Marble
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Contents |
Material analysis
MasterFormat Number: 09 60 00
Marble is a natural metamorphic rock that is created from recrystallized limestone. When limestone is softened from heat and pressure, mineral changes occur and form marble. Marble is found in the mountainous regions of the United States, Canada, Italy, Germany, Spain, Brazil, and other countries worldwide.
Traditional uses
- According to scholars, marble is the most ancient finish material still in use.
- An example of marble’s Classical appeal is the use of Pentelic marble in the Parthenon of Athens.
- Black and white marble squares for flooring emerged during the French Empire period.
- Often used for:
- Counters
- Floors
- Interior and Exterior Wall Facings
- Sills
- Stair Treads
- Thresholds
- Bathroom Partitions
- Bathtubs
- Fireplace Mantels
- Marble is used as rich and dynamic surface decoration always in fashion.
- It comes in many different colors and patterns naturally.
Emerging uses / trends
- Because of marble's expense, faux marble painting has become popular in both commercial and residential applications.
Finish and aesthetic qualities
- Characterized by a wide range of colors, varied veining and shading.
- Intensity of color and textures depend on amount of minerals and impurities introduced during the natural formation process.
- Marble is classified into groups A, B, C, and D according to severity of faults, flaws, lines of separation, veins and voids.
- Polished, honed, grit, sand blown, sand wet, sanded, natural, and split face finishes available.
- Smoothest finish is polished, which provides a glossy, reflective surface.
- A honed finished is satin-smooth with little or no gloss.
- An abrasive finish has a flat, non-reflective surface that is most suitable for non-slip surfaces. ** A wet sand finish creates a smooth surface that is also useable on nonslip floors.
Surface forms / shapes
- Marble tiles are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes.
- Marble can also be carved and modeled to create intricate designs and patterns.
- Because marble is formed naturally no two pieces are identical.
- Veining and color variations will vary, sometimes dramatically, within a project order.
Cost analysis
- Marble Institute of America (MIA) rates marble based on the effort required for fabrication. The groups do not represent the quality or value of the stone, but are based on the characteristics encountered in fabrication.
- Group A: sound marble and stones, with uniform and favorable working qualities
- Group B: requires some waxing and sticking
- Group C: more flaws and faults
- Group D: natural faults and veining makes these stones more difficult to work with – most fragile.
- Marble Institute of America (MIA) rates marble based on the effort required for fabrication. The groups do not represent the quality or value of the stone, but are based on the characteristics encountered in fabrication.
- Prices vary depending on quality, size of slab (marble could come in tile sizes which would be much less expensive then a large counter slab), color & veining.
- The price is also impacted by where it was quarried.
Material properties
Primary structural use
- Non-structural - applied material
- Self-Supporting, primarily surface decoration in both large sheets and blocks as well as tiles.
- Sculpture requires some self-support and thought as it is not strong enough on its own to maintain free-form as metals and harder stones maybe be.
Material performance
- Veins can cause weak points that might cause cracking or crumbling.
- Marble requires resealing and finish can be harmed by acidic liquids and some types of cleaners.
- Because marble is porous it can be easily stained and scratched.
Dimensional and opening restriction
- Slabs of veneer typically cut in ¾” to 2” thicknesses
- length and width of veneer can be as big as 8’-0” x 5’-0”
- Tiles are available in a range of sizes and shapes.
Acoustic property
Manufacturing process and assembly
- It is crucial to specify the appropriate setting materials required to properly install marble. The thick-bed installation method is preferred when installing floor tiles.
- When using marble or any other natural stone, the weight of the material must be taken into account to ensure that the floor is strong enough to support the extra load.
- Marble is extracted from quarries in huge blocks. It is then transported to mills where it is sawn to size. The processing of the marble is done in order of size, the largest slabs being processed first, and the smaller tiles which are to be used as flooring tile and wall tile processed last.
- Depending on the quality (brittleness, number of faults) of the marble different usage is determined.
- Quarries exist around the world, many being in the Mediterranean Basin: Italy, Greece, Turkey and Spain.
Environmental impact
- Sustainability, Off-gassing issues Maintenance/Resilience/Durability
- Spills on countertops should be cleaned up immediately.
- Spills should be blotted rather than wiped to avoid spreading.
- Surface stains can often be removed with chemical cleansers.
- In exterior applications, acid rain, industrial pollution, and exhaust fumes may cause severe deterioration.
- Quarries impact land and water quality.
- Some quarry areas are backfilled and developed or replanted when quarry is empty.
- Stone is a finite resource.
- Locally mined and fabricated stone is more environmentally friendly and salvaged, re-purposed stone is also available.
LEED
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Life Safety & Rating Standards
Flammability rating
- N/A
Coefficient of friction
- Honed finishes have a higher coefficient of friction and are recommended for use as flooring in commercial applications.
References
Notes
Student contributions
- Lori Anderson Wier, Fall 2005
- Erin Dudley, Spring 2008
