Marble: What You Don’t Know About It (6 Little-Known Facts)

Marble is a beautiful natural stone. It’s long been valued by homeowners for its timeless and classic appearance, not to mention its associations with luxury. And its unique and rich texture is also one of the reasons why it’s been used in monuments all over the world.

Today, marble can commonly be seen in homes in numerous applications, including kitchen and bathroom countertops, kitchen backsplashes, and flooring. Homeowners invest in it above other materials as they know it will add value to their home like no other.

But, there might be facts that you still don’t know about this exotic stone.

 6 Lesser Known Facts About Marble

Think you know all about marble? Read on to discover odd and interesting facts.

1. Marble is quarried from the mountains

Marble is a type of metamorphic rock, found in the oldest layers of the earth’s crust. It’s obtained from mountains in South America, North America (including Colorado and Vermont), Europe (Italy) and Asia.

Marble forms from limestone over millions of years. During this time it’s subjected to tremendous heat and pressure which changes the limestone’s chemical and physical properties to create something denser and, thus, harder. This process is commonly referred to as recrystallization as it changes the molecular structure and appearance of the limestone to create beautiful marble.

2. Egyptian pyramids were often covered in marble

Thousands of years ago, many of Egypt’s pyramids were shiny and white. Builders would cut and polish huge white limestone slabs for big pyramids and beige slabs for small ones. Marble was also often used in Egyptian temples in the columns, as well as other structures. Many marble panels still exist with visible hieroglyphics, especially in mosques outside of Cairo.

3. Marble is susceptible to stains, fungi and bacteria

Being a natural material, marble has numerous tiny pores that can harbour fungi and bacteria. This also makes it vulnerable to staining, especially when spilled liquid is left unattended for extended periods. Substances such as coffee, wine, oil and dirt can be absorbed, and, once stained, they’re next to impossible to get rid of. This means that if you have a marble kitchen or bathroom countertop then you’ll need to have it resealed fairly frequently to keep its beauty intact.

4. The whiter the marble, the purer it is

Marble is typically found in a variety of colours, ranging from black and blue to a light salmon pink. Moreover, its unique veining patterns offer a refined and classic appearance like few other natural stones. These colours are caused by other minerals present in the stone. So, the fewer inclusions present in a marble slab, the whiter and purer it will be.

5. Marble has a wide range of uses

When thinking about how marble is used in homes, chances are the first things that come to mind are kitchen or bathroom countertops, flooring, kitchen backsplashes and tabletops. Maybe sculptures for the wealthy as well.

However, marble is a versatile material that can be used in various applications thanks to advances in technology. For instance, it can be ground up and used in soap, toothpaste and even glue.

Since marble is composed of calcite, it’s rich in calcium. This allows manufacturers to grind the purest form of marble into powder, which is often used as a calcium supplement for farm animals. The same powder is also sometimes used as an acid neutralizer in soil and antacids for humans. Moreover, many companies use marble powder in paint and makeup along with other substances that require whitening.

6. Marble keeps changing throughout its lifetime

Even after a marble slab has been cut, polished and installed, this metamorphic rock keeps changing. Marble countertops and flooring go through various chemical reactions that constantly alter its appearance. Other external factors like minerals in hard water, acidic substances, extreme heat and acid rain can also cause the marble slab to react and change its appearance.

The best way to prevent unwanted changes in the colour of marble is to regularly seal it. It’s also recommended that you clean and maintain marble countertops (and other surfaces) regularly to keep their beauty intact.

Marble is a versatile stone that can be used in various applications around the house. These include (but are not limited to) flooring, wall cladding, kitchen backsplashes and more. If you’re looking for a countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom, you can’t go wrong with marble. It’s beautiful, unique and durable enough to perform well in any household. Also, as a natural stone that’s been used as a household material for many years, it will surely remain popular for many more to come. Whether you live in a big or small home, marble is a welcome addition.