8 Things You Didn’t Know About Marble
We see marble worktops just about everywhere, from buildings to worktops... it's a pretty popular stone, and for good reason. Marble's beauty and durability make it an excellent choice for a whole host of uses. What you probably didn’t know is that marble isn't just used in buildings and worktops but has a surprising range of other functions and qualities. Marble has been used to build some of the most famous buildings in history! Here are some surprising facts you didn’t know about marble…
No Two Marble Slabs Will Ever be the Same
Marble is known for its quintessential veining and rippling marble effect throughout. Mineral deposits create unique patterns in marble slabs making each and every piece of marble unique!
Marble is hypoallergenic
One great feature of marble is that it’s hypoallergenic. Meaning it doesn’t collect dust or allergens. Unlike most household materials like carpets and higher porosity stones which tend to hold onto allergen particles, marble slabs are a great option for allergy prone people.
Marble is Formed over Millions of Years!
Not many people know how marble is made despite it being such a commonly used stone. Marble is a metamorphic rock, meaning it has transformed from one rock to another via a process called metamorphism (this process occurs under great time, pressure and temperatures). Marble forms gradually over millions of years as limestone undergoes this process of metamorphosis and recrystallisation.
Egyptians Used Marble to Build the Pyramids
Some Egyptian pyramids were made from white marble and beige marble stone. Marble slabs were even used to decorate temples, however were removed during the caliphate period to build mosques.
The Taj Mahal is Made Entirely of Marble!
The Taj Mahal is arguably the world’s most famous monument to love. Built adjacent to the Yamuna River by Shah Jahan in 1631 in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The Mausoleum was finished in 1648 and made entirely of marble! This world wonder is visited by millions every year and the beautiful marble stonework will probably be standing strong for many centuries more.
Marble dust in Toothpaste?
Marble is a form of calcium carbonate, which has long been used in toothpastes due to its gentle abrasive properties. Which means that toothpastes that use calcium carbonate essentially use ‘marble powder’!
Marble is One of the Most Durable Stones on the Planet
There is a good reason that marble structures have always stood the test of time. It’s because marble stone happens to be one of the most durable materials in existence. On the Mohs Scale - a scale that measures mineral hardness, marble comes in at a 2.5 to 5 on the Mohs Scale. Making it above average and one of the most durable stones we use.
Marble never stops changing!
Marble never stops undergoing metamorphosis...even after installation! That's right even after your marble counters have been cut, measured and polished they are still likely to undergo structural changes due to acidic elements and minerals found in hard water, cleaning supplies and ordinary day to day materials it may be in contact with. This is why marble countertops need to be sealed!
So there you have it, a few facts you probably didn’t know about marble and it’s uses. Marble has been a multi-functional stone for a long time now and that isn’t going to change any time soon… if you’re looking for experienced, fully licenced stone fabricators to pick and install your marble worktops in your home - give Pena Marble a call today!
