The history of marble is intertwined with humankind. It has been a popular material among sculptors, architects, and homeowners for centuries. Thanks to marble’s natural beauty and elegance, it manages to elevate the aesthetics of the spaces they are used in. In this article, we are going to explore marble’s rock classification and formation processes.
What Type of Rock is Marble? Unveiling its True Nature
Marble is a metamorphic rock, meaning that it is formed from pre-existing rocks that undergo dramatic changes in mineral composition. This process happens under extreme heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids. The parent rock of marble is limestone or dolomite, sedimentary rocks that contain abundant calcite or dolomite minerals.
Under intense heat and pressure, the parent rock undergoes several structural changes. This involves recrystallizing the minerals and turning them into larger, interlocking crystal structures. Any sedimentary structures, such as fossils, get eliminated during this metamorphic process. The presence of other minerals, such as clay or iron oxides, are classified as impurities. These impurities are the reason marble has intricate veins. These veins get their colors from the minerals that form them.
Varieties of Marble: Exploring Different Types and Colors
Marble is a timeless natural stone, appreciated by many for its natural beauty. Since marble forms naturally down in Earth’s crust, the color and veining of the stone varies a lot depending on the location it gets formed. This results in various types of marble, each with its own characteristics. Here’s a list of various popular marble types;
- Carrara Marble: Coming from Italy, Carrara marble has a white background with subtle veining. Carrara marble is one of the most popular types of white marble used for statues and home appliances.
- Calacatta Marble: Calacatta is yet another popular white marble type. What differentiates Calacatta from Carrara is that it has thicker and more defined veining than Carrara. Calacatta marble is highly sought after for interior applications.
- Nero Marquina Marble: Mainly quarried from Spain, Nero Marquina Marble has a deep black background with white veining. It is the perfect option for making a bold design in your rooms.
- Emperador Marble: Emperador marble has a brown background with mainly white veining. Quarried from Spain and Turkey, Emparador marble is the perfect way to incorporate earthy tones and warmth into your home.
- Verde Marble: Verde Marble has a green background with varying shades. This beautiful type of marble is the perfect option to add a touch of nature to your home. It is highly sought after for various indoor appliances.
- Rosso Levanto Marble: Rosso Levanto Marble is known for its deep red and burgundy background along with white veining. It is the perfect marble to add a focal point to your spaces.
Marble’s Practical Applications: Where It Shines in Modern Design
Marble is a relatively soft stone when compared to other natural stones such as granite or quartzite. This makes marble easier to work with. The natural beauty of marble can be utilized in every interior design style there is. That is why marble has been a prized material in architecture and interior design for centuries. Here are some popular applications of marble in modern design;
- Countertops & Backsplashes: Marble countertops and backsplashes are popular choices in modern kitchens. The luxurious and elegant looks of marble help homeowners build their dream kitchens with little effort.
- Bathroom Vanities: Marble has been used in bathroom areas for centuries. The beautiful and smooth surface of marble is perfect for bathroom environments.
- Wall Cladding: Marble can be used to create a beautiful background for your home décor. When used as wall claddings, the luxurious looks of marble will definitely add visual interest to your home.
- Flooring: Marble is a high-end stone with stunning visuals. That is why marble floors will elevate any home design to the next level. Various finishes for marble can enhance this effect, making the options virtually infinite.
- Furniture: The striking visuals and smooth surface of marble are suitable for various furniture applications. You can find marble tabletops, coffee tables, and even benches for outdoor areas.
- Sculptures: Marble’s relatively soft and elegant looks make it a fantastic choice for sculptures. Marble sculptures and art pieces are making a comeback nowadays.
- Accessories: Marble can also be used for a wide variety of accessories and décor elements. Marble coasters, vases, or trays are popular design elements in modern design.
- Outdoor Applications: Marble applications aren’t only for indoor areas. You can use marble as pool surrounds or patio flooring to create mesmerizing areas outside your home.
Marble Care and Maintenance: Keeping Its Beauty Intact
Since marble isn’t as hard as other natural stones, caring for your marble surfaces is vital. Regular cleaning is the key to keeping your marble applications looking beautiful at all times. You should never use abrasive or acidic substances while cleaning your marble surfaces since they can cause damage to the stone.
To protect your marble appliances, you should seal them during installation and reseal them regularly. Another important thing to be careful about is to use coasters, hot pads, or cutting boards when working on marble countertops. Since liquids can seep into the stone, blotting up spills immediately is a great way to protect your marble surfaces. Especially acidic liquids such as coffee, wine, or tomato sauces can cause etching on the surface, resulting in dull looks.
