5 Interesting Facts About Marble

People have been using marble in the arts and construction for hundreds of years. Some of the world’s most magnificent architectural structures were built using this natural stone. Thanks to marble, we can still appreciate the stunning beauty of the Pantheon in Rome, Taj Mahal and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Even here in Australia, many building developers can’t get enough of marble. For instance, take a look at the Parliament House in Canberra. Some of the most beautiful features of this building include the Paradise White marble tile flooring. And of course, who could forget the Marble Foyer, featuring 48 columns of green Italian Cipollino marble?

Indeed, marble is undisputedly one of the most popular types of natural stone, and we can find it everywhere. That said, do we really know enough about this widely beloved material? In this post, we are going to share with you some of the most exciting facts about marble.

Fact 1: You May be Looking at Limestone

Many people do not know that in its geological life, marble starts as limestone. Once limestone goes through volcanic and tectonic activities that involve extreme pressure and heat, it will begin to change its appearance and molecular structure. In the Sinai Peninsula, you can find exotic marble with a creamy, yellow colour along with a pattern that looks like golden flecks. Before reaching the surface, there were disruptions in the geological process before it reached the surface. So, technically, you should refer to this material as yellow marble limestone.

Fact 2: You’ll Find Marble in Unlikely Items

When we think of the uses of marble, we immediately consider kitchen benchtops, flooring and sculptures. However, this material is quite versatile, allowing it to have several applications. For instance, some cultures turn marble into fine powder to create glue or toothpaste out of it. Here are some of the great applications of this natural stone:

• iPhone 7 and notebook cases feature Carrara marble.
• Some manufacturers use marble for eyeglasses frames.
• Pharmaceutical companies use pulverized marble to neutralize acids. It is one of the components of medicines like Alka-Seltzer and Tums, which are used to alleviate acid indigestion.
• Some farmers provide their cows and chickens with the calcium they need by giving them powdered marble.
• As we’ve mentioned, crushed marble is an excellent acid neutralizer. As such, it is widely used in the chemical industry. People also use it to lower the acid content in lakes, rivers, and soils.

Fact 3: Egyptians Loved to Use Marble in Their Pyramids

We all picture the Egyptian pyramids as these golden structures in the deserts. What many people don’t know is that a lot of them used to be gleaming white. Builders from the ancient civilization cut and installed polished slabs of white limestone on the more massive pyramids. On the other hand, they used beige marble for smaller structures. Egyptian temples used to have marble columns and blocks. However, during the caliphate periods, people removed them to give way to mosques. This is also the reason why a lot of marble panels from ancient mosques have hieroglyphics on them.

Fact 4: Michelangelo Thought Wrong About Marble

Artists from the Renaissance period pursued to improve upon the classics. They particularly admired the aesthetics of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures. Michelangelo thought that the elegant and pure look of white marble was the reason why his ancestors chose the material for their sculptures. He wasn’t aware that, apparently, ancient sculptors garishly painted their statues in various colours. Over time, the pigments faded, leaving the sculptures white.

Fact 5: Marble Has Various Interesting Qualities

Marble is ideal for kitchen benchtops because of its durability and ease of maintenance. However, it has many more interesting qualities that convince people to use it for their renovation projects. Here are some of them:

• Marble is a dense material, making it hypoallergenic. So, it is ideal for families with smaller kids or people with allergies.
• This natural stone is also suitable for areas with a hot climate. After all, marble does not absorb energy or heat quickly, making it quite resistant to heat.
• No two slabs of marble will ever have the exact same pattern. It is perfect for those who want a unique look for their floors or benchtops.
• Marble is a metamorphic rock, and it will never cease to change. It will continue to react to its surroundings, especially when it is exposed to acidic substances. Needless to say, you must know how to care for marble properly.

To this day, we still see marble structures and statues from ancient times. Indeed, getting this material for your next remodelling project is a valuable investment for your property. Here at Aurora Stone, we can help you get the ideal marble natural stone for your project. We will listen carefully to your specifications and preferences, allowing you to get the look you want for your home or business.