Marble is one of the most widely used and widely distributed rocks in the world. Not only is marble used for expensive flooring within homes, but it is also used to tile walls and even to create fireplaces, ornaments and a vast array of other household items that people use and encounter on a day to day basis. Visibly impressive to the eye and smooth to the touch when crafted professionally, marble is certainly one of the most sought after forms of rock in the world. Marble is a metamorphic rock, which means that at some point in time, it was actually a completely different rock but various changes resulted in marble forming. Here is a brief overview of marble.
As a Metamorphic rock
Marble is a metamorphic rock. This means that it is the product of a chemical or physical reaction which resulted in another rock forming into marble. In its original form, marble was once either limestone or dolomite. Regional metamorphism however causes limestone or dolomite to form into marble. Small crystals are often used for the crafting of ornaments, buildings and sculptures. Marble products can be expensive, but the price generally depends on what the individual is purchasing, for what purpose and of course, what color marble the individual wants.
The color of marble
In its original form, dolomite is pearly and transparent whereas limestone is a murky grey color. However, marble is much more versatile in terms of its color and it can range from pure white to pure black. The color of the finalized marble depends generally on the process of the metamorphism and the impurities of the minerals that make up the finalized marble. Marble is certainly one of the most versatile metamorphic rocks out there simply because it can come in seemingly every color imaginable, which makes it a prime and versatile candidate for ornament or sculptures.
The chemical process of creating marble
Marble is created when heat and pressure change. This causes the original crystal, such as limestone, to chemically react to the changes in pressure and heat. This process is called “recrystallization”, and as the name suggests, it basically causes the crystals to change, thus turning the original limestone into marble.
Marble is certainly one of the most easily recognisable metamorphic rocks in the world, simply because it is one of the most globally available and commercially used. Marble is used for a vast array of things from creating ornaments, walls and floors and even entire buildings, monuments and statues. The process of creating marble is truly fascinating. The fact that it is so readily available and available in a seemingly endless array of colors, and in a seemingly endless array of products, makes it no secret why it has endured such extreme popularity and prominence for so many years.
