Marble

What is Marble?

• Marble begins as limestone or dolomite laid down over millions of years.
• Heat and pressure deep in the earth recrystallize it into interlocking crystals and veining.
• It is quarried in large blocks, sawn into slabs, then polished or honed.

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What do the experts say?

• NSI: Marble is a metamorphic rock and a popular choice for countertops, floors and fireplace surrounds. ^[1]
• NKBA: Marble is calcite-based and reacts with acids such as wine, lemon juice, vinegar, coffee and olive oil, leaving etches; stay on top of wiping up spills. ^[2]
• NSI: Acid rain and other weathering elements can affect exterior marble, and exterior applications are generally limited to white marbles. ^[1]

LEED & green building

• Natural stone is listed by LEED v4.1 as an inherently non-emitting source of VOCs, so marble without integral organic-based coatings can count toward the Low-Emitting Materials credit (sealers are evaluated separately). ^[3]
• Points from credits like this add up toward LEED Certified (40–49), Silver (50–59), Gold (60–79) or Platinum (80+). ^[4]

1. Natural Stone Institute – Marble, Onyx, & Serpentine
2. NKBA – Four Questions to Ask When Choosing Natural Stone Kitchen Countertops
3. USGBC – LEED v4.1 Building Design and Construction (EQ Low-Emitting Materials; MR Building Product Disclosure and Optimization)
4. USGBC – LEED rating system (Certified 40–49, Silver 50–59, Gold 60–79, Platinum 80+ points)

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