Marble is a popular countertop material that has been loved for ages. Available in a wide range of colours, it’s a beautiful natural stone whose physical properties make it useful for constructing both decorative and functional pieces, including countertops.
But have you ever wondered how marble is made and how it became popular? Keep reading to learn the history of marble and why it’s go-to countertop material.
A Brief History of Marble (And Reasons to Choose It for Your Countertops)
Marble is one of the oldest natural stones. Famous for its beauty, durability and usefulness, it is preferred for countertops over other materials.
But did you know that its popularity began in ancient Rome and Greece? Here’s a brief history of marble and why you should consider it for your kitchen and bathroom countertops.
History of Marble
Marble is a metamorphic rock primarily made of calcium carbonate. It is formed when limestone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures in the Earth’s crust. This forces limestone to change in texture and appearance as the calcite in the limestone re-crystallizes to form a rock that is a mass of interlocking calcite crystals: marble.
The word ‘marble’ is derived from the ancient Greek word ‘marmaros’, (and also the old Irish word ‘marmar’) that means ‘shining stone.’ One reason for its popularity is its use in famous structures like the Taj Mahal and the Parthenon.
In ancient Greece, marble was used to create fine homes and beautiful art; for example, the Venus de Milo. In fact, marble canopic jars (which held the vital organs of the buried) have been found in the King’s Chamber within the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Marble was also popular in Medieval and Renaissance Europe. How can we forget the famous marble sculpture of David by Michelangelo? After the fall of the Roman Empire, many majestic cathedrals and palaces were constructed that had marble floors and fixtures that signified wealth. This breathtaking stone’s artistic and historical heritage is why it’s still considered a luxurious and timeless addition to any home.
Why Choose Marble Countertops?
There are many benefits to using marble as a countertop material.
1. They’re Heat Resistant
One of the best qualities of marble is its heat resistance, as it doesn’t melt, burn, or catch fire.
Unlike engineered stones like quartz, which high heat can damage, you don’t have to worry about putting a hot utensil on your marble countertop. This natural stone is considered the best choice for rolling out pastry as the marble surface is significantly cooler than other materials. It also absorbs heat from the pastry dough which keeps it cool.
Note: Although marble countertops are heat resistant, it’s advisable to use potholders or trivets when placing hot utensils on them to maintain the marble’s natural shine.
2. Durable
Marble is a durable countertop material that is more resistant to scratching, cracking and breaking than other countertop materials. But make sure you seal it every two years to keep it strong and increase its lifespan.
3. It Is Unique
Since marble is a natural stone formed under heat and pressure within the Earth’s crust, every slab features distinct vein patterns that give every countertop a one-of-a-kind look
This stone is available in a wide range of hues determined by the proportional mix of minerals in the original limestone. Therefore, the colour and veining vary from one piece to another, with no two slabs being the same.
If you want to give your kitchen and/or bathroom a unique appearance, marble countertops are your best bet.
4. It’s Attractive
Marble countertops are breathtakingly beautiful. So much so that their natural and timeless visual appeal makes a bold style statement, one that can makeover an otherwise dull kitchen or bathroom.
5. It Increases Property Value
Since they’re durable, attractive, and long-lasting, natural stone countertops like marble increase the value of a property. Buyers are, after all, generally interested in homes that have something worth investing in.
In fact, a marble countertop becomes the focal point of your kitchen or bathroom. This is valuable to new homeowners because they’ll last for many years and not go out of style.
6. It’s Easy to Clean
Marble countertops don’t require special cleaners or equipment to get rid of dirt, dust or grime. A soft microfiber cloth and a mixture of mild dishwashing soap and warm water will do just fine. Make sure you clean the surface regularly to avoid grime build-up. Also, avoid using a chemical-based cleaner as these can dull the shine. Read this post to learn how to clean marble countertops.
Marble is a timeless natural stone loved for its eternal beauty and durability. Its homogeneity and softness make it easy to carve which is why it was commonly used in ancient times to create structures and sculptures that later became famous. This beautiful stone is still popular and its natural charm can become part of your home through marble countertops that increase its value.