MARKET OVERVIEW:

The United States is one of the chief producers of dimension stone in the world, having generated an estimated 1.3 million tons in 2017. Marble sales comprised 2% of this market by tonnage, most in the form of rough blocks for construction.

Although marble deposits are not commonly found in the United States, a small quantity of marble is indeed quarried. The majority of these quarries have been in existence for 75 years or more. All marble quarries in the U.S. offer some fabrication services, while others sell block material for others to fabricate. Many blocks are exported through Canada. U.S.-imported marble sources from a variety of nations across the globe. Canada, China, Greece, India, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and Turkey frequently sit at the top of this list with respect to quantity purchased.

Sources: Dolley, T.P. 2017. 2015 Minerals Yearbook: Stone, Dimensional. U.S. Geological Survey. pg. 72.0-72.13.
Dolley, T.P. 2018. 2017 Mineral Commodity Summaries: Stone (Dimension). U.S. Geological Survey. pg. 160-161.
Stone World Magazine. Monthly Statistics. Accessed 07 August 2018.  https://www.stoneworld.com/Stone-Import-Export-Stats/2018-April.

Products & Applications

Common Dimensions

Characteristics of quarried stone are dependent upon the attributes of the deposit from which the stone was extracted; each quarry is able to offer a range of products unique in dimensions, color, and structural properties to its deposit. Therefore, it is preferable that the designer and stone supplier collaborate closely prior to and throughout the design process since planning a project around readily available stone reduces the environmental impact of raw material extraction. Nevertheless, the most common dimensions of marble on the market are as follows:

• BLOCKS: Maximum size of 8ft x 5ft x 5ft
• SLABS: Maximum size of 8ft x 5ft with thickness of 2-3cm
• VENEERS: Standard nominal thicknesses for marble veneer are ¾”, 7/8″, 1¼”, 1½”, and 2″.
• TILE: Generally less than ¾” thick and not exceeding 24” in its greatest dimension.
• CUBIC STOCK: Marble units greater than 2″ thick.
• CUT-TO-SIZE: Custom ordered sizes.  Check with the stone supplier for available sizes for the specified marble.

Custom cubic may also be offered.

Common Building Applications

• Cladding (exterior/interior)
• Flooring
• Landscaping
• Statuary
• Moulding

Available Finishes

Custom finishes may also be available through your stone supplier.

Formation & Sources

Marble is a metamorphic stone formed when limestone is subjected to intense heat, pressure and chemical solutions, causing the stone to reform into an interlocking structure of calcite, aragonite, and sometimes dolomite crystals. Marble formed from very pure limestone is white, but the presence of other minerals, as well as clay, silt and sand, can give it richly varied coloration.

Marble is found in the mountainous regions of most countries, but relatively few quarries exist in the United States.

Environmental Data

Indoor Air Quality

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

• None emitted directly from marble
• May source from adhesives and sealants applied; low-VOC options are available
  on the market
• Resources: refer to SDS of chemical(s) used

Physical Properties

A wide variety of foreign and domestic marble exists on the market, and these can be drastically different in density, hardness, porosity, and aesthetics. Users should verify that the marble they plan to use is applicable to the demands of the project and has a successful history in such installations. ASTM test data is the most common data available to compare the properties of any stone, including marble.

Unique to marble are their classification into four groups known as the Marble Soundness Classification System. The classification indicates methods of fabrication considered necessary and acceptable in each instance as based on standard trade practice. Classification does not refer to comparative merit or value of any type of marble. The Marble Soundness Classification is downloadable at: http://pubs.naturalstoneinstitute.org/resources/library/index.cfm.

Performance

Durability

• Countertops: lifetime
• Flooring: 100 years with proper maintenance
• Exterior applications: lifetime

Source: National Association of Home Builders. 2007. Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components.
http://www.nahb.org/fileUpload_details.aspx?contentID=72475.

Reuse & Recyclability

• Ensure reclaimed marble meets ASTM specifications before using for structural purposes
• Example Applications
  • Landscaping
  • Retaining walls
  • Walkways
  • Statuary
  • Re-installation on new buildings
  • Fill