Marbles: recrystallized limestone rocks formed by metamorphic processes, featuring a crystalloblastic structure (presence of large crystal fragments embedded in a finely granoblastic mass composed of crystals of uniform size), often with a sugary texture. If the original rocks are dolomites, a dedolomitization process may occur (replacement of Dolomite by Calcite and Magnesite). If the original limestones were impure, accessory minerals, mainly Calcium Silicates, also form alongside Calcite. As the amount of these minerals increases, the marbles transition into calc-schists. Commonly, the term “marble” refers to any rock suitable for polishing and used as an ornamental stone.
