What is Marble?

If you want to get technical, marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock made up of recrystallized carbonite minerals. However, the less scientific description might be a versatile, beautiful stone that is a captivating choice for sculpture and buildings.

 

From the ancient ruins of Greece and Rome, to the halls of Ottawa's Parliament buildings, marble has created an impression of grandeur and wealth. Michelangelo appreciated its resistance to shattering and its soft, waxy look when he sculpted his famous ‘David'. The marble of the Washington Monument pierces the sky of the United States capital, and the stone was also used by a lovesick Mughal emperor to honour his deceased wife in the Taj Mahal.

 

The word marble derives from the Greek word ‘marmaron', or ‘shining stone'. The word's origin is appropriate because marble was used in the construction of the Parthenon and Acropolis. However, the Greeks didn't have a monopoly on the stone, and in fact, it is quarried around the world. Carrara marble comes from Italy, Connemara from Ireland, and Vermont and Georgia marble from their respective American states.

 

 

While in an early age it was used in the construction of great palaces and cathedrals, marble now graces many modern homes. It is expensive, but its merits outweigh the cost. Marble exudes ‘quality' and can significantly increase a home's resale value. Because no two pieces of marble are alike, it always holds a visual fascination with its varied designs. Marble is durable and resilient and can be used in high traffic areas. As a construction material, marble is non-allergenic, and in the kitchen, its value lies in its resistance to bacteria. It's not surprising that marble countertops – sealed and easily cleaned – are now common. When used as flooring, marble is easily cleaned and polished, and remains cool to the touch, staying comfortable in the hot summer months.

 

The chief disadvantage of marble is the same thing that makes it so attractive as a long-term investment – its cost. Moreover, the flipside of its uniqueness of each piece is that it is difficult to match their patterns, especially when using it as tile. Marble will scratch, and when used as a counter, a cutting board is required. It can scorch, and drinks or spills could stain it, especially if it is uncoated. As flooring, unhoned marble is slippery when wet, and this is a drawback for its use in washrooms.

 

 

The expense of marble dictates that you educate yourself about the kind of marble you are purchasing and how it will be used. The good news is that the uniqueness of marble means there are dealers out there for whom marble is not a mere business, but a vocation, as well. Search out a family operation that takes pride in this amazing stone. You are making a lifetime investment, one which will enhance your property for years to come. That requires an interested, engaged partner with specialized expertise. And, finally: like anything worthwhile in life, marble requires care and attention. A good dealer will want to take the time to educate you in the maintenance of this incredibly beautiful, noble stone.