Marble Calcite Limestone

When the heat and pressure hits the limestone calcite seed crystals form.

Marble calcite limestone.

With continued metamorphism these crystal seeds grow while any clay deposits in the limestone transform into silicate structures such as mica. Because marble is a fairly soft material only a three on the mohs hardness scale it is easy to cut and carve. Marble is a granular metamorphic rock it is derived from limestone or dolomite and it consists of a mass of interlocking grains of calcite or the mineral dolomite. It is composed primarily of the mineral calcite caco 3 and usually contains other minerals such as clay minerals micas quartz pyrite iron oxides and graphite under the conditions of metamorphism the calcite in the limestone recrystallizes to form a rock that is.

The variety of colours exhibited by marble are a consequence of minor amounts of impurities being incorporated with the calcite. Limestones may include layers of clay or sand which may form the attractive flow banding and colours found in decorative marble. The calcite in the limestone changes and fossils and layering in the original limestone disappear as interlocking grains grow. If the limestone is pure a white marble is formed.

If the limestone is pure a white marble is formed. Marble is a metamorphic rock formed by the alteration of limestone by heat and pressure. Marble forms under such conditions because the calcite forming the limestone recrystallises forming a denser rock consisting of roughly equigranular calcite crystals. Marble is a metamorphic rock that forms when limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism.