Also marble will etch when exposed to acidic substances like wine lemon vinegar etc.
Valuable resources of marble.
It is used because it is an abundant low cost commodity in crushed stone prepared for construction projects.
Although the word marble originates from the greek marmaros meaning a snow white and spotless stone marble can be found in a rainbow of colours.
Another very valuable variety is the lutz marble.
In its pure form marble is a white stone with a crystalline and sugary appearance consisting of calcium carbonate caco3.
Keep an eye out for the rare sub variety featuring two rather than four bands.
These minerals can give marble a pink brown gray green or variegated coloration.
Usually marble contains other minerals including quartz graphite pyrite and iron oxides.
Although marble makes a beautiful countertop or tile there are some drawbacks to be aware of.
Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism.
The photographs and captions below illustrate just a few of its varied uses.
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals most commonly calcite or dolomite marble is typically not foliated although there are exceptions in geology the term marble refers to metamorphosed limestone but its use in stonemasonry more broadly encompasses unmetamorphosed limestone.
Marble has many unique properties that make it a valuable rock in many different industries.
The ultimate online resource for marbles.
It is porous and fairly soft therefore can scratch and stain.
It is composed primarily of the mineral calcite caco 3 and usually contains other minerals such as clay minerals micas quartz pyrite iron oxides and graphite under the conditions of metamorphism the calcite in the limestone recrystallizes to form a rock that is.
Whether you re here because you would like to learn more about marbles or are interested in our free appraisal service have fun exploring the web site and learning about the great hobby of marble collecting.
This unique zebra colored marble fetched nearly 1700 at auction multiple times more than what most people spend on marbles in their entire lives.
Consider these factors when using marble for your countertop material especially in the kitchen.
Created by glassblower nicholas lutz in his massachusetts workshop in the 1800s they are characterised by their use of gold colour crystals in alternating bands.
These can sell for thousands of dollars.
Marble is commonly used for sculpture and as a building material.