After all, marble does not absorb energy or heat very quickly, making it very heat-resistant. Marble is used to naturally cool interior spaces in hot climates.
● Easy to work with
Unlike granite and other natural stone types, marble is a softer stone. Marble is naturally porous, which makes it softer. Because it is softer than other stones, it makes an excellent material for sculptures. Softer materials allow for more detailed engraving. On the other hand, softer, porous stone is more susceptible to staining and scratching.
Fact 6: Marble never stops changing throughout its life cycle
Marble is a metamorphic rock that never stops changing, even after it is cut, polished and installed. Marble structures can react and change even after they are installed in your home. Acidic elements and minerals found in hard water and extreme heat conditions can cause reactions and changes in the structure of marble.
It continues to react to its surroundings, especially when it is exposed to acids. Marble countertops and floors undergo various chemical reactions that continually change their appearance. Other external factors such as minerals in hard water, acids, extreme heat, and acid rain can also cause marble slabs to react and change their appearance.
This is why most marble structures in your home are coated with sealant. It goes without saying that you must know how to properly care for marble. The best way to prevent unwanted changes in the color of your marble is to seal it regularly. It is also recommended that you clean and maintain your marble countertops and other surfaces regularly to maintain their appearance.
Fact 7: Many historical buildings are made of marble
Marble has been a popular material for architecture and home decoration for centuries. Many buildings and statues in ancient Greece and Rome were carved from marble. Many famous buildings that still stand today are made of marble, including the Taj Mahal, the Washington Monument, and the Parthenon.
1. Egyptian pyramids are often covered in marble.
We all imagine the Egyptian pyramids as golden structures in the desert. What many people don’t know is that thousands of years ago, many of Egypt’s many pyramids were once gleaming white.
The builders of ancient civilizations cut and installed slabs of polished white limestone on larger pyramids and used beige marble for smaller pyramids. Marble was also often used in the past for columns and other structures in Egyptian temples. But during the Caliphate, the marble was removed to build the mosque. This is also why many ancient mosques have hieroglyphics on their marble slabs, especially those outside Cairo.
2. The Taj Mahal in India is entirely made of marble.
The Taj Mahal is a marble mausoleum located near the Yamuna River. The mausoleum is the central focus of the entire building. It is a substantial square-base construction made of white marble.
Fact 8: You can find marble in seemingly impossible items
When we think of the uses of marble, we immediately think that perhaps its most famous use is as a material for landmarks, statues, floors, or kitchen countertops. However, this material is versatile and has a variety of applications, and some unique uses may surprise you. For example, some cultures turned marble into a fine powder to make glue or toothpaste. Some of these uses are:
● Medicinal ingredients
Marble is excellent for acid neutralization. Since its minerals have digestive acid-reducing properties, if you take any medication for acid-related indigestion, check out its ingredients! If it contains calcium carbonate, it may be from marble dust. It is an ingredient in medications such as Alka-Seltzer and Tums, which are used to relieve acid indigestion.
● White powder and pigments
Marble’s natural white color is sometimes used to produce a product called “white powder,” which is a white powder used as a pigment, whitener, and filler in paint, paper, and other products.
● Toothpaste
Most toothpastes contain marble dust. It is the perfect soft abrasive.
● Luxury electronic cases
The marble phase of the fashion world saw the rise of marble-themed decor, but now you can buy luxury phone cases made from real marble. iPhone 7 and laptop cases made of Carrara marble.
● Bottling
Marble powder is also used to produce carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide), which is used in beverage bottling.
● Calcium supplement for farm animals
Marble is composed of calcite, aragonite and dolomite crystals. Since marble is composed of calcite, it is rich in calcium. This allows manufacturers to grind the purest marble into a powder, often used as a calcium supplement for farm animals.
The same powder is sometimes used as an acid neutralizer in soil and as an antacid in humans. In addition, many companies use marble powder in paints and cosmetics as well as other substances that require whitening.
● Toy Marbles
Marbles used as toys were originally made from marble. But due to the high cost of natural marble, today they are made of glass.
● China clay
Marble powder is sometimes added to “China Clay,” the binding material used to make pills.
● Eyeglass frames
Some manufacturers use marble for eyeglass frames.
● Acid neutralizer
Crushed marble is an excellent acid neutralizer. Therefore, it is widely used in the chemical industry. People also use it to reduce acid levels in lakes, rivers and soil.
● Paper and paint
Ground marble is used to make some papers and paints.
Fact 9: Michelangelo was wrong about marble
White marble is the most commonly used marble. Most of the world’s most beautiful and precious sculptures are made of white marble.
Renaissance artists attempted to improve upon the classics, but they were surprised by the keen aesthetic sense displayed by the ancient Greeks and Romans, for whom they particularly admired the aesthetics of ancient Roman and Greek sculpture. Michelangelo believed that the elegant and pure appearance of pure white marble was the reason his ancestors chose this material for sculpture. Unknown to him, ancient sculptors apparently painted their statues in various colors, but over time the paint eventually faded and the sculptures turned white.
Conclusion
To this day we can still see ancient marble structures and statues. In fact, acquiring this material for your next remodeling project can be a valuable investment in your property. At Rameshwaram Marble, we can help you find the ideal marble natural stone for your project. We’ll listen carefully to your specifications and preferences so you get the look you want for your home or business.
There you have it, 9 interesting facts about marble! If you’d like to learn more, you can read more of our blogs.
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