In its pure form marble is a white stone with a crystalline and sugary appearance consisting of calcium carbonate caco3.
Valuable resources of marble.
Although marble makes a beautiful countertop or tile there are some drawbacks to be aware of.
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.
Black and white navarre marble 1638.
Also marble will etch when exposed to acidic substances like wine lemon vinegar etc.
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.
Consider these factors when using marble for your countertop material especially in the kitchen.
Keep an eye out for the rare sub variety featuring two rather than four bands.
It is used for its optical properties in cosmetics paint and paper.
Nowhere is this more evident than in islamic architecture where intricately patterned mosaics made of marble stone and glass are used as wall decorations.
It is porous and fairly soft therefore can scratch and stain.
Usually marble contains other minerals including quartz graphite pyrite and iron oxides.
Marble has many unique properties that make it a valuable rock in many different industries.
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.
Marble is commonly used for sculpture and as a building material.
This unique zebra colored marble fetched nearly 1700 at auction multiple times more than what most people spend on marbles in their entire lives.
The ultimate online resource for marbles.
It is used because it is an abundant low cost commodity in crushed stone prepared for construction projects.
Another very valuable variety is the lutz marble.
The photographs and captions below illustrate just a few of its varied uses.
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.
These can sell for thousands of dollars.