metamorphic
Banded Marble
Recrystallized Calcite (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey and white banding; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: Rhombohedral (though massed in rock form); Specific Gravity: 2.7
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Grey and white banding
- Luster
- Vitreous to waxy (when polished)
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Grey and white banding; Luster: Vitreous to waxy (when polished); Structure: Granular/crystalline; Cleavage: Rhombohedral (though massed in rock form); Specific Gravity: 2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed from the metamorphism of sedimentary limestone or dolostone under intense heat and pressure, causing recrystallization of carbonate minerals. Geological age varies by deposit, often Precambrian to Paleozoic.
Uses & applications
Commonly used for ornamental carvings, decorative sculptures, building facades, countertops, and flooring. Highly valued for its workability and aesthetic patterns.
Geological facts
The banding in marble is often caused by 'impurities' like silt, sand, or iron oxides that were present in the original limestone layers before metamorphism. Carrara marble is one of the most famous varieties.
Field identification & locations
Can be identified in the field by its softness (scratchable by a copper penny) and its effervescent reaction to dilute hydrochloric acid. It is found globally in mountainous regions with tectonic activity.
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