metamorphic
Marble (Carrara Marble style)
Recrystallized Calcite (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: White with grey veining; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (granular); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in calcite crystals; Specific gravity: 2.7
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- White with grey veining
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: White with grey veining; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal (granular); Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral in calcite crystals; Specific gravity: 2.7
Formation & geological history
Formed through the regional metamorphism of limestone or dolostone under intense heat and pressure, causing recrystallization of carbonate minerals. Common in Phanerozoic orogenic belts.
Uses & applications
High-end construction (countertops, flooring), sculpture, architectural monuments, and crushed stone for industrial uses.
Geological facts
Michelangelo’s David was carved from a single block of Carrara marble. It is also used in pharmaceuticals as a calcium supplement or antacid once ground down.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its softness (can be scratched by a steel blade) and its vigorous effervescence when exposed to cold dilute hydrochloric acid. Look for sugary texture on fresh surfaces.
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