Rosso Egeo
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed through the metamorphism of limestone. Soft limestones re-crystallise under conditions of heat and pressure in the Earth's crust. Pure white marble results from the metamorphism of very pure limestones. The characteristic swirls and veins of many coloured marble varieties are due to various mineral impurities such as clay, silt, sand and iron oxides, which were originally present as grains or layers in the limestone.
The stone's characteristics make marble an exceptional choice for grand and luxurious statements in the home. The naturally occurring patterns in the stone can create subtle, yet unique decorative effects.
Marble is extensively used for sculpture, as a building material, and in many other applications. The word 'marble' is colloquially used to refer to many other stones that are capable of taking a high polish.
Places named after the stone include Marble Arch, London; the Sea of Marmara; India's Marble Rocks; and the towns of Marble, Minnesota; Marble, Colorado; and Marble Hill, Manhattan, New York. The Elgin Marbles are marble sculptures from the Parthenon that are on display in the British Museum. They were brought to Britain by the Earl of Elgin.