How is marble formed

Its characteristic purity, devoid of any impurity and residue, spontaneously raises a series of questions such as what kind of rock is marble and how is marble formed? Well, marble is the result of a recrystallization of carbonate minerals present within sedimentary rocks. Generally, these rocks are formed by processes of regional metamorphism which, thanks to high temperature and pressure, tends to increase the grain of the crystals, giving the marble its typical saccharoid appearance. Consequently, this gives rise to a mosaic of calcite or dolomite crystals which is progressively deprived of any fossil, stratification or sedimentary structure present at the beginning: this is how natural marble rock is formed and from what derives its classic clarity.

Where is marble found

Marble is generally discovered in massive seams in many parts of the world. Yet, where is marble found to a greater extent? Well, although marble can be found in many countries, four main countries hold almost half of the marble in the world: Italy, China, India and Spain. Apart from these four, also Greece, Turkey and United states have their marble quarries. In Tuscany there are probably the most famous and precious types of marble, such as Carrara and Calacatta. These Italian marble stones are unanimously considered among the finest and more luxurious varieties, emblem of marble par excellence.

Types of marble

Based on the composition, it is possible to draw up a first categorization of the different types of marble:

Crystalline limestone marbles: these are pure marbles (i.e. without fossils) and generally composed of larger crystals. You can find them both white and colored.

Cryptocrystalline limestone marbles: their crystalline structure is less marked than the previous type of marble and they are generally quite colorful.

Clastic marbles: fragments of rocks, cemented fossils as well as siliceous or calcareous materials are visible in the texture.

Serpentine marbles: green colored marbles whose name derives from a particular group of minerals called the serpentine group which is mixed with limestone. Sometimes, it is possible to find them in darker shades close to blue or yellow based on which mineral of serpentine group is present in the majority within the marble.

Marble can found with many different colors, such as White Marble, Grey Marble, Black Marble, Wood Grain Marble, Beige Marble, Gold Marble, Red Marble, Green Marble, Blue Marble, etc.