A popular building and sculpting material that adds a sense of luxury to commercial and residential construction, marble is a metamorphic rock that results when limestone reacts with intense pressure and heat. Originating from the Greek word ‘mamaros’, meaning shining stone, marble is made primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) alongside additional components such as clay minerals, graphite, quartz and iron oxides. These carbonate crystals interlock to create the marble rock.
Dating back to its early discovery, the history of marble in construction reveals the commencement of its usage and the reasons that marble remains distinctive among other construction materials. From beauty and versatility to high durability and longevity, marble is a unique natural stone that has gained tremendous popularity in construction over the centuries.
When was marble first discovered?
Marble extraction can be traced back to the 3rd century BC when the Greeks began using this natural stone due to its strength and beauty. A prized material reserved for the distinguished and wealthy of the times, marble could be found in revered monuments, mosques, historical sculptures and temples. However, as millenniums passed, marble was considered a pale rock with no significant use or value in the eyes of the Indian tribes of the early 1800s.
Officially discovered and documented in 1874 by geologist Sylvester Richardson, marble was found again in the same year by George Yule, the sheriff of Gunnison County, who aptly named the rock Yule Marble.
In current times, marble is mined in many locations throughout the world. However, India, China, Spain and Italy are responsible for half of its total production.
Where was marble first used in construction?
With its usage reaching back as far as the Ancient Greeks and Romans, marble was initially utilised due to its beauty and used primarily for sculptures and pillars found throughout wealthy residences, temples and castles. Furthermore, the use of marble in construction can be traced back to BC times in the Mediterranean in countries such as Italy (1st Century BC.) and Greece (3rd Century BC.) Masterpieces such as the Parthenon, Pisa Cathedral and the Taj Mahal are some of the most famous historical constructions using marble. Marble quickly became a signature material for renowned architects and historical artists alike.
Due to the ancient mining process, which was a long and arduous system of manually carving the marble rock with levers, hammers and chisels, marble was not yet found in the everyday home. However, the Greeks soon realised that their preferred construction material (wood) did not have the durability and longevity that marble had to offer.
As the quarrying process improved and technology advanced, marble became more accessible to the general population. Specialised quarrying systems such as ‘wet cutting’ with blades and advanced machinery meant that the natural stone could be cut to size and transported more efficiently, reducing production costs. This saw the introduction of marble into residential homes and was quickly recognised as a sign of wealth and luxury in the construction industry.
Why is marble so special?
Marble has had reputable beauty and elegance since its early discovery. Its unique attributes and functionalities make marble a sought-after construction material in structural and sculptural applications.
As a natural stone, each piece of marble is unique. No two pieces can be the same, which provides visual satisfaction and distinction to each individual cut. White marble is the purest form of this stone and is highly popular for its beauty. However, the veins and swirls found in coloured marbles are due to various impurities such as sand, silt and iron oxides in the limestone’s original composition. These impurities create multiple colour variations and visual characteristics to suit any space, style or personal tastes. Adding to its luxurious look, the light-reflecting properties of marble can create a sense of space and brightness in a room, making it a popular choice for floor tiling within the home.
Recognised for its durability, marble has a high resistance to damage and impact. Unlike synthetic options that can shatter on impact or chip easily, marble has become a preferred choice in construction due to its exceptional longevity. Marble will last a lifetime when maintained well, making it a positive and worthwhile investment.
One of the most heat-resistant stones available, marble is a low-maintenance material that is ideal in high temperature areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces.
When did marble become popular?
An ancient and beautiful natural stone, marble was prevalent in past eras through its use in famous sculptures, monuments and historical constructions. However, marble has found its popularity in modern-day applications due to its versatility, beauty and longevity.
Beyond its exceptional functionality, marble is now becoming one of the most popular building materials in the home, known for its elegance and luxury. From bathrooms to kitchens, benchtops to flooring tiles, this natural stone’s aesthetic beauty and versatility are why it can be found in many Australian homes today.
With a vast range of natural colours and veinings, each marble piece has a unique depth and individual patterns that make it a stand-alone stone feature. With its lifetime quality and durability, marble does not lose value over time, increasing the value of the home and appealing to potential buyers.
One of the most popular materials in Australian homes
The history of marble in construction reveals the true excellence of marble throughout the eras. With a wide variety of applications, marble is one of the most popular construction materials in Australian homes.
With each piece being unique, marble adds a sense of luxury and elegance to the home with the beauty of natural stone. Its vast range of colour and veining options make it a versatile addition to any decor and design plan.
From benchtops to floor tiling, bathrooms to kitchens, marble’s durability and longevity make it a profitable investment that adds value to the home and appeals to potential buyers.
Though once reserved for the regal and elite alone, today, over 100 million tonnes of marble are produced and mined worldwide, making it highly accessible to the general population and timeless addition to many Australian homes.
Call Marble Everlast today on 0401 508 938 for expert advice and a free stone cleaning, polishing & restoration quote.
