metamorphic
White Marble
Metamorphosed Limestone (principally CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pure white to light gray; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (granular); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific gravity: 2.7
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pure white to light gray
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More metamorphic →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Pure white to light gray; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (granular); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral; Specific gravity: 2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the regional or contact metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks (limestone or dolostone) under intense heat and pressure, often during mountain-building processes over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for flooring and wall cladding, in sculpture due to its relative softness and translucency, and in industry as a source of calcium carbonate.
Geological facts
Pure white marble is the result of metamorphism of a very pure (silicate-poor) limestone. Famous examples include the Taj Mahal and Michelangelo's David. It is chemically reactive to acid (effervescence).
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its granular 'sugary' texture and by performing an acid test (it will fizz with dilute HCl). It is commonly found in mountainous regions such as Carrara, Italy, or the Appalachian Mountains.
More like this
