Marbles are calcareous metamorphic rocks that are formed from limestone due to the action of pressure and geological processes. Marble also has a firm crystalline structure and slight porosity.
Marbles are generally available in different colours due to the presence of various minerals like sand, silt and clay. While their mineral content can vary depending on the limestone impurities, the main constituent though is calcite which is a mineral formed of calcium carbonate.
Popular Uses of Marble
Among the different types of rocks, marble is the most widely used rock. The principal use of marble is found in architecture and sculpture. But apart from that, it is also used for its chemical properties in different fields or industries. Let’s look at some uses below.
- Buildings and Sculptures
- Construction Aggregate
- Whiting
- Soil Treatment
- Neutralizing Acids
- In Supplements
- Cemetery Marker
Buildings and Sculptures
Marble has often been considered as the stone for gods and kings. If we closely observe the ancient buildings and monuments they have been made using marble. For example, the Taj Mahal is built using this rock. However, this rock is still used today as a decorative construction material. Marble is used in both internal and external applications. Further, marble has a translucent feature and it allows light to enter and give out a soft glow. Marble can also take a very high polish. Thus, it is also used in making sculptures.
Construction Aggregate
Crushed marble is often used as construction aggregate and is used as fill. It has been found that marble cleaves more readily than limestone due to the presence of calcite.
Brightener, Filler, Pigment
Some marbles are extremely white. These types of marbles are used to manufacture a white powder which is popularly known as whiting. This is used as a brightener, filler and pigment in paper, paint and some other products.
Soil Treatment
Like limestones, some marble can be heated to form calcium oxide which is also known as lime. And this compound is used in agriculture for treating the soil and basically to reduce the soil acidity. It is used in combination with fertilizers to improve the yield of soil.
Neutralizing Acids
One of the main compositions of marble is calcium carbonate. Due to this, marbles can be crushed to form a powder and used in neutralizing acids and removing impurities. Powdered marble is also used in water treatment and as an acid-neutralizing agent in the chemical industry.
In Supplements
Powdered marbles are also often used to produce animal supplements. Crushed marbles are soft easily soluble, and rich in calcium.
Cemetery Marker
The most common use of marble that we can relate to is its use as a tombstone or cemetery marker. It is easy to cut and engrave on marbles.
These are some popular uses of marble. To know more about the properties and different types of rocks you can keep visiting BYJU’S or download our app for interesting content and learning experience.
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