What is Marble and how is it formed?

What is Marble and how is it formed?


Marble is a rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, with the maximum concentration of calcite or dolomite. Marble begins life as sedimentary rock known as limestone, which is a soft stone made primarily of calcite. Sedimentary rock is formed at or near the Earth’s surface by the accumulation and lithification of sediment (detrital rock).


Under heat and pressure caused by magma or the tectonic plates, this limestone begins to recrystallize, changing the texture of the rock and causing the calcite crystals to grow and interlock. Most marbles form at convergent plate boundaries. A large part of earth’s crust is exposed to metamorphism. During the process of metamorphism, the calcite recrystallizes that further changes the texture of beige marble. With the progression of the process, the crystals become larger and easily recognizable.





Marble is formed from limestone by heat and pressure in the earth’s crust. The conditions it is put under will cause the limestone to change in its very makeup, as well as texture and appearance, in a process known as crystallization. Large masses of calcite are created when the original carbonate and fossilized materials are recrystallized. And when there are impurities present in the limestone during this transformation, amazing effects and changes take place in the mineral composition. Depending upon the certain temperature, silica impurities react with the carbonate to produce crystals of quartz, or forsterite. At far higher temperatures and with rarer calcium minerals like larnite, other formations are created within the marble. There may also be a variety of other changes, depending on what’s present during the process, including water or other mineral components. Clay, sand, or chert mineral impurities may often produce distinctive veins and swirls within the marble, producing spectacular patterns and discolorations that homeowners and decorators are highly sought after.


Sedimentary rocks are the one that are formed on or near the surface of the Earth. Erosion, weathering, dissolution, precipitation, and lithification are the most important geological processes leading to the creation of sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks were originally sediments, which were compacted under high pressure. Sedimentary rocks are formed through the solidification of sediments. They are formed when minerals and other sediment sit in oceans and lakes for millions of years. This sediment then further gets compressed over time and becomes solid layers of rocks. Further, earth movements can cause sedimentary rocks to be deeply buried or squeezed. As a result, the rocks are heated and put under great pressure. They do not melt, but the minerals they contain are changed chemically, forming metamorphic rocks.





Metamorphic rocks are rocks that have been changed from their original form by immense heat or pressure. The conditions necessary for the formation of a metamorphic rock are very precise and make it harder than sedimentary marble. The existing rock must be exposed to high heat, high pressure or a hot fluid rich in minerals. These conditions are most commonly found either deep in the crust of Earth or at the boundaries of plate where tectonic plates collide. In order to create metamorphic rock, it is vital that the existing rock remain solid and not melt. If there is too much heat or pressure, the rock will melt and become magma. This will result in the formation of an igneous rock, not a metamorphic rock.





What Are the Characteristics of Marble?


White marble is composed primarily of calcite, dolomite, or perhaps serpentine. The chemical composition of marble is composed of the following major constituents: Lime (CaO), Silica (SiO2), Alumina (Al2O3), oxides (NaO and MgO), and (MgCO3 and others). Marble has long been highly valued for its beauty, strength, and resistance to fire and erosion. It is known for its durability and its toughness to combat scratch and heat. The best thing about marble is that it is available in different colors due to the presence of various minerals like sand, silt and clay. Marble is usually a light-colored rock. When it is formed from a limestone with very few impurities, it will be white in color. Marble that contains impurities such as clay minerals, iron oxides, or bituminous material can be bluish, gray, pink, yellow, or black in color. Marbles of extremely high purity with a bright white color is very useful. Marble is a stone with a firm crystalline structure and slight porosity. Due to its structure, marble can be polished to improve its shine and is thus a common and attractive stone for building applications. These numerous virtues of marble make it one of the most coveted choices for the homeowners.


Marble has a diversity of physical properties that make it a useful stone. Below you will find some of the best reasons when marble is considered one of the most coveted choices:-





Value for money and resell value is high: Marble is a sturdy, solid and luxurious material that upgrades every space in which it is incorporated. It will present an elegant and distinguished look that will catch the eye of potential buyers. Marble comes with an everlasting appeal because it doesn’t get old easily. It is a stone which is very appreciated for its resistance and its ability to not lose its beauty over time. It increases the value of the property due to its characteristic combination which makes it a value for money material and it has higher resale value, higher valuation and it is reusable too.





Low maintenance and high durability: Marble requires little upkeep to stay in pristine condition, and holds up exceptionally well to age and wear. It can be easily repaired and re-polished. When you have a marble floor then you do not have to worry about cleaning messy spills and even crayon marks by kids on your floor you can easily clean them from a red marble floor with a damp, soapy towel. A great feature of marble flooring is that they are moisture resistant, which makes the surface easy to clean. Not only marble is easy to maintain, it is durable enough to withstand the toughest bumps. It is highly durable and doesn’t stain or scratch easily.





Wide range of designs of Marble: Marble comes in a wide range of designs, making it an ideal choice for accentuating any type of décor. Marble comes in thousands of colors and shades. The color and grain of marble isn’t found in any other type of natural stone which is why it’s such a timeless and classic look suitable for so many different homes. Its wide range of designs gives designers a chance to show their creativity to match the owner’s taste.


Sealing: Unless the marble is properly sealed or thoroughly clean, it can catch stains easily, and that can bring the look of your kitchen or bathroom down. To prevent this from happening, it is important to get the marble resealed at least once a year.





Etching: Marble can be etched when exposed to acidic items. Etching is the physical change that occurs to marble when acid interacts with the stone’s calcium carbonate makeup. You can use sealing as a protective layer or polishing is required to remove the etching. For example, if a coffee stain over sometime without cleaning, the stain will be permanent.


Marble when used in bathroom walls and floor and when used in the living room floor and walls speaks volume about its application. From floors to counters to walls, you can go all and about with marble and enhance your house’s décor. From kitchens to basements, marble can be used in literally every room of the house. Marble walls give a fresh feeling to your space that reads cleanly. Marble flooring gives off a grand appearance that will take your breath away.





Most of the houses rely on marble flooring for it just amps up the ambience of the house. The compliments are surely on your way if you go for a black marble floor for your living room, bedroom, or just about any nook or corner of the house. To make your walls a statement on its own, use marble instead of the regular material. You will see your house transform for the best and make guests go gaga over the opulence created by it. Beauty is definitely at the top of the list of advantages of marble. A marble dining table will complement just about any décor and become a conversation piece with your guests.





One of the many virtues of marble is that it doesn’t erode in water; hence it makes for an amazing floor option. It is a softer stone that can be milled, machined and tumbled, which means it can have multiple uses. Marble has been a mainstay of decorative materials in bathrooms. Marble walls add glamour to your bathroom space and have been a mainstay of decorative material. Marble is a soft stone, and therefore, easy to work with. If you will maintain it properly then your bathroom walls will look incredible for many years to come.