metamorphic rock

Marble Marble is made when heat and pressure changes limestone. It is a metamorphic rock. It takes a high polish and a smooth finish. In fact, other rocks which polish well are called Marble. Its name may come from the Grrek 'marmairein' - to sparkle. Marble can be carved, so it has been used for statues and buildings throughout history, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Parthenon in Athens. However it is too expensive to be a normal building stone.

Larger pictures of Marble:

Different types of Marble have different patterns and colours.



The following two specimens are Connemara Marble.



The specimen below is Travertine. This is not Marble although it is sometimes called Travertine Marble.