Marble stone is popular when people selecting decorating materials. To select the most suitable marble stone, you need to know what is marble stone in advance. In this article, we’ll introduce what is marble stone, the types of marble and its advantages.
Marble is a rock composed of calcium carbonate exposed to a natural recrystallization process. It is created by transforming other stones through intense pressure and heat. As a result of this process, new mineral textures, as well as structures, are produced in numerous various types of marble. It is a natural stone that is easily scratched and stained. The elegant look of marble makes it a favorite among homeowners. It is a classic natural stone that has been the material of choice for construction projects for many years.
1. Pros of Marble Stone
There are several advantages of using marble. Let us look at the advantages of marble: It is elegant and stylish and if used properly, it gives a royal look. Among the different types of natural stone tiles available in the market, marble is considered to be the most affordable and is available in large quantities in the market. This particular natural stone has acceptable compressive strength and is of excellent quality. Marble is easy to cut and easier to clean as the surface of marble is polished and smooth.
2. Cons of Marble Stone
Although marble is the most popular natural stone, it has the following disadvantages: Do not use acid to clean marble floors or slabs as it loses its luster and shine. Therefore, marble requires extra maintenance and care. It is a calcareous stone and is prone to acid etching. Marble has a heavy weight & it takes a lot of people to lift it. Marble can be very cold in winter.
3. Use of Marble Stone
Among the various types of natural stone, marble is the most widely used natural stone. The main use of marble is in construction and sculpture. It is also used in various industries due to its properties. Let’s see: Crushed marble is used as a building aggregate. Some marbles are exceptionally white and these are used to make a white powder called white powder. Using heat-treated marble forms calcium oxide, which is used in agricultural soil treatment and to reduce soil acidity. Powdered marble is used to produce animal supplements.
4. Types of Marble Stone
- White Marble: it provides a clean and natural look to complete any application. It is elegant and strong.
- Black Marble: it is simple and elegant like white marble, but has a modern look that is very aesthetically pleasing.
- Brown Marble: this stone conforms to natural earth tones and is suitable for flooring and countertops.
- Beige Marble: this particular marble displays colors ranging from light beige to dark brown and is widely used for countertops, flooring and other architectural purposes.
- Cream marble: this is one of the best options for tile flooring. This particular marble blends perfectly with any type of interior design.
- Gray marble: its elegant appearance easily draws attention to itself. When used, it will present a completely unique look.
- Green marble: it is a serpentine stone due to its durability and strength. These marbles are considered to be the best choice for flooring, decor, countertops, bathrooms, vanities and fireplaces.
- Ivory Marble: this marble is best suited for high traffic areas of the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It comes in white and beige colors.
- Onyx Marble: it is the best quality marble used for interior and exterior applications in different attractive colors and designs.
- Pink marble: it is a delicate and pure stone. It presents a serene look when used for countertops or wall and flooring purposes in residential properties.
- Red Marble: this is a bold colored marble that makes your home stand out from the rest. It gives a room a vibrant look.
- Silver Marble: this is a simply gorgeous marble for interior and exterior use that can be used in both residential and commercial spaces. It glows when illuminated by natural and artificial lights.
- Yellow Marble: with yellow marble you get a spectacular visual effect, and it is truly unique.
What Is Marble, and How Is It Formed?
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is the result of combined deformation of rocks under intense pressure and temperature. These rocks include calcite, limestone, dolomite and serpentine. The main component of marble is calcium carbonate, which contains acidic oxides. Marble takes hundreds of years to form and it is one of the oldest parts of the earth’s crust.
Where Is Marble Found?
Marble is found all over the world, but the four countries where it is most popular are Italy, Spain, India and China. The most prestigious and 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 choose marble for countertops and flooring is the elegant beauty it imparts to a house. It can be used in a wide variety of colorful marble patterns to decorate even the most monotonous bathroom, kitchen, or walkway. With proper care, marble has a good lifespan and can be used in different parts of the home to add sophistication and elegance to the look.
What Are Advantages to Marble Surfaces?
There are also benefits to having marble countertops in the kitchen, especially for home bakers and personal chefs. The surface of marble stays cool, making it an ideal launching surface for pastries and dough. Many people don’t realize that marble is also heat resistant. It won’t catch fire or burn, and you can place semi-hot pans on top of it for a relatively short period of time without damaging the surface.
How Durable is Marble?
When marble is installed and properly sealed and maintained, it has the potential to last a lifetime. Marble is a natural stone, so it is less likely to scratch, stain and crack than other worktop surfaces. It is also softer than surfaces such as granite, which makes it easier to produce a wide variety of edge profiles to make outstanding looking cuts and arches. These types of designs cost more but are still much less expensive compared to granite.
Just like many other types of natural stone countertops, marble needs to be sealed frequently to maintain its beauty and quality.
