Sustainability - Materials Research - Marble - Project Development

 This is material research for my project. In this part I will be researching marble.

Marble: 

Marble has been a famous material used in architecture and sculpture for centuries. It is a rock that has undergone transformation and it is composed mainly of calcite or dolomite, and both are forms of calcium carbonate. It is often a top choice for luxury projects not just because it is beautiful but durable as well. It can be used as a decorative piece or applied throughout an entire building. There are some unique characteristics about it, like its veining, grain, texture, and colouration, which makes it even more preferable for architects and artists. 

The veining in marble is caused by impurities in the carbonate, such as clay, sand, or iron oxide. They can be thin and delicate or thick and prominent which gives each piece of marble a unique look, some of the most famous buildings are made of marble with unique veining patterns, like the Taj Mahal and the Parthenon. The grain of the marble is created by the way the rock is formed. The minerals in the rock recrystallize under heat and pressure, creating unique grain patterns in the pieces. The texture of marble can change by polishing the pieces with a high sheen, giving it a glossy and smooth surface. The polishing process can also enhance the marble's colour and neining. It can also have a rough and matte finish which can be more useful on certain applications. White or grey are the most common colours for marble but there are a range of other colours, from pink and red to black and green. The colour of the marble can be determined by the impurities present in the rock, like if a piece has high concentration of iron oxide will have a red or pink tone, while marble with a lot of magnesium, will be green. 

Its versatility that works well with a variety of design styles and aesthetic appeal makes it a great option to choose for different applications like for flooring, countertops, sculptures, and decorative features in buildings. It can give stunning visual effects or add depth and character to a space or structure. 

 Strength and durability are essential factors to consider, that's where marble comes in again as a great choice, it is a natural stone that has been used in construction a lot since it is formed from limestone that has undergone intense heat and pressure, resulting in a dense and hard material. Because of its composition, it is incredibly resistant to heat, fire, and weathering. It can withstand exposure to harsh elements without suffering damage, making it an excellent use for exterior structures. It is also resistant to scratching, chipping and staining which can be common issues, even if there were minor damage done it is easy to repair by restoring it with little effort and maintaining it properly. Some more great benefits are that it is easy to carve, making it also available in different options standard or custom dimensions and it can support a lot of weight, it is often used in the construction of large columns, arches, and other architecture elements , so it works great with the part of my design that requires structural support. 

When it comes to its affordability a lot think that is really pricey, but in comparison with other high-end materials, marble is quite affordable. One of the reasons for that is that it is a naturally occurring stone which means there is no need for extensive manufacturing processes that can drive up costs. In addition, marble is widely available in a lot of countries, making it accessible to a wide range of buyers. Now if it is used for a big construction the total might seem expensive but it is a long-lasting material which also makes for a good investment. 

Marble is a great material for all of these reasons and will give my structure the effect I want it to with also giving structure support and great sustainability. 

Taj Mahal 1647 by Ustad Ahmad Lahori 

References:

Architect of the capitol (nd) Marble. Available from: https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/buildings-grounds/marble#:~:text=Marble%20is%20used%20throughout%20the,%2C%20walls%2C%20columns%20and%20stairways. (Accessed 6 May) 

Easy Render (nd) The use of marble in architecture: Classy materials for the ages. Available from: https://www.easyrender.com/a/the-use-of-marble-in-architecture-classy-material-for-the-ages#:~:text=Marble%20is%20extremely%20durable,used%20materials%20in%20ancient%20architecture. (accessed 6 May) 

Geology.com (2023) The many uses of marble. Available from: https://geology.com/rocks/uses-of-marble/ (Accessed 6 May) 

Impression (nd) The benefits of Marble as a building material. Available from: https://www.limestone.com/about-us/limestone-learning-center/the-benefits-of-marble-as-a-building-material/ (Accessed 6 May) 

NCL (2018) Benefits of using marble stone in construction. Available from:  https://newcleanliving.ca/benefits-using-marble-stone-construction/ (Accessed 6 May) 

Regatta (2023) Top reasons why marble is an ideal choice for commercial construction. Available from: https://www.regattaexports.com/top-reasons-why-marble-is-an-ideal-choice-for-commercial-construction/ (Accessed 6 May) 

Image References: 

Thought.Co (nd) Available from: https://www.thoughtco.com/marble-rock-geology-properties-4169367 (Accessed 8 May) 

Britannica (2023) Taj Mahal. Available from: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Taj-Mahal (Accessed 8 May)