What caracteristics make marble a useful metamophic rock?

Answer 1

Marble is considered to have translucency to its surface finish that looks like human skin texture. It is the translucency that gives and marble sculpture some some realism when carved. Marble has the distinct advantage that when first quarried it is quite soft and easy to work and polish. As the sculpture ages it becomes harder and somewhat water resistant, although acid rain damages the outer levels considerably. Also when being worked the sculptor has to be very aware of the oils and moisture created by the human hand as this stains the marble causing a brownish mark to appear

Answer 2

Marble is massive, that is to say not foliated (layered), which means that it does not easily crack or split. That makes it good for carving and also makes it a strong building material.

Marble can be polished to an attractive waxy lustre which is valued in statues and a decorative stonework. Some kinds of marble have attractive colour and pattern which make it an attractive cladding material for buildings, and good for decorative items such as carved urns.

Marble is comparatively soft, which makes it easy to carve, and also easy to crush for gravel and building aggregate.

Marble is of comparatively low density, which makes it suitable for use as an aggregate in low-weight concrete.

Most kinds of marble consist of calcium carbonate, which can be used to make cement.

Since marble is valued for building, cladding, statues, and decorative work, big pieces are expensive. Only waste such as chips is usually used for gravel, aggregate, or cement.

Answer 3

Marble is good for sculpting because it is relatively soft. It is also unlikely to fracture because of the intertwined mineral crystalline structure.