Marble as a stone
Marble is an elegant and beautifully shaped stone that is used for fine stone carvings, wall cladding or floor coverings. The glossy or shimmering surface is particularly noteworthy. Marble is a carbonate stone in various compositions. The rock mainly consists of dolomite and calcite. Marble is considered to be particularly robust and weatherproof. Nevertheless, it can be worked flexibly. These are the best prerequisites for the production of sculptures and monuments as well as for sophisticated architecture. Below you can find out more about the formation and processing of marble as well as the advantages and disadvantages of the material.
The creation of marble
The natural formation of marble is petrographic. Carbonate-rich limestone is transformed under pressure and heat in the earth's interior. This takes place at temperatures of over 400 degrees and a pressure of up to 10 kilobars. This produces the special strength and structure of marble stone. The conditions for the formation of marble are mainly found in magma chambers. Rock remaining in the earth's crust cools slowly and rises to the surface over time.
The processing and use of marble
Due to its material properties, marble is particularly suitable for sculpture. Many important works of art are made of marble. However, this also applies to building cladding and stairs. Marble slabs are popular indoor and outdoor stair and floor coverings. Marble is also used for wall tiles, washbasins, façade panels and table tops. The extraction and refinement of marble is a complex process, which is why marble products are generally very expensive.
The visual characteristics of marble
Numerous mineral inclusions are typical of marble. The inclusions vary in shape and size. Classic Carara marble has a fine crystalline structure, which is why the material is particularly popular with sculptors. The crystal component contributes to the strength and also ensures that many types of marble are highly resistant to frost. Another characteristic feature of marble stone is the inclusion of calcium carbonate crystals, which create a glittering effect when exposed to light. This optical effect is mainly used for wall cladding as well as stair and floor coverings. Due to the way the stone was formed, it lacks fossils and organic materials.
Marble in different variations
Marble comes in many different varieties, which are distinguished by density and color. White and black striped marble are very common. However, the material also occurs in pink, green and yellow. Brown shades are created by limonite, reddish shades by a high hematite content. Blue and grey-blue marble is created by graphite inclusions, while dark and green marble is colored by carbon, bitumen or chlorite. Multicolored marble stone contains a mixture of different minerals. Here are the most common marble colors at a glance:
- White
- Black striped
- Pink
- Green
- Yellow
- Brown
- Blue and gray-blue
- Red
The properties and types of marble
A distinction is made between polishable limestone and genuine Jura marble. According to German legal regulations, genuine marble must consist of at least 50 percent dolomite, calcite or aragonite. The different compositions result in many different types of marble, which are characterized by their individual decor and specific properties. There is a wide range of colors, and the marble types also differ in terms of shimmer and luster. The wide variety of shades, nuances and color combinations allow fascinating visual effects to be achieved with wall cladding and flooring. The crystalline nature of marble gives it its unmistakable shine.
The famous Carrara marble
The world-famous Carrara marble has a simple shape and a white color. It is often used by visual artists. In the Mediterranean region, however, it is also used for building elements. It is not only used for floor and staircase design, but also for washbasins and magnificent fireplaces, most of which are made by hand using traditional methods.
What is marble used for?
In Central Europe, marble is mainly used for interior design. It is used to clad walls, floors and stairs. However, due to its frost resistance, most types of marble are also suitable for outdoor use. In the kitchen, marble is often used as an elegant and hard-wearing worktop. Countertops are also frequently covered with marble. However, due to the material's sensitivity to acids, it should be treated or coated accordingly. Marble floors are insensitive to heat and provide cooling comfort when walking in hot temperatures. Marble washbasins are also very popular. They have an elegant and individual pattern that makes them a real eye-catcher. Marble is used as wall cladding in prestigious buildings. This is particularly true of large reception halls. Marble slabs and tiles are often used for elegant staircases and bathrooms. High-quality marble can also be used to create flooring for living areas. The material can also be laid well over underfloor heating.
Marble for the design of outdoor areas
Marble lends an elegant and prestigious flair to the surroundings of the house and garden. It can be used to design terraces, balconies and outdoor staircases, among other things. Marble slabs have a very small pore space and an extremely smooth surface. They are therefore frost-resistant. Elegant marble is also used to make decorative sculptures and artistic gravestones.
Marble in the kitchen and bathroom
Marble is often processed into countertops and kitchen worktops. However, these must be subjected to special treatment, as marble is sensitive to acids. Wine, citrus fruits, vinegar and harsh cleaning agents cause stubborn stains. In the course of industrial processing, marble for the kitchen area is immersed in a bath that closes the pores. This protects the surface from dirt and harmful influences. Alternatively, a plastic coating can be applied, which can be found on small bistro tables, for example. Marble is well suited for elegant bathroom design. The material is waterproof and quick-drying. It also impresses with its elegant appearance and beautiful shine. However, marble has a smooth surface and is not slip-resistant.
Other uses for marble
In addition to aesthetic applications, there are also technical uses for marble stone. Marble powder is an excellent abrasive. It can also be found in fine form as an additive in toothpaste. In the pharmaceutical industry, marble powder is used to produce calcium preparations. These include tablets to promote bone formation and products for allergy sufferers. Residues from marble quarries are usually ground and sold on to the industry.
The advantages of marble
The visual benefits of marble lie in its individual structure and grain. The mineral inclusions make each piece of marble unique. When polished, the stone develops an intense shine due to its dense crystal structure. Marble is weatherproof, robust and easy to care for. It is easy to clean and has a waterproof surface. As hardly any water penetrates marble slabs laid outdoors, they are generally frost-resistant. Indoor marble floors are so smooth that little dust can settle in cracks and pores. They are therefore particularly suitable for allergy sufferers. Here are the advantages of marble at a glance:
- Elegant and individual look
- stylish shine
- Water and frost-resistant surface
- Easy to clean
The disadvantages of marble
Heavy use of the material can cause dull spots to appear on polished marble floor coverings and kitchen worktops after some time. The surface can be restored by professional polishing and sanding. Unsealed marble surfaces are sensitive to acids. Therefore, marble should not come into contact with vinegar, fruit acid or wine. Marble is also a relatively expensive material, depending on the type and quarrying technique. Here are the disadvantages of marble at a glance:
- The material must be professionally sanded and polished after heavy use.
- Acid-sensitive
- Comparatively expensive
It is important to note that these properties can vary depending on the type of marble. There are different types of marble from different regions of the world, and each type may have slightly different properties.