Marble: A Timeline
Natural stone has been used in home design for a long time, so it’s certainly nothing new. In fact, it’s been used for decorative, artistic, and functional purposes for thousands of years! Evidence of this has been found throughout human history, across all cultures and continents.
The earliest uses were generally of rudimentary chairs and tables, and in human conflict, food preparation, and tools. Greece popularized the use of natural stone, and are the first ones believed to have used marble in religious or government buildings. They revered this material for its softness and pure white hues. Marble stone offers a dignified elegance that has symbolized nobility and affluence for centuries.
Marble’s Beginning in History
In the 6th and 4th century BC, Greeks used marble to construct major structures such as the temple of Olympus, the Theseum, and parts of the Parthenon – all of which can still be enjoyed today. It wasn’t popular for use in residential homes at this time because quarrying marble was long, arduous, and labor-intensive. It was cut into blocks and used mainly for columns, sculptures, and wall facades.
Marble is indicative of high-end living, used in the world’s most notable structures, such as the Taj Mahal in Agra and the Pantheon in Rome. It’s also used in contemporary buildings, such as the Peace Monument in Washington DC and London’s Marble Arch. Beloved by artists since ancient times, marble really reached peak popularity during the Renaissance period.
All one has to do is look at Michelangelo’s “David” to witness its beautiful use of artistic expression and historical heritage. Since then, marble has morphed into a global symbol of sophistication and refined taste.
Marble as Building Products
When it was discovered that original methods of constructing symbolic buildings did not last the test of time, marble started to become the preferred material for its long-lasting appeal. In the Grecian era, structures were made of wood, but deteriorated with time. The Greeks and Romans knew how durable marble was, so as procurement methods improved and costs came down, marble started to show up in wealthier homes.
It was mainly used as a building material in bathrooms, as well as main rooms in which business was conducted. This solidified marble as a symbol of status and a mark of wealth.
The world’s most famous marble comes from Italy, such as Carrara, Calacatta, and Statuario. The Romans used Carrara and Calacatta for sculptures and construction. For homes, they would cut the marble into slabs and use it as a fascia for brick exteriors. The Romans thought Carrara and Calacatta marbles were the purest stones due to their pure white and blue-gray color.
Marble continued to grow in popularity throughout the Renaissance and Victorian eras, used primarily for mansions, churches, and government buildings.
Marble Countertops in Kitchens
Technological advancements over the years made quarrying marble more efficient and faster, with a lower acquisition cost. Polishing methods advanced too, greatly reducing the time it took to create floors, islands, or kitchen backsplashes. As a result, marble became affordable to the average homeowner.
Marble countertops were common in the early 1900s, but once the 1950s and 1960s came along, they were overshadowed by cheap, colorful laminate countertops. In the 1970s, granite emerged as king until ceramic took over in the 1980s, as it was a more affordable alternative to marble.
Even though marble has gone through its peaks and valleys in terms of popularity, it will always bring value and timeless elegance to home décor.
Contact Granite Guy
Whether you want marble for your kitchen island, countertops, or other embellishments, our marble fabricators in Southborough are here to help. Please get in touch with us today at 508-460-7900.
