metamorphic
Marble
Recrystallized Calcite (CaCO3)
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Cream, white, and tan swirls; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral (in individual crystals).
- Hardness
- 3 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Cream, white, and tan swirls
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 3 on Mohs scale; Color: Cream, white, and tan swirls; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Trigonal/Rhombohedral; Cleavage: Perfect rhombohedral (in individual crystals).
Formation & geological history
Formed from the regional or contact metamorphism of sedimentary carbonate rocks, usually limestone or dolostone. High heat and pressure cause the original carbonate mineral grains to recrystallize into a dense interlocking mosaic of calcite crystals.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in construction (countertops, flooring, facades), sculpture, and architectural ornaments. Crushed marble is also used in paper production and as an acid neutralizer.
Geological facts
Marble has been the preferred medium for Greek and Roman sculptors for centuries due to its relative softness and relative isotropy. The Taj Mahal is constructed almost entirely of white Macrana marble.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its characteristic swirling patterns (foliation) and its reactivity to dilute hydrochloric acid (it will effervesce). It is softer than granite and can be scratched by a steel blade.
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