This article's lead section may be too short to adequately summarize the key points. (November 2024) |
Metamorphic rock | |
Composition | |
---|---|
Mostly calcite or dolomite | |
Physical Characteristics | |
Fabric | Typically not foliated |
Relationships | |
Protoliths | carbonate minerals, Limestone, Dolomite |
Marble is a metamorphic rock consisting of carbonate minerals (most commonly calcite (CaCO3) or dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) that have recrystallized under the influence of heat and pressure.[1] It has a crystalline texture, and is typically not foliated (layered), although there are exceptions.
In geology, the term marble refers to metamorphosed limestone, but its use in stonemasonry more broadly encompasses unmetamorphosed limestone.[2] Marble is commonly used for sculpture and as a building material.