The History of Marble | Rudi's Choice
Marble is a timeless natural stone used for centuries in construction and decorative arts. It has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, where it was used for some of the world’s most iconic architectural landmarks.
Today marble is admired and appreciated in interior design for its enduring beauty and wide variety of colours and uses. Discover more about this ancient stone as we look deeper into its past and how it is used in the present…
The make-up of marble
The journey marble takes to become your designer kitchen countertop is a long and interesting one. The very slab under your chopping board is a slice of metamorphic rock that is formed from the re-crystallisation of limestone or dolomite under extreme heat and pressure.
Variations in minerals, oxides, or other materials in the limestone – along with variations in heat, pressure, and time give marble its wide variety of unique colours, veining, and patterns that make it a popular choice for interior design.
Marble is extracted from quarries all over the world, including Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, China, and the United States. How marble gets from deep in the ground to the showroom floor involves drilling and cutting blocks from the earth, which are then transported to processing plants for further refinement.
Marble in history
The use of marble can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where it was used in the construction of temples, palaces, art, and monuments. The history of marble quarries goes back to the 3rd century BC in Greece; the 7th century in Turkey (Anatolia); and the 1st century in Italy.
Extraction techniques were arduous and lengthy, involving hammers and wedges that were used to release marble from the earth. After which it was pulled up with the help of pulleys, winches, levers, and wooden beams.
This meant that marble was reserved for the important and wealthy and was not found in the everyday home as it is today, but instead in palaces and temples. In ancient Egypt marble inlaid with gold has been found within the tombs of pharaohs and high-ranking officials.
In ancient Greece marble was used to create some of the most beautiful art of the period including the iconic Venus de Milo, and in renaissance Asia, marble is the shining star of the world-famous Taj Mahal in Agra, India.
Modern marble
Innovations in mining methods have made marble more accessible today. Although still considered by most as a premium material choice, marble is no longer reserved for royalty.
It’s still quite a journey that takes the marble block from the quarry to cutting with saws into slabs, marble strengthening, and polishing. The final stage involves being transported to the warehouse for storage and exported to showrooms around the world where you can pick your perfect piece.
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Marble’s versatility and elegance continue to make it a popular choice for interior design and decoration. It’s both durable and long-wearing, as well as beautiful and stylish. Used for everything from flooring, countertops, walls, and even furniture, marble is a timeless material that works with almost any interior style – from classic to modern.
Marble maintenance
It’s important to keep in mind when choosing marble, as with any natural material, that there is regular maintenance involved to keep it looking its best. Sealing the surface to prevent staining and scratches is key as well as cleaning it with a mild detergent and soft cloth.
Some like to let their marble surfaces tell a story – a well-used kitchen filled with happy meals and glasses of wine can add character to your countertop, similar to weathered wood and well-worn leather. Whichever camp you are in, don’t be afraid of choosing marble because it is a timeless classic that can be enjoyed for years to come with some general care and love.
Colours
Marble comes in a range of colours and patterns, from pure white to pitch black – and colourful rainbow hues in between. But where does marble get its colour? Believe it or not, colourful marble is actually caused by what are considered impurities.
Pure marble is usually a light-coloured rock when it is formed from limestone with very few impurities. Varying levels of materials like clay minerals and iron oxides create the myriad of colours you see – showcasing beauty in imperfection.
Marble is a timeless and versatile natural stone that has a rich history and a future filled with design possibilities. When properly installed and maintained, it can add elegance and sophistication to any space. With a wide range of colours and patterns available, there is a type of marble to suit any style and preference.