Marble has been synonymous with sophistication and opulence for decades. Its inimitable beauty and elegance lend a unique touch to every space it is installed in, immediately elevating the design. It is one of the most sought-after stone options for home improvement projects ranging from tiles to vanity tops, accent walls to countertops.
If you are interested in investing in marble fixtures, you might be wondering why marble is expensive. There are many reasons such as the rarity of the stone, its long extraction journey, and its high demand. Keep reading to find out more about this amazing stone and the reasons for its high price tag.
What is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock formed in the Earth’s crust under immense pressure and heat over millions of years. It is originally in the form of limestone which is a soft and very porous stone.
During its creation, the abundance of calcite in its composition allowed it to become a smooth and slightly reflective surface that is beloved by many architects and homeowners. The presence of other minerals, such as quartz or iron oxide gives the stone its signature vein patterns and adds unexpected pops of color into the slabs.
The Natural Beauty of Marble
Marble has been synonymous with sophistication and opulence for decades. Its inimitable beauty and elegance lend a unique touch to every space it is installed in, immediately elevating the design. It is one of the most sought-after stone options for home improvement projects ranging from tiles to vanity tops, accent walls to countertops.
If you are interested in investing in marble fixtures, you might be wondering why marble is expensive. There are many reasons such as the rarity of the stone, its long extraction journey, and its high demand. Keep reading to find out more about this amazing stone and the reasons for its high price tag.
Marble is known for its show-stopping beauty. It is one of the most elegant options when it comes to home improvement projects. Each marble slab has a unique composition that gives the stone an unprecedented pattern. Similar to fingerprints or snowflakes, each marble slab has one-of-a-kind patterns.
The intricate veins add to its smooth base. Marble slabs are commonly available in light base colors like beige, cream, and light gray tones. This makes the marble countertops, vanity tops, or backsplashes timeless additions to your home, ensuring they will never be out of style.
How Marble is Formed
The formation of marble is an occurrence that takes millions of years. Moreover, this process requires specific geological conditions. The limestone masses that are buried deep within the crust of the Earth are subjected to immense heat and pressure over a long time. During this time, the combination of heat and pressure causes the limestone to recrystallize, causing it to transform into the marble we know today.
The time it takes for the marble formation to take place contributes to the scarcity and is one of the reasons why marble is expensive. As it takes millions of years for it to form, the cost of the stone is going to reflect that.
Extraction of Marble
Extracting marble from the quarries is one of the hardest parts of the journey. Moreover, extracting large amounts of marble blocks is a very expensive process. Marble quarries are often located in remote locations which are also very mountainous. The process requires specialized machinery and access to extensive infrastructure.
The extraction process involves the use of diamond saws to cut marble blocks from the quarry, which are then cut into slabs, and countertops in that order. The labor required for each step of the extraction is highly skilled, physically demanding, and difficult to master.
The Journey Home
After the marble is successfully quarried, it needs to undergo a lot of fabrication to become the countertops and tiles used in homes. Using advanced saws, the large blocks are cut into more manageable slabs at the processing facilities. Afterward, these slabs are polished which brings out the natural beauty and shine of the stone.
These processed slabs are shipped to retailers worldwide to meet the customers. Transportation of marble is a costly process due to its weight and size. Furthermore, marble is susceptible to damage and needs to be handled carefully.
High-Quality and Rare Marble
Depending on the type and rarity of the marble slab, the cost will differ. For example, some varieties such as pure white slabs are much rarer, therefore they are also more expensive and harder to obtain.
Moreover, certain types of marble cost more depending on the origins of the stone. Calacatta marble, which is quarried in the Carrara region in Italy is more expensive. A high-quality, rare, flawless slab of marble is an exclusive option and its price wil reflect its exclusivity.
Skilled Craftsmanship
The transformation process of a raw marble slab to a finished countertop or tile involves skilled craftsmanship and expert precision. Whether the slab is going to be used for countertops, tiles, statues, flooring, or walls, the process of cutting, shaping, and polishing the stone takes a lot of time and effort.
The expertise and skilled labor that is necessary for the fabrication of the marble slabs is another factor that adds to the overall cost of the final product and is a reason why marble is expensive.
Durability and Longevity
The durability and longevity of marble is one of its most significant selling points. Many historical landmarks made out of marble still stand the test of time to this day. These structures show that this is a stone with integrity and longevity.
Due to these amazing qualities, marble manages to maintain its premium cost. Marble can last for decades, helping it shine among other options that would need replacements. With proper care, marble fixtures can continue to serve you and your home for a long time.
Marble Maintenance
While marble is very long-lasting, proper maintenance and care is very important for its well-being and structural integrity. Marble is a porous material, therefore it can be susceptible to stains or bacterial growth if it is not treated correctly. The first and foremost step of marble maintenance is to seal the marble routinely.
Sealing the marble ensures that it can withstand moisture, dirt, debris, food particles, and spills without the danger of stains or discoloration. Moreover, sealing the marble makes the stone more hygienic as the outside elements won’t be able to seep into the stone.
Marble Trends
Trends and current tastes significantly affect the price of marble. Depending on the current trends, marble can be very in demand and therefore harder to obtain. Although marble is always in style, during certain seasons marble can be even more in demand than normal.
Marble is a finite source. Manufactured marble alternatives exist but natural marble is a resource that occurs over millions of years, and thus has an end. Transportation costs, currency fluctuations, and location are all factors that significantly affect the price of marble.
Comparing Marble to Other Stones
The unique abilities and signature characteristics qualities of marble set it apart from its competitors. Stones like quartzite and granite are also very popular options, each with their advantages and disadvantages.
For example, granite is known for its durability and long-lasting. Although marble is a long-lasting stone, comparatively it is softer than granite. Granite can resist the wear and tear that occurs in busy areas of the home without an issue.
Similarly, quartzite is also very durable and long-lasting. The quality that sets quartzite apart from others is that it shares a very similar appearance to marble. Quartzite has a smooth base and vein patterns that give it an elegant appearance. However, it lacks the unique slight transparent quality that makes marble appear as if it is glowing from within.
Luxury Status of Marble
Marble has long been associated with ideas of luxury, opulence, and wealth. It has been used in ancient palaces, modern mansions, and anything in between. This perception created the understanding that marble is a material for the elite, owning marble fixtures in your home is the result of success and it is an expression of sophistication.
The perception of marble as a status symbol adds to its value and its high price. Both commercial and residential property owners prefer to invest in marble for its beauty and the prestige it conveys.
In short, marble tends to have a higher price tag compared to its alternatives, however, it also more than makes up for it in the advantages it provides. Marble is more than just a stone, it is a symbol of taste, artistry, and timeless beauty.
