What is Marble?
Marble is an evergreen and elegant rock that has been in used for centuries. Made from the metamorphic rock under different temperature and pressure over a certain period of time generates various exquisite pieces. The color spectrum ranges from crystal white to grey and black including different shades of pink, yellow, green and beige.
The veins formed due to various impurities giving marble a nice pattern. Highly veined marbles should be used on walls and avoid their usage in high traffic areas. Mined in various countries like Canada, Germany, Spain, US; two of the most famous marble types are quarried in Italy.
Marble, being the iconic material in luxury, helps to create state of the art designs in the area it is installed. Enriched with veins or straight line design, it depicts class and holds excellence. Commonly used for countertops, shower walls, bathroom floors, and backsplashes. Marble can be sustained through ages and stay fresh if maintained carefully.
Types of Marble
Marble has a huge catalog when it comes to its types depending upon the color, location, elements and temperature it has been gone through. Each is used for different purpose with respect to veining intensity and color. The above factors which contribute to types also affect the price of marble from type to type. Commonly used and in demand marble types from different corners of the world are:
Statuary Marble
Statuary marble is close to Carrara having light gray tones with smooth background. Its veins are distinguishable and clear. White background is translucent creating shiny look which reflects light and lustrous finish make the location spacious and bright where it is used.
Statuary marble can be used as shower walls with glass door and elegant bathing accessories. Embellish the shower area with elegant tub and classy cabinet for a much-sophisticated look.
Carrara Marble
Mostly used in sculpture making and designing buildings, Carrara marble is white, gray or blue-gray in color. The marble veins are linear in shape varying from small and fine to soft and feathery. The clear white color and subtle veins make it ideal to be used in bathroom. It gives a nice ambiance with an airy clean feel.
Emperador Marble
Mined in Spain, Emperador marble is distinguished with hues of brown. The veining pattern is irregular having fine grains. Ideal to be used for kitchen flooring, walkways or other high-traffic areas. Accompany the tiles with accessories in gold or brass tones.
Crema Marfil Marble
Extracted from Spain, it has various tones. Commonly used tiles have a slight beige color with soft or deep veins. Mostly used in combination to dark colored tile, crema marfil is used for exterior decorations. Different intensity of veins helps to create unique design patterns for signature décor and architect.
Marble Finishes
Marble is used in various finish types depending upon the location it is being installed. Mostly used finish types for marble are:
Polished:
Marbles are polished using oxalic acid or crystallizing compound which gives mirror-like smooth look. The reflective finish enhances the veins and beauty of the stone making it exquisite wherever they are installed. Widely used for indoor and outdoor wall cladding, fireplace surrounds and countertops (kitchen and bathroom). Since it is vulnerable to scratches hence avoid its use on high traffic areas like walkways.
Honed:
Honed marble tile is made using the same procedure as polished but it is kept rough and dull. This make the tile less lustrous and reflective giving it a matt effect. Depending upon the usage, its grit can be increased or decreased to produce different degree of honing. The matt look is ideal for flooring at heavy traffic areas like kitchen floors and walkways.
Brushed:
Marble brushed tiles are made by creating texture with coarse rotatory type brush. It has more friction and the surface is rough and blistered. Well applicable on tumbled marble. These tiles are used for flooring and outdoor décor purpose.
Tumbled:
Tumbled tiles are the ones whose edges are worn out by undergoing it through pressure. It is achieved by vibrating the stone in a sand and grit bath for about 20 minutes. Tumbled stones can be made using two types of machines. One vibrates the stone side to side and other rotates it. Mostly found in sizes less than 12’inch and is widely used for floors and backsplashes.
Honed and Pillowed Edges:
Honed and pillowed edges are alternatively known as cushioned edge. In this, tile’s edges are rounded to create a tattered look. It creates a soft effect and can be used in living rooms and other areas.
