Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed mainly when limestone or dolostone recrystallizes. Its interlocking carbonate crystals make it workable for carving and useful in buildings.

Calcite: Calcite is a calcium carbonate mineral found in limestone and many marbles. Recrystallized calcite forms the dominant mineral framework of most marble.
Contact metamorphism: Contact metamorphism alters rock through heat from nearby magma, usually at relatively low pressure. Magma can heat carbonate rock enough to recrystallize it into marble.
Marble sculpture: Marble sculpture is sculpture carved from marble, often using its fine grain and translucency. The stone’s workable texture supports detailed carving and polished surfaces.
Carrara marble: Carrara marble is a white or blue-gray marble quarried in the Apuan Alps of Italy. Its fine grain made it a prized stone for sculpture and architecture.
Dolomite: Dolomite is a calcium magnesium carbonate mineral and a major component of dolostone. Marble formed from dolostone can contain abundant dolomite rather than calcite.
Regional metamorphism: Regional metamorphism alters large rock volumes under elevated pressure and temperature during tectonic events. Buried carbonate layers can recrystallize into marble across broad mountain belts.
Marble cladding: Marble cladding is a building finish made from marble slabs or panels attached to a structure. Its appearance suits facades and interiors, though installation must account for weight and weathering.
Parian marble: Parian marble is a fine-grained, translucent white marble quarried on the Greek island of Paros. Ancient sculptors valued its translucency for finely modeled figures.
Limestone: Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate. Heat and pressure recrystallize limestone into marble.
Metamorphic grade: Metamorphic grade describes the intensity of temperature and pressure experienced by a rock. Grade influences marble’s grain size and the minerals it can contain.

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