Making Marble Shine

While you have likely seen and even admired the beautiful polish and shine of a marble countertop or shower, you may not realize all that is done in the marble stone fabrication process to create that beautiful piece of art.

Many miles beneath the surface of the earth, magma applies heat and pressure to existing limestone. Limestone contains calcite which, when subjected to the heat and pressure, solidifies and joins in an interlocking manner, causing the limestone to become a solid, beautiful stone. Veins are caused by the heating and pressing of different colored minerals within the stone. As the stone cools and dries, it becomes hard and is eventually ready to start the marble stone fabrication process and be formed into countertops, tiles, floors, showers, and more.

Marble can be found in many quarries throughout the world. Some of the highest quality quarries are located in Italy, India, Brazil, and areas of the United States. Marble comes in a variety of qualities and is available in over 2000 colors.

At the quarries, marble is sawed into large blocks using a wire saw. It is then the transported to another location where gang saws are used to cut the blocks into slabs. This process can take as long as three days. After the slabs are cut, they are polished repeatedly using finer and finer polishing grit until the marble obtains a partial reflection. Next, it is sprayed with an epoxy sealer which protects the surface of the stone. The stone is then ready to be selected and custom fit to the installation site.

When purchasing marble for a home or business, buyers travel to a site where they can view hundreds of slabs. Because each slab has such unique coloring and veining, it is important, as well as fun, for the individual to choose the piece they want for themselves.

The marble stone fabrication process is time intensive and fascinating at the same time. Between Mother Nature and man, this stone makes a beautiful addition to any home or business.