No. Use the putty.
You can use silicone as a substitute, but plumbers putty is simpler and far easier to clean up. 100% SILICONE
Oils from putty soak into and discolor marble. Putty not used when putting pipe together.
Put putty under outer edge of faucet base and fasten to sink. Remove excess putty after fastening faucet.
If it is real marble, the oil in the putty can leach into the marble and discolor it.
pipes plunger putty
Search for granite poltice online. For more info go to solidsurfacealliance.org or forum.solidsurfacealliance.org
You can purchase plumbers putty and teflon tape at any local hardware store. These items are also available at large chain home improvement stores such as home depot or lowes.
It will not dry out and if the drain needs to be removed at some point, it can be. Glue would make it difficult to work on. Modern 100% silicone caulk will also work, and can be removed easily, like plumber's putty.
I think mainly to make it more malleable from the warming effect. It also makes it more consistent if it has dried around the edges
yes
It sounds like you are installing a new faucet. If that is the case read the manufacturer's instructions. If you are re-installing an older faucet, using the plumbers putty doesn't hurt.