metamorphic

Zebra marble

Banded calcite marble, commonly called zebra marble; chiefly calcite (CaCO₃), sometimes with dolomite and dark silicate or carbonaceous minerals

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically white to cream with dark gray or black bands; crystalline, often sugary to polished luster. Calcite has Mohs hardness 3, rhombohedral cleavage, and reacts with dilute acid; appearance and properties vary with impurities.

Identified September 26, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Zebra marble
Scientific name: Banded calcite marble, commonly called zebra marble; chiefly calcite (CaCO₃), sometimes with dolomite and dark silicate or carbonaceous minerals
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 26, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Small polished specimens commonly sell for about $5–$30 USD; price depends on size, finish, and provenance.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms when limestone or dolostone recrystallizes during metamorphism, producing interlocking carbonate crystals and preserving or developing contrasting bands. Marble occurs across many geological ages; the image alone cannot determine the specimen’s age or quarry.

Uses & applications

Used for decorative stone, tiles, countertops, sculpture, and polished collectible specimens.

Geological facts

“Zebra marble” is a commercial appearance name, not one uniquely defined geological variety; banding may reflect original sedimentary layers or metamorphic mineral segregation.

Field identification & locations

Look for interlocking crystalline grains, distinctive dark-and-light banding, and calcite’s softness and acid reaction. Marble is quarried worldwide, including in Italy, Greece, Turkey, and India.