metamorphic
Marble Tile
Metamorphic Limestone (Calcite / Dolomite, CaCO3)
Mohs hardness of 3; white to grey with subtle veining and banding; vitreous to sugary luster; fine- to medium-grained crystalline texture; reacts strongly with dilute acid (effervesces).
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 3; white to grey with subtle veining and banding; vitreous to sugary luster; fine- to medium-grained crystalline texture; reacts strongly with dilute acid (effervesces).
Formation & geological history
Forms when limestone or dolostone undergoes regional or contact metamorphism under extreme heat and pressure, causing recrystallization of calcite grains into an interlocking crystalline matrix.
Uses & applications
Widely used as building stone, decorative interior/exterior wall cladding, floor tiles, countertops, and fine art sculptures due to its aesthetic appeal and polishability.
Geological facts
Marble has been used for centuries in architectural masterpieces like the Parthenon and the Taj Mahal, as well as famous sculptures like Michelangelo's David.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its softness (scratched by a steel blade), crystalline texture, effervescence with acid, and characteristic veining. Commonly quarried in Italy, Greece, Turkey, India, and the United States.
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