Discover what type of rock is marble, its many benefits, its origins, its gorgeous and sophisticated appearance, and more with this useful guide.
Marble is one of the most admired materials in architecture and design. It continues to be as sought-after in modern times as it has been for centuries prior. It has an elegant and unique beauty that makes it a favorite and its versatility ensures it can be utilized for different purposes ranging from grand monuments to kitchen countertops.
If you are interested in elevating your home with marble countertops, you might be wondering what type of rock is marble. Concluding that question requires a deep dive into the origins, advantages, and varieties of this amazing stone.
The Origin of Marble
To understand what type of rock is marble, starting at the beginning is crucial. Marble originates from limestone. Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that consists primarily of calcium carbonate. As millions of years of marine organisms accumulate, the sediments build up, forming limestone.
Then, limestone gets subjected to immense amounts of heat and pressure within the crust of the earth. This heat and pressure is caused by tectonic movements. During this metamorphic process, the calcite in the limestone gets recrystallized. The new recrystallized version of the stone is denser and has a distinct texture that makes it highly recognizable.
After the metamorphic process, limestone successfully turns into marble. This process also gives the marble slabs their signature veining patterns. The process involving such harsh circumstances makes marble a much stronger and denser stone than limestone, making marble resistant to high heat.
The impurities and minerals that can be found in the original state of the limestone will affect the final appearance of the marble slab. For example, if the limestone has iron oxide in it, the resulting marble might have a reddish tint or red-brown veins through it.
Characteristics of Marble
Moving further into the examination of what type of rock is marble, it is essential to delve deeper into its characteristics and defining qualities.
Aesthetic appeal: Marble is known for being the most aesthetically appealing stone for home improvement projects. It has a sophisticated aura that elevates any space it is installed in. The unique veins of marble make it an attractive option for design purposes while being timeless.
Smooth texture: Marble has an incredibly smooth and cool surface to the touch. This makes it feel even more luxurious. Moreover, the base of the marble slabs has a slightly transparent quality that makes them appear as if they are glowing from within.
Workability: Marble is a relatively soft stone compared to alternatives such as granite or quartzite. This might sound like a disadvantage at first. However, this softness makes marble very workable. In other words, ornate designs and details that cannot be achieved with harder stones are possible with marble.
Versatility: Marble is a very versatile material and offers different usage options. It can be used as kitchen countertops, backsplashes, bathroom countertops, vanity tops, and more. Moreover, as it is available in a wide range of colors, it can fit in with various design styles.
Varieties of Marble
Marble has many varieties and types with unique qualities. Exploring these varieties is one of the most fascinating aspects of starting to learn what type of rock is marble.
Carrara Marble: Carrara marble is known for its white or light-gray color scheme. It is famous for its sophisticated and subdued appearance. Carrara marble supports thin veins that add visual interest to the space while achieving a minimal and subtle look.
Calacatta Marble: Calacatta marble is distinguished by the bold and dramatic veining patterns on the smooth base. The background of Calacatta marble has a bright white hue and has a stylish appearance. The brightness of the base highlights the patterns and creates a gorgeous juxtaposition.
Crema Marfil Marble: Crema Marfil Marble has a soft, warm beige tone as a background. Most commonly, it supports subtle veins in shades of white, gold, or light brown. This neutral color palette makes it a sought-after option as it can fit in with any design style.
Emporador Marble: Empardor marble splits into two distinct color palettes. Dark Emperador has a deep, rich, inviting color with lighter brown or white veins. Light Emperador has a lighter and creamier hue that is still within the earthy tone family.
Caring for Marble
As it is such as beautiful stone, maintaining the beauty of marble is important to keep in mind. Careful maintenance will make marble countertops more long-lasting. Understanding what type of rock is marble also includes learning how to care for it and the right steps for maintaining it.
One of the most important factors to remember when it comes to marble is that similar to other natural stones, it is a porous stone. This means it has tiny holes all over it that food particles and liquid spills can get into, causing bacteria and even mold. Sealing the countertops is an important step that will prevent such outcomes.
Avoid using harsh cleaners and abrasive materials while cleaning marble surfaces. Overly acidic cleaning supplies that include ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar might cause etching on the marble, making the stone appear dull and matte. Moreover, tools such as steel wool might cause the surface to get scratched.
Modern Uses of Marble
Marble is a versatile material that has been used for many different purposes for centuries. It continues to be a favorite among homeowners and interior designers for modern architecture.
One of the most common usages of marble is for countertops. It enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space and adds functionality for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Moreover, marble can be used for purposes such as flooring and accent walls, which are staples of luxury home designs.
Marble also shines in areas like fireplace surrounds and staircases, helping create a cohesive and harmonious appearance throughout the home. Its natural veining patterns add interest and movement to the design, acting as a focal point.
In summary, marble is an amazing option for countertops. If you are interested in enhancing the design of your house with elegant marble counters, visit Paragon Exotic Stones and explore their wide range of marble styles. Ranging from elegant Carrara marble to bold Calacatta marble, different varieties will add unique advantages.
Contact the attentive customer care team of Paragon Exotic Stones and start your home renovation journey. The customer care team will help you through all stages of the renovation, helping you make all of the difficult decisions and ensuring you are satisfied every step of the way. Paragon’s trained installation team will handle the precise fitting and placement of marble countertops.
Through efficient work, the amazing team will highlight the natural texture and beauty of the stone, while minimizing the potential disruption such a renovation can cause you and your home. From the first stages of planning to the final touches, the Paragon Exotic Stones team is committed to bringing your vision to light with expertise and dedication.
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