Belgian marble
Belgian marble is the name given to limestone extracted in Wallonia, southern Belgium.
It is quarried around the cities of Namur, Dinant, Tournai, Basecles, Theux, and Mazy/Golzinne. [1]
Description
The rock is actually not a true marble (a metamorphic rock), but a type of limestone (a calcareous sedimentary rock).
Belgian marbles are available in solid dark greys or blacks; and in polychromes of red, grey, and/or pink. [2] After polishing slabs with several colors exhibit natural decorative patterns.
Named selections
Named Belgian marbles include:
- Rouge Belge: including Rouge de Rance, Rouge Royal.
- Noir Belge: including Noir de Golzinne, Noir de Mazy.
History
Belgian marble has been quarried, cut, and finished as a building stone, stone cladding, and stone veneer since the Ancient Roman era, in Roman Gaul and Rome, such as in the Basilica of Junius Bassus.[1] It has been used in important European religious and secular buildings since the Renaissance, including the Palazzo Pitti and Palace of Versailles. [1]
See also
References
- ^ a b c Noirbelge.com: Belgian Marble − history
- ^ Graniteland.com: Types of stone from Belgium
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