Marble and marble slab has remained synonymous over the centuries with luxury and magnificence. From the grand structures of ancient Rome to today’s interior design, marble continues to be one of the best choices for those who appreciate its value. 

But before investing in this classic material, isn’t it necessary to explore and appreciate its quality in various aspects? From its origin to ideal uses in your home, the exclusive range of colors, types, patterns, and finishes in marble, together, offer classic designs and styles to enhance and inspire each of their contributions in their timeless creations. This article revolves around the significance of marble, from its importance to its installation. Let’s dive in, to know more about this magnificent stone!

Origin of Marble

Marble is formed when limestone or dolomite is subjected to intense heat and pressure, which causes the minerals to recrystallize and rearrange. This stone, through the presence of other minerals, such as iron oxide or graphite, acquires a range of striking colors and unique patterns. This mineral composition not only affects its appearance but also influences its hardness and resistance to scratching or staining.  

While Italy is renowned for its marble quarries, this versatile stone can be found in various parts of the world, including India. This stone not only characterizes strength and stability in daily usage but also ticks off certain characteristics like softness, versatility and aesthetic appeal that fascinate you to include this incredibility in your daily lives.

But what makes marble of greater importance?

Significance of Marble

Marble proves its timelessness and adaptability through its varied types and areas of usage. Traditionally used in art, sculpting, flooring and walls, it is constantly widening its spectrum through decor, crafts, accessories, and furnishings. The realm of construction and architecture is no lesser a target of this versatile piece. A simple staircase or a famous monument, marble effortlessly transforms the place into a haven with its grandeur and richness. 

However, do you know the various types of marble available in the market?

Types of Marble

From soft veins and bold patterns to refreshing colors, the range of stone collections in imported marble excels in the marble types. Statuario, Michelangelo, Calacatta Gold, Carrara, etc., marble are some types that add refinement and unmatched luxury to your home. 

Regardless of the type of marble you choose both polished and pre-polished options are also available, offering flexibility in how you achieve the desired finish.

Polished and Pre-polished Marble

Marble could be polished during either of the two stages. Marble when polished on-site after installation is known as polished marble. Whereas, marble that is polished before installation, during the manufacturing process at the factory, is known as a pre-polished marble. Ground using abrasives, fabricated, coated, and sealed for natural shine, pre-polished marble is recommended because it is relatively high in quality, smoother, and glossier in surface finishes, because of the prior polishing process. Seamless and uniform finish can be achieved in a pre-polished marble, by factories using machines specifically designed for the process.

The various types of marble also come in different colors that not only enhances the quality of your finish but also complements a variety of design aesthetics.  

Different Colors of Marble

White, black, brown, and gray being the primary colors of marble, is further sub-classified and customized into an extensive palette. With each color being distinctive, it caters to a wide spectrum of applications, design styles, and concepts, making the marble an even more timeless, valuable, and attractive material. Right colors, when used in the right areas, offer a desirable and striking transformation to your space.

However, before you make a decision here are some advantages you need to know about marble.

Advantages of Marble

• Marble can fit into any desirable space of yours, with its emerging design patterns, sizes, and colors that are customizable. 

• Firstly, marble is resistant to heat and hard to crack. Secondly, the natural cooling property and sturdiness of this stone is commendable. Moreover, the eco-friendliness and natural occurrence of the marble contributes to sustainability, which  is an icing on the cake.

• Considering the general porosity of a marble, pre-polished marble slabs, due to the various stages of polishing and sealing, become less porous and prevent damage.

Marble can be an excellent material of choice for any space, be it living room, kitchen, or bathroom, marble effortlessly blends with the theme, and offers a warm and majestic look. 

With the diversified use of marble, it is also available in varied thickness.

Also Check Out: How To Decorate Your House: 20 Tips To Work Like A Professional

Thickness of Marble Slabs

The thickness of marble slab ranges from a minimum of 12 mm to a maximum of 20 mm. While the adequate thickness of marble is 20 mm, the thickness used in India is 16 mm – 18 mm, which is less than the standards. 

What makes 20 mm Slabs Ideal

• 20 mm marble slabs show resistance to cracks and wrapping, and are durable when compared to slabs of other thicknesses.

• The 20 mm slabs provide the perfect mix of strength and beauty. Thicker marble may be too heavy and costly, while thinner marble might not give the apt sturdiness.

• This ideal thickness of 20 mm ticks off aesthetics while serving functionality and ease of maintenance.

However, you might be wondering how long can a marble sustain?

Lifespan of Marble

Marble is relatively durable, however, it is important to take care and maintain its goodness—be it floors, countertops, or panels, to achieve the longevity and characteristics while retaining the quality and properties. The average lifespan of marble is 20 years. However, it depends on the type, quality, and areas where the marble is used. Given proper care, a marble could retain its functionality and appearance and withstand the test of time. 

Now that there is a clarity on the varied types, colors, thickness and advantages of marble. Here is a guided list of the Installation process.

Installation Process

Before installing marble slabs in any space, it is crucial to follow certain steps and install in the right way in order to fetch best results.

Ensure to choose pre-polished marble slabs that possess a standard thickness of 20 mm, which are free of scratches and stains, and have a uniform veining pattern. You can also perform a scratch test to know if the marble is real.

Let’s make installation process easy, with a step-by-step guide given below: 

• Know the AREA.

Calculate the area and dimensions of the surface that will be covered by the marble slab.

• CLEAN your surface. 

Preparing the surface by leveling, cleaning, and drying it thoroughly to avoid dirt, wetness, uneven surfaces or any other distractions.

• Fix your LAYOUT STYLE. 

Decide the direction and pattern in which the marble slab should progress. Usually, marble slabs radiate externally from the center of a room or a space, rather than beginning from a corner. Determine the layout with the use of reference lines.

• CUSTOMIZE your marble size.

Cutting of marble slabs is crucial to maintain aesthetics. Though standard marble sizes are available in the market, most projects require customized measurements to fit perfectly into a space.

• STICK and let it set.

For the marble to stick to the surface, bonding materials like mortars or adhesives are spread, usually thin-set mortars. In the case of vertical paneling, adhesives are used.

• LAY till the end. 

Now, accurately lay the slabs with the help of reference lines, on the mortar or adhesive avoiding gaps or air pockets. Repeat the process till the slabs are laid in the corners. Ensure that the slabs are laid evenly on the same level.

After the installation, here are some tips for the maintenance of your marble.

Maintenance of Marble

Maintenance of the marble slab requires to follow some simple steps to ensure the longevity of the slab:

• While regularly cleaning your slabs with appropriate cleaning agents, it is crucial to avoid using chemicals and acidic agents that can cause damage.

• Avoid direct placement of substances that could easily scratch and spread stains, as marble is easily prone to stains and scratches.

• Though marble is quite durable, it might chip or crack when it comes into contact with heavy objects. Be careful while handling furniture or placing heavy items on top of marble surfaces.

Conclusion

This article has explored everything about marble, from its historical origin to the key factors like choosing the ideal thickness of 20mm and pre-polished marble. Marble proves to be a truly phenomenal material that is elegant, eco-friendly, versatile, advantageous, and serves different purposes. It is also an ultimate choice if you are looking to combine timelessness with modern luxury in your desired spaces, while not compromising on functionality. Thus, marble not only stands the test of time but also goes on to impress generations to come.

Content Writing And Research By: Ar. Anusha Sridhar