Marble
Marble is metamorphic (recrystallized carbonate), (CaCO₃ dominant). In the hand, it rates 3 to 4 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale, and it runs white and gray-veined. Sugary-sparkly recrystallized stone, soft to a knife, fizzing in vinegar, the glittery cousin of dull limestone. Metamorphosed limestone; notable: Carrara (Italy), Greece, Vermont (USA), Pakistan.
The geology.
Marble carries the formula (CaCO₃ dominant). It belongs to the, system. Its listing category is metamorphic (recrystallized carbonate).
It sits at 3 to 4 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale. The surface reads sugary vitreous. Light behaviour is opaque; translucent in thin slabs. Specific gravity runs 2.6 to 2.8. The streak is white. It breaks with granular, sugary fracture.
Sugary-sparkly recrystallized stone, soft to a knife, fizzing in vinegar, the glittery cousin of dull limestone.
It turns up mostly as carvings, spheres, bookends, decor or 'onyx' bowls (banded marble).
The origins.
Metamorphosed limestone; notable: Carrara (Italy), Greece, Vermont (USA), Pakistan.
On value, the database notes: common and affordable.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with clarity of purpose and serenity.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Sugary-sparkly recrystallized stone, soft to a knife, fizzing in vinegar, the glittery cousin of dull limestone.
Frequently sold as 'onyx' when banded, a centuries-old trade habit; vinegar settles it.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Quartzite | Quartzite looks similar but scratches glass and never fizzes |
| White howlite | Howlite shows gray web veins and no sugary sparkle |
| 'Onyx' carvings | Banded translucent 'onyx' bowls are calcite/aragonite marble, they fizz, true onyx (chalcedony) doesn't |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about marble. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Acid check | Fizzes with vinegar |
| Scratch check | Knife scratches it easily |
| By eye | Sugary crystal sparkle on broken faces |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 3 to 4 (aggregate) on the Mohs scale this is a soft material. Keep it as a display piece, store it apart from harder stones, and skip daily-wear settings.
It breaks with granular, sugary fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is (CaCO₃ dominant). Crystal system:,. Specific gravity: 2.6 to 2.8. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Granular, sugary fracture.
How it reaches the market
Metamorphosed limestone; notable: Carrara (Italy), Greece, Vermont (USA), Pakistan.
What it gets confused with
Quartzite: Quartzite looks similar but scratches glass and never fizzes. White howlite: Howlite shows gray web veins and no sugary sparkle. 'Onyx' carvings: Banded translucent 'onyx' bowls are calcite/aragonite marble, they fizz, true onyx (chalcedony) doesn't.
What it is worth
Common and affordable.
Where buyers get caught
Frequently sold as 'onyx' when banded, a centuries-old trade habit; vinegar settles it.
One more thing
Michelangelo's David and most 'onyx' gift-shop bowls share the same mineral, calcite, polished two very different ways.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Marble is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
Explore the Crystal Guide