Prized for its extraordinary beauty, diversity, and durability, marble has been integral to architectural construction since ancient times. Different types of marble are used for different elements of the construction depending on value, strength, quantity, and the design. Since the construction of buildings is an expression of human wants and needs, the value of symbolism, material selection, and style is just as important as functionality. Marble’s unique capability to support architectural construction and beauty continues to keep the material in demand.
Arguably, the most famous and popular marble is Carrara. Sourced from the mountains of Northern Italy for thousands of years, this Carrara has facilitated the construction spanning centuries from the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column to the Marble Arch in London and Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts. The quarries of Carrara have produced more marble than any other quarries in the world.
Carrara Quarry
There are many different types of Carrara marble depending on the coloration and quality, including but not limited to White Carrara, Calcutta, and Statuario. White Carrara is white with grey and black veining. Calcutta is more dynamic and darker in coloration. Both White Carrara and Calcutta are historically used both for exterior construction as well as interior walls, flooring, and ornamentation. Finally, Statuario, the rarest and most pure variety, known for its brilliant white and soft veining, is generally reserved for fine art such as sculpture.
(Left) Pantheon, Rome (Center) Veiled Virgin by Giovanni Strazza (Right) Harvard Medical School
Other notable Italian marbles are Giallo Siena, Candoglia, Rosso di Verona, and Perlato di Sicilia or Botticino di Sicilia. Giallo Siena is a rich yellow ocher stone with ivory and golden veins. The stone has notably been used for walls, decorations, flooring, and mosaics. Perhaps most famous for Milan’s Duomo, Candoglia Marble is a sparkling rose color, veined with grey. The stone, notable for its durability as well as carving capabilities, was transported more than 60 miles from the Candoglia quarries to Milan via waterways for the construction of the cathedral.
San Clemente al Laterano Interior Inlaid Marble Floor of the Second Basilica
Archdiocese of the Military Chapel
Another quarry region dating to the Roman Empire, Rosso di Verona is known for its rich red color and unique veining patterns. It is typically used for ornamental work, monuments, sculpture, and mosaics. Perlato di Sicilia or Botticino di Sicilia is a world-renowned stone used for the base of the Statue of Liberty and for the White House. The creamy, beige color and durable quality make it an elegant material for both exteriors and interiors. At any given quarry, the predominant excavation varies over time and quality. This usually requires different classifications within the general typology.
(Left) Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Right) St. Patrick’s Parish Marble High Altar
Italy happens to be incredibly bountiful in regards to marble however, countries around the globe have their own unique marbles with long histories of their own. The Pentelic marble excavated from Mount Pentelicus, northeast of Athens, was used in the construction of the Athenian Acropolis and later exported to Rome for building construction.
(Left) Parthenon in Greece (Right) Masjid-e-Rasheed in India
The Taj Mahal, Masjid-e-Rasheed, and the Victoria Memorial are all built of Indian Makrana Marble. This marble is distinguished for its elegant, pure white coloration and subtle veining. In the United States, Colorado Yule, Vermont, and Georgian are some of the most well-known. Most American-sourced marbles can be found in the City Beautiful constructions; for example, the Lincoln Memorial, built of Colorado Yule, and the statue of Lincoln carved from Georgian White marble.
Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
United States Capital
Marble is a timeless material that continues to share its rich heritage with modern adaptations and historical reflections. Today we enjoy the material through new design, restoration, and archaeological discoveries. Marble has been used in traditional buildings for thousands of years due to its aesthetic appeal, durability, and versatility. From exterior building construction to interior wall and floor inlays to sculpture and ornamentation, marble has withstood time as a reliable and elegant material. Permanence is a beautiful quality of marble. When monuments of great significance are designed in the same permanence as the Acropolis and the Roman Forum, the importance of their construction and the message conveyed is all the more powerful.
