metamorphic
Marble (Fire and Ice or Pink Veined)
Metamorphosed Limestone (principally CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale (can be scratched by steel); Color: White base with orange, red, or pink veining; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral (in individual calcite crystals); Specific gravity: 2.71.
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale (can be scratched by steel)
- Color
- White base with orange, red, or pink veining
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale (can be scratched by steel); Color: White base with orange, red, or pink veining; Luster: Vitreous to waxy; Crystal structure: Trigonal; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral (in individual calcite crystals); Specific gravity: 2.71.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the recrystallization of limestone under intense heat and pressure (metamorphism). The orange/red veining is typically caused by iron oxide (hematite) impurities present during the metamorphic process. Common in regions with high tectonic activity.
Uses & applications
Used primarily for decorative carvings, lapidary work (like this moon shape), high-end construction (countertops, tiles), and sculpture.
Geological facts
Marble has been the preferred medium for Greek and Roman sculptors because of its relative softness and isotropic properties. The word 'marble' derives from the Greek word 'marmaros,' meaning 'shining stone.'
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its softness compared to quartz and its reaction (effervescence) to weak acids like vinegar. Common locations include Italy (Carrara), Greece, and the Appalachian Mountains in the USA. Collectors look for unique high-contrast veining patterns.
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