MARBLE FLOORING–TYPES, SPECIFICATION & TESTS
Marbles are metamorphic rocks formed from the re-crystalization of lime stones or dolomitic lime stones and are distinguished from lime stone by even visibly crystalined nature and nonflaggy stratification. Marbles are capable of being polished and used in floors and walls.
Marbles are classified broadly classified as White Marble and Coloured Marble.
White Marbles are generally plain white marble with coarse grains predominantly showing mica particles giving reflection in light. Coloured Marbles are again classified based on their colour and have different properties. They are:
1. Plain black marble
2. Black zebra marble
3. Green marble
4. Grey marble
5. Brown Marble
Sizes of Marbles:
Marbles are available in various sizes for different purpose. Sizes for blocks, slabs and tiles are shown in table below:
| Uses | Length(cm) | Width (cm) | Thickness (cm) |
| Blocks | 30 to 250 | 30 to 100 | 30 to 90 |
| Slabs | 30 to 250 | 30 to 100 | 2 to 15 |
| Tiles | 10 to 60 | 10 to 60 | 0.8 to 2.4 |
The tolerance for blocks on thickness, length and width are generally +/-2%.
Tolerance for slabs for length and width are 2% and for thickness it is 3%, while that for tiles, for linear dimensions it is 3% and for thickness 1% of tolerance is allowed.
Tests for Marbles:
Following tests are done on marbles in the laboratory:
1. Moisture absorption test as per IS 1124
2. Hardness test is done as per Mho’s scale.
3.Specific gravity test is done as per IS 1122.
List of IS Codes related to Marble:
| IS CODE | DESCRIPTION |
| IS 1122 | Method of test for determination of true specific gravity of natural building stones. |
| IS 1124 | Method of test for determination of water absorption, apparent specific gravity, and porosity of natural building stones. |
| IS 1130 | Marble (Block, Slab and Tiles) |
| IS 4101 (Part-I) | Code of practice for external facing and veneers: Stone facing |
| IS 3316 | Specification for structural granite |
| IS 14223 (Part-I) | Polished building stones (Part –I) Granite |