Marble Flooring: A Concise History

by | Jul 14, 2014 | Restoration

Marble is truly beautiful. Its elegance adds a lot to the decor of any home. From kitchen tables to flooring, it can remain in pristine condition with a little maintenance. Marble floor polishing by Newark, NJ, experts can ensure the marble floor you get and maintain is worth keeping for the duration.

Definition and Origins

The word “marble” is derived from the Greek word marmaros. It refers to stone that is pure, white and without flaw. In fact, the early Greeks preferred white marble though the material does come in other colors. This stone is metamorphic rock. A by-product of limestone, marble only emerges after millions of years of constant pressure and heat. The veins that run throughout marble are a result of the process creating distinct and unique marble flooring. Polishing of the marble helps to bring out the veins and illustrate the variation among flooring tiles.

Early Uses

Architects in Greece, Mesopotamia and Egypt realized the durability and beauty of marble. They found it to be a material suited to their needs. As a result, these ancient cultures mastered the use of marble as a building material. They also wrought it into fine works of art. In Greece, Rome and throughout the Middle East, marble was incorporated in or comprised the basis for major structures.

In Greece, with one of the largest and most diverse types of marble anywhere, marble structures stove to challenge the skies. The Parthenon and much on the Greek Acropolis was built of marble, particularly solid Pentelicon marble. At Ephesus, the Temple of Artemis featured columns of green colored Larissa marble.

Rome was among the first nations to use a form of marble floor. Polishing these surfaces was a task allotted to acolytes and slaves. The best known and intact marble floor in Rome is the Julia Curia. The Romans followed the fashion of the Greeks by adopting marble for construction but in practical matters preferred to use opus incertum (concrete). Meanwhile, the rise of the Islamic nations saw the birth of architecture that intricately carved marble into patterned mosaics.

Tales of Later Marble Floor, Polishing and Modernity

The use of marble for flooring did not cease with the Romans. During the Italian Renaissance, architects continued to work with marble, including using it for flooring. In Agra, India, is found one of the most famous of all known marble floors. This is the one that is part of the renowned Taj Mahal. The building was completed in 1650.

Yet, throughout history, it was only the wealthy who could really afford to use marble. Today, while it is expensive, modern technology has found ways to reduce the cost. However, for many, a marble floor is a sign that you have arrived. Polishing, as Newark, NJ, professionals know, will help it stay pristine longer. After all, if you want it to reflect its true worth, you have to take care of it.

If you are looking for professionals in Marble Floor Polishing in Newark, NJ, get in touch with the true professionals. At Stoneshine, we have been making clients satisfied since 1989. Combining the best of traditional training with modern technology, we are there to provide you with the help you need. To discover more about us and our services visit us online at website.

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