What is Marble and How is it Formed?

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is created as a result of the metamorphosis of a combination of rocks under intense pressure and temperatures. These rocks include calcite, limestone, dolomite and serpentine. The main component of marble is calcium carbonate and contains acidic oxide. Marble takes hundreds of years to form and is found among the oldest parts of the Earth’s crust.

Where Is Marble Found?

Marble can be found all over the world, but the four countries where it is most prevalent are Italy, Spain, India, and China. The most prestigious famous white marble comes from Carrara, Italy. This marble was used by Michelangelo, Canova, and Donatello for their infamous sculptures.

Why Are Marble Surfaces Popular?

One of the top reasons homeowners select marble for their countertops and floors is the elegant beauty it imparts to the home. It can spruce up the dullest looking bathroom, kitchen, or walkway with its wide variety of colored marble patterns. With the right care, marble has good longevity and can be used in different parts of the home to add sophisticated and classy looks.

What Are Advantages to Marble Surfaces?

There are advantages to having marble countertops in the kitchen, especially for home bakers and personal chefs. The surface of marble stays cool, making it an ideal roll-out surface for pastries and doughs. Many people are not aware that marble is also heat resistant. It will not catch fire or burn, and you may place semi-hot pans on it for relatively short periods of time without damage to the surface.

How Durable is Marble?

When marble is installed and properly sealed and maintained, it has the potential to last for a lifetime. Marble is a natural stone, so it is less resistant to scratching, staining, and cracking than other countertop surfaces. It is also softer than surfaces like granite, this makes it easier to produce a wide variety of edge profiles to make distinguished looking cuts and arches. These types of designs come at a higher cost, but in comparison to granite are still much lower.

Just like many other types of natural-stone countertops, marble needs to be sealed often to preserve its beauty and quality.