What is the mineral composition of marble?
Jun 24, 2025
Leave a message
Marble is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of calcite (CaCO₃), a crystalline form of calcium carbonate. It is formed when limestone undergoes high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth's crust, causing the original sedimentary rock to recrystallize into a denser, more compact form.
Here's a breakdown of the main mineral components and how they influence marble's properties:
🔹 1. Calcite (Calcium Carbonate – CaCO₃)
Percentage: Usually 90–98% of the marble's composition
Role: The primary mineral responsible for marble's appearance and texture
Properties: Soft (Mohs hardness ~3), reacts with acids, gives marble its typical white to light-colored base
Impact: Determines the stone's workability, polishability, and translucency
✅ At XSE, we ensure our white and light marbles contain a high percentage of pure calcite for superior aesthetic quality.
🔹 2. Dolomite (Calcium Magnesium Carbonate – CaMg(CO₃)₂)
Found in: Dolomitic marbles or mixed calcite-dolomite marbles
Properties: Slightly harder than calcite, better acid resistance
Impact: Enhances the durability and chemical resistance of the marble
✅ XSE supplies dolomitic marble varieties for specific architectural and outdoor uses where extra resistance is required.
🔹 3. Quartz (SiO₂)
Present in trace amounts in some marble types
Hardness: Very hard (Mohs 7), contributes to abrasion resistance
Impact: Adds strength but may reduce polishability if in excess
🔹 4. Mica, Graphite, Iron Oxides, and Clay Minerals
These are minor components that give marble its:
Veining (e.g., from graphite or iron oxides)
Color variations (e.g., yellow, green, grey, or pink tones)
Texture differences depending on crystal grain and impurities
✅ At XSE, we classify and grade marble slabs based on color purity and veining uniformity, ensuring consistent quality for design projects.
Summary from XSE
The mineral composition of marble-primarily calcite, along with dolomite, quartz, and minor impurities-directly affects its color, strength, polishability, and weather resistance. Understanding these properties helps our customers choose the right type of marble for applications such as flooring, wall cladding, countertops, sculptures, and monuments.
📩 Looking for high-quality, mineral-rich marble slabs for your next project? Contact XSE today for expert sourcing, customization options, and competitive factory pricing.