Notes and Definitions

Definition of Marble

The geological definition of marble is calcareous stone (limestone) that has been transformed over time by heat and pressure, known as metamorphosis, to produce a stone with a crystalline structure.   The classic is Carrara marble which is crystalline, dense, uniform and capable both of taking a high polish and being carved in great detail.  However, within the dimension stone industry, the definition of marble has traditionally been much wider and may be applied to any stone capable of taking a polish.  Many such stones are actually high quality limestones, especially dolomitic limestones, but the use of the term also sometimes embraces silicates such as onyxes and quartzites. 

The capability of marble to take a shine or polish is found in the etymology of the word ‘marble’ and its many variants.  All derive ultimately from the Greek μάρμαρον (mármaron), from μάρμαρος (mármaros) meaning ’crystalline rock, shining stone’ or possibly from the verb μαρμαίρω (marmaírō) meaning "to flash, sparkle, gleam" (see for example HG Liddell, R Scott, A Greek–English Lexicon, Perseus Digital Library and RSP Beekes, Etymological Dictionary of Greek, Brill, 2009).

In recent decades the definition of marble has been tested in the courts in the US. In August 2004 the US Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit, in the case of the International Marble Corp v the US (Case No 03-155) ruled that US Customs had no authority to narrow the definition of “marble” from the commonly used commercial meaning of a stone capable of taking a polish to the geological definition requiring crystallization.  

In the UK the marble has not been defined in court but there is an obligation under the Construction Products Regulation EU 305/20121 on the stone industry to declare the petrographic name of a stone in accordance with British Standard BS EN 12440. 

The effect of this is that whilst the industry may market a range of natural stones as ‘marble’, the petrographic name may differ and may more precisely describe the material. 

Definition of Dimension or Dimensional Stone

According to ASTM, C18, C119-08 Standard Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone (2008, p.8), dimension or dimensional stone is natural stone or rock that has been selected and finished (trimmed, cut, drilled, ground, or other) to specific sizes or shapes. This distinguishes it from crushed stone.

Natural Stone Variation

The marbles, limestones and quartzite presented in this website are all natural stone.  As such they may be subject to variation in colour and patterning across a slab, within a block, within a quarry and over time as quarries are developed and deepen.  We have striven to show examples that exhibit the full range of colour and patterning variation currently or recently available.  The Company sales team will be happy to discuss possible colour and patterning variation of particular materials with customers.