Marble
Geologically, marble is limestone or dolomite that has recrystallized under heat and pressure. In the stone trade, "marble" also covers some limestone that was never recrystallized but is cut and polished the same way. Its color and veining come from impurities in the original rock. The name on the label doesn't always tell you the geology.
- Also called
- Marble Tile
- Color
- Pure white to black, with greens, browns, reds and greys, depending on impurities in the original rock
- Geological type
- Metamorphic rock of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomiteSource: Marble, Wikipedia
- Trade usage
- In stonemasonry, 'marble' also covers unmetamorphosed limestoneSource: Marble, Wikipedia
- Acid sensitivity
- Calcium carbonate stone is sensitive to acids such as lemon or vinegar, which can dull or etch itSource: Natural Stone Institute, Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone
- Finishes at SoCal Tiles
- Varies by line, see each stone's page
SoCal Tiles carries
SoCal Tiles sells these lines as marble: Afyon White, Atlantic Gray, Bardiglio Imperiale, Bianco Carrara, Calacatta Gold, Calacatta Oliva, Cappuccino, Crema Marfil, Diano Royal (Queen Beige), Emperador Dark, Emperador Light, Empress Green, Marmara Equator, Nero Marquina, Oriental White, Spanish Mix, Statuary White, Thassos White, Tundra Gray and White Pearl Botticino. Most tiles and mosaics can be ordered as a sample from the product page; trim, coping and paver pieces are sold full size only.
Shop all marble · Start with Carrara or Calacatta
About Marble
What "marble" means. Geologists define marble as a metamorphic rock of carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite, recrystallized under heat and pressure. In stonemasonry, the word also covers unmetamorphosed limestone. Tennessee marble, for example, is a limestone geologists call the Holston Formation. Several stones sold as marble, including some in this Encyclopedia, are classed geologically as limestone. Each stone's page says what is known about it.
Marble vs limestone. Every marble started as limestone or dolomite. Recrystallization gives true marble an interlocking crystal structure; unmetamorphosed limestone keeps its original sedimentary structure. Because both are usually calcium carbonate, both are usually acid-sensitive. Stones with different minerals, such as dolomite or serpentine-bearing green stone, can need different care, so check each stone's page.
Marble vs travertine. Travertine is a limestone formed quickly from mineral-rich water, not by heat and pressure. See the Travertine family page.
Color and veining. Pure white marble comes from very clean limestone or dolomite. Veins and swirls come from impurities that were in the original rock (clay, silt, sand, iron oxides or chert). Green tones often come from serpentine.
Good to know
Marble was a favorite medium of Greek and Roman sculptors and architects, and it has been used for sculpture and building ever since. Whether a particular tile suits a particular room depends on the product, so check its product page or ask SoCal Tiles.
Caring for natural stone: read our stone care guide.
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Common questions
Is all 'marble' really marble?
Not always. In the stone trade, 'marble' also covers some limestone that was never recrystallized, such as Tennessee marble. The name alone doesn't tell you the geology, so each stone's page in this Encyclopedia says what is known.
What is the difference between marble and limestone?
Marble is limestone or dolomite recrystallized by heat and pressure; limestone keeps its original sedimentary structure. Both are usually calcium carbonate and sensitive to acids.
What causes marble's veining?
Impurities in the original rock, such as clay, silt, sand, iron oxides or chert, redistributed and recrystallized during metamorphism.
Sources
- Marble, Wikipedia (retrieved 2026-09-24)
- Natural Stone Institute, Care & Cleaning of Natural Stone (retrieved 2026-09-23)
- SoCal Tiles product catalog: marble (retrieved 2026-09-21)