Beautifying our homes has always been the goal. So, we are constantly looking for building materials that can help us achieve this. One of such building materials is a marble.
However, while it is popular, that doesn’t mean we all know all about it. This is why I researched it. You just might be wondering about it yourself. As such, I’ll dive into what marble is in this article.
What is Marble Made Up of?
Our first concern is what makes up the marble. This was something that made me quite curious, and I bet it is the same for you.
After all, who would not want to know what makes up this fabulous material. Well, here is what you need to know.
Marble is generally regarded as granular dolomite or limestone. In turn, it is composed of calcium magnesium carbonate. However, that is not the only thing that makes up this rock.
Marble also contains various metamorphic rocks, including phyllites, gneisses, granulite, quartz, and mica schists.
Now, you might be wondering what metamorphosis means. This simply means that marble, a stone, or rock is one that has undergone some chemical and physical transformation over the years.
Typically, this transformation is thanks to intense pressure and heat.
How is Marble Mined?
Now that we have identified the make-up of marble, you must have realized one thing. Precisely, that is the fact that a marble forms in the ground. You are wondering how this material that emerges in the ground comes into your home.
Well, that is quite simple. It is through a mining process. Various companies involved in the production of marbles mine them from the ground for use. I found myself quite enchanted by the idea.
I bet you would love to know how marble is mined. This would even help you appreciate better the beauty that comes with marbles.
Here is the step-by-step process through which marble is mined.
Locating a Quarrying Site
This is the first stage of the whole mining process. The companies interested in mining for marble need to find a site where they can actually mine for it. Typically, a geologist is responsible for locating the site. This is usually through an exposed marble.
Afterward, the geologists employ drill bits that are diamond-tipped to identify the best place to dig the quarry. This also helps the geologist to determine the purity and quality of the marble in the location.
What then follows is obtaining the necessary licenses across all levels of government authorizing the mining activity.
The Mining Stage
The next stage involves mining for the marble itself. This is no quick process and will take months of digging to get down to the marble deposits.
During this process, it is necessary to ensure that dirt and undesired ore get extracted out of the way. This is to ensure that the marble blocks can get extracted when the time comes.
Also, the project or quarry manager must see to it that there is accessibility to the quarry to ensure easy extraction. Once the mining process gets to the marble extraction stage, then, the marble gets cut.
Note that where the marble gets cut from will determine the look of the marble. For instance, one cross-cut across rather than along the vein will have distinct looks.
Making a Bench
The next stage involves forming a bench wall. This refers to a large section that gets cut with diamond drills, cables, and torches. Typically, this section is along the vertical wall of the marble.
The goal of this process is to make it easier to create marble blocks. These blocks are usually uniform, and they weigh from 15,000 to 25,000 pounds.
Stone Processing
After the extraction of a block, the next stage is processing these marbles to meet specific purposes. For instance, if they get used as tiles, they get cut to form stone billets.
They then get polished. On the other hand, for sculptures, they get cut with gang saw and diamond wires.
This processing may see the application of resins in some cases. This is to help fill cracks. This is usually quite limited to protect the marble’s purity.
What is the Highest Quality Marble?
We bet you are intrigued by the mining process of marble. Well, now you can tell that a lot goes into creating the beauty that we call marble. However, there is one thing that we must also keep in mind.
That is the fact that there are varying qualities of marble.
I bet that you will be looking to get the best quality. So, you are wondering what the highest quality marble is.
Generally, people believe white marbles to be of the highest quality if you are looking to choose marble. However, that is only one aspect of the question.
The reality is that there is a wide variety of options when it comes to white marble. So, you will also need to pick between them.
Regardless, the White Statuario and White Calacatta are two great options. In fact, they are high in demand these days. So, you can go for them if you are looking to get a high-quality marble.
Where is Marble Best Used in Your Home?
So far, I bet you can tell that marble is a great addition to your home. Well, why would it not be, considering the beauty that it brings? However, you might just be wondering where it would fit into your home.
The great thing is that marble can fit great into various areas in your home. For instance, you can use it as a countertop in your bathroom or kitchen.
You can use it to surround your fireplace and other surfaces; you can even use it as a backsplash. Of course, you can count on getting great results in each instance.
Final Thoughts
Getting interested in marble is common. This is not far-fetched from the beauty that comes with it. However, there are loads of things that we do not really know about marble.
So, read up, stay informed, and fall more in love with marble.
In case you need help picking, at RSK Marble and Granite, we can help you. Our Boston Marble countertop experts are available to answer all your questions.
You can contact us on 978-447-1001 or connect with us here for a quote.
Related Question
Where Do You Find Marble?
You can find marbles in quarries worldwide, including in countries like China, the United States of America, and Italy. However, remember that the location of the quarry sometimes influences the cost of the marble.
Why is Marble So Popular?
Marble is quite popular thanks to the timeless elegance that it brings to a home. Even more, it comes in a wide range of variety that makes it easier to use while being durable.