THE MATERIAL

THE MATERIAL

Since decades marble is one of the most admired materials for artists and architectures. That’s the reason why this brilliant stone is used in some of the most famous buildings, sculptures and furniture. Leaders of countries and kings have always used Marble, because it is a symbol for status, sustainability and of course a good taste.

The stone is formed from calcite or dolomite crystals that are subjected to extreme heat and pressure in the interior of the Earth. Originally mined by ancient cultures, Marble continues to be mined from quarries all over the world in many colors, shapes and styles.

Here are the five steps how marble is mined today:

THE MATERIAL

THE MATERIAL

Since decades marble is one of the most admired materials for artists and architectures. That’s the reason why this brilliant stone is used in some of the most famous buildings, sculptures and furniture. Leaders of countries and kings have always used Marble, because it is a symbol for status, sustainability and of course a good taste.

The stone is formed from calcite or dolomite crystals that are subjected to extreme heat and pressure in the interior of the Earth. Originally mined by the ancient cultures, Marble continues to be mined from quarries all over the world in many colors, shapes and styles.

Here are the five steps how marble is mined today.

I. Exploration

I. Exploration

Marble needs to be discovered, therefore locating a potential quarrying site is the first step in the mining process. The surest way for a geologist to locate a potential vein is an outcrop of exposed marble. Once the geologists have located the marble, diamond-tipped drill bits take core samples to make sure the purity of the marble is guaranteed. This step is also important to determine the best location for digging the quarry.

To start mining the marble, an elaborate registration process is necessary, because the mining company needs to apply for all of the required licenses from the local, state, and federal government. Depending on the country and state, this process can take up to years.

II. Infrastructure

II. Infrastructure

Mining marble is a complex undertaking, because most of the time the material is located in mountainous region, without an infrastructure for heavy machines. Therefore, establishing roads or tunnels for vehicle access is critical to the profitability and efficiency of the mine. While deeper holes are going to be dug, it is important to uphold and renew the infrastructure.

Once mining has begun, there may be several months of digging before any marble is extracted from the quarry. Overburden, or dirt on top of the desirable ore, needs to be extracted before blocks of marble can be removed.

II. Infrastructure

II. Infrastructure

Mining marble is a complex undertaking, because most of the time the material is located in mountainous region, without an infrastructure. When we decide to establish a marble or stone quarry, we make sure the environment of this area is treated with the most respect. Environmental protection is a high priority of our company and we only choose areas, where it is acceptable for ethical reasons.

During the process it is important to uphold and renew the infrastructure. Once mining has begun, there may be several months of digging before any marble is extracted from the quarry. Overburden, or dirt on top of the desirable ore, needs to be extracted before blocks of marble can be removed.

III. The "bench wall"

III. The "bench wall"

To start mining typical marble blocks from the wall of the quarry, a “bench wall” needs to be established. It is a large section of marble along a vertical wall that is cut with diamond cables, drills, and torches. Most of the time Dynamite is used, to loosen the bench wall from the side of the quarry.

Then the separated wall can then be processed and cut into individual, uniform blocks. A marble block usually weighs between 15,000 and 25,000 pounds.

IV. Permanent supervision

IV. Permanent supervision

During the process, a quarry manager needs to oversee each cut made from the quarry. After each cut, the manager has to decide, whether the marble is going to be mined along or across the vein. Most of the time the demand for the material decides whether “vein marble” or “cross-cut” marble is mined.

IV. Permanent supervision

IV. Permanent supervision

During the process, a quarry manager needs to oversee each cut made from the quarry. After each cut, the manager has to decide, whether the marble is going to be mined along or across the vein. Most of the time the demand for the material decides whether “vein marble” or “cross-cut” marble is mined.

V. Stone processing

V. Stone processing

Huge machines have to pick up the huge blocks, which are extracted from the quarry. In the factory they’ll go through further processing to match their intended purpose. For tiles, the marble is cut into stone billets and polished to a smooth sheen. Marble slabs for construction or sculpture are cut using diamond wires or a gang saw, which uses multiple diamond-tipped blades to slice a marble block into more manageable slabs.

Often, a resin is applied to fill in cracks in the marble’s surface. After polishing, only 1 percent of the surface will be coated in resin, maintaining the purity and beauty of the finished stone.