Marble

What is marble?

Geologically this is a limestone that has re-crystallised through the action of heat and pressure (metamorphism) whilst still retaining certain properties of the original material (i.e.: it’s chemistry and possibly it’s relic sedimentary structures). Many examples of marbles used in the construction industry do not exhibit re-crystallisation and are, in fact, hard limestones. Nevertheless, they are dense, sound and take on an excellent polish and indeed are available in an extremely wide range of colours, patterns and veining characteristics; valued by builders for millennia. Being essentially composed of calcite, natural weathering processes will cause marbles to loose their colour and polish quite quickly compared to, for example, granites.

Marble in Construction

For thousands of years Marble has been used as a decorative material for Walls and Floors and its natural beauty remains unsurpassed. Marble provides a durable finish of recognisable quality which is considered essential for many prestige buildings today. It is used extensively for public buildings and in offices, banks, hotels, entrance halls, shopping centres as well as individual shops. In quality housing Marble is used for floors, staircases, bathrooms, kitchens and fireplaces. More and More ordinary homes owners are enhancing their living environment by employing these beautiful materials. Applications Marble can be used for internal wall linings and external cladding, all mechanically fixed to the structure, as well as for paving, stair treads and risers. Marble tiles 10 mm. thick, provide a cost effective alternative to slab for walls and floors in bathroom and toilet areas. All Marbles are suitable for internal use. For external use, Limestone marbles and Travertines are suitable but advice should be taken on the selection of appropriate materials. Polished finishes are not recommended for external applications. Dimensions The maximum size of individual stones will depend on the type of marble and the incidence of fissures, vents and veining characteristics of the particular material. Practical size limits must be checked and agreed with specialist suppliers, but slab sizes of up to 750mm. X 1200mm. for cladding and up to 0.6M2. for paving can be produced. Normal thickness for internal linings is 20mm. up to 7 metres if continuously supported. Externally 20 mm. can be used to 1st. floor height with 40mm. at higher levels. Polished tiles usually with a chamfered edge are readily available. Common sizes are 305 X 305 X 10mm. for floors and walls. Some materials are available in 300 X 150 X 7 or 10 mm. for walls.

Table 1: Properties of marble.

Marble Resources