5 Facts About Marble: More Interesting than You Think

5 Facts About Marble: More Interesting than You Think

Marble has been around for a long long time. The Greeks and Romans love for marble is very well known, not to mention the incredible marble sculptures that were created during the Renaissance Era. Marble, thro

ughout its long history, has been used in the construction of several structures and works of art. Nowadays it is used in the making of many modern household appliances, such as countertops.

Here are 5 interesting facts about marble that may explain why the majority of cultures on the planet have been fascinated by it for such a long time.

1.In Ancient Egypt, marble was as precious as gold!

Archeologists have found marble recipients inside the tombs of high-ranking Egyptian officers. Those recipients were called Canopic Jars. They were usually carved in the shape of animals that the Egyptians considered sacred, like cats, crocodiles and serpents. Inside these recipients were put the organs of said officers, mostly their hearts and lungs.. According to their beliefs, doing that would make those organs available to them in the afterlife.


Canopic Jars found in the tomb of Karabasken, on June 2018.

Marble and gold were used to make the best ornaments and the most intricate decorations in objects reserved to the high elite of Egypt. That demonstrates the importance of marble to their culture and society.

2.The Taj Mahal is created entirely out of marble

In 1632, the emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the creation of a building to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. That building, 10 years later, ended up being part of what we now call the Taj Mahal. About twenty thousand workers were recruited to help in its construction. Mughal lapidarists worked on the marble intricate layouts with techniques taught to them by Italian masons (that certainly inherited their love and expertise on marble from their Roman ancestors).


Taj Mahal, India

It is said that Shah Jahan desired a tomb made of the most expensive and beautiful material possible. That choice, as we now know, ended up being marble. Marble was mostly used as bricks to structure the whole foundation of the Taj Mahal, but Shah also reserved white marble to use in the most sacred places.

The Taj Mahal is considered to be a historical sign of the economic stability and political security of India at that time, what allowed the emperor to self indulge in the construction of such a beautiful and expensive palace. And, once again, marble is part of that story, used as a clear indication of wealth and beauty.

3.Little known fact about marble: it is also used in agriculture and farming

Marble can be used in the creation of a product called agricultural lime, used as a soil additive. It increases the pH of the soil, reducing its acidity, and, in combination with fertilizers, improving the yield of a soil. The marble is heated in a kiln until it expels all of its carbon dioxide, leaving only the lime in the end. Agricultural lime can also be added to coal burners to reduce their pollution levels.


An example of a test plot with no lime against one with it. The difference is visible.

4.It is one of the most durable stones for countertops.

Marble is a great choice for countertops due to its high durability and classic elegance. As long as you know how to take proper care of it, your marble countertop will probably last for years and years and definitely pay itself, balancing the relatively high cost of its initial investment.

But be very careful, marble is prone to stains, so the first step after you acquire one is to properly seal them. If you have one but haven’t sealed them yet, don’t waste any more time! Schedule for a professional visit to seal your countertop asap. If the worst happens (or if it already did), this article can help you get rid of some stains.

5.There are more than 60 types of marble in the world

Mostly spread around Europe, but also very predominant in the US, there are registries of more than 60 types of marble currently in circulation. Even though some geologists agree that some of these variances are actually what they call false marble (or near-marble), it is still more than enough variety to choose one that fits perfectly your taste.

Here is a list of some types of marble you can find in the US.

  • Creole Marble

    Also called Georgia marble, that marble can be found in quarries located in Pickens County, Georgia. It is usually found in white or gray, with some details in dark blue. Creole marble was used in the construction of The Capitol.
  • Etowah Marble

    Also found in Georgia, but this in quarries near Tate, this type goes more to pinkish and salmon hues.
    The Bok Tower Gardens, in Florida has Etowah Marble (as well as Creaole Marble) in  its construction.
  • Sylacauga Marble

    Found in the outskirts of Talladega County, in Alabama, it is considered to be the world’s whitest, because of its almost impeccable whiteness and crystallinity. It is named after the City of Sylacauga, often called “the marble city”.
  • Yule Marble

    Found only in Yule Creek Valley, in Colorado, it’s one of the most expensive ones, due to the difficulty in the high altitudes in which it is mined. Its smooth and well polished surface makes it a high priority choice in the creation of landmarks, the most important one being the Lincoln Memorial.

You can search for all the types of marble Eagle Stones have available here, and if you’re in the Sarasota Area, why not pay them a visit to see all those types up close and choose the perfect one for your countertop?

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