There are lots of building materials. But marble is not only one of the strongest, but also one of the most unusual. Take it from us: We work with marble every day. So we have learned a lot of weird but wonderful facts about this beautiful, yet strange, building material.

For example, did you know that the marble you use for your flooring, countertops, or other surfaces can be really, really old? How old? The geological age of marble can extend back as far as 200 million years in some cases. Even relatively “young” marble, such as Crema Marfil is about 75 million years old. Compare that to Egyptian limestone — also known as the materials used to build the Pyramids — which is only about 60 million years old.

Making Marble

Unlike most building materials, marble is not man-made. Instead, it is made from limestone that is exposed to incredibly high heat and tons of pressure that are so powerful that they force the limestone to recrystallize, forming marble.

Marble also comes in a lot of different colors. None of these are added later. They are all a part of the natural creative process. Marble can be white, black, red, or even green. It also can have distinctive veins that are one of the most recognizable elements of high-quality marble.

And talk about strong? Marble is a hypoallergenic stone that heats up easily but is one of the most durable materials known to man. it has long been treasured for its glossiness, reflectiveness, and infinite beauty.

Marble History

So it’s no wonder marble has been featured in the most important building projects in human history, including those by the ancient Greeks, the Roman Empire, and the American revolutionaries.

If you want a piece of history in your home, consider using marble for your flooring, walls, or countertops.