Marble - a unique beauty that takes millions of years to develop

July 29, 2025

Everyone has probably seen the material "marble" at least once.

This natural stone is used in a variety of applications, from architecture and furniture to sculptures and interior accessories.

However, surprisingly few people know in detail how marble is made, what properties it has, and why it is so expensive .

In this article, we will clearly explain everything from basic information about marble to why STUDIO MENN chooses it as its material.

1. What is Marble? - A metamorphic rock formed from limestone

Academically, marble is a type of natural stone called " metamorphic rock" whose main component is calcium carbonate.

It was originally a soft rock called "limestone," but over the course of many years it was buried deep underground, and as the high temperatures and pressures associated with the Earth's mountain-building movement caused its crystalline structure to change (i.e., metamorphose), turning it into marble.

This process takes an enormous amount of time, millions of years .

The source of this limestone is a species that lived hundreds of millions of years ago. It was formed by the deposition of corals, marine animal bones, and shells , which are primarily composed of calcium carbonate , followed by diagenesis, or by the chemical precipitation of calcium carbonate itself from the water.

In this way, the origins of marble can be traced back hundreds of millions of years .

The beauty of marble is created by the long history of the earth and the power of the earth itself.

It's a pretty epic story, but isn't it interesting?

Marble can be said to be the "memory of the Earth" and "a gift from the Earth" from ancient times.

2. Where is it sourced? - It is produced in areas all over the world and the quality varies.

Marble is mined all over the world. The major production areas are as follows:

・Italy (Carrara) : Famous for its pure white marble. Used in Michelangelo's sculptures.

・Turkey : A wide variety of white and beige stones. Good value for money.

・Greece : Widely used in historic architecture. Excellent durability.

・China, India, Iran : Production has increased rapidly in recent years. Unique patterns and colors are popular.

・Japan (Gifu, Okayama, etc.) : Although production volume is low, the unique color is attractive.

At STUDIO MENN, we carefully select stones that have a good balance of beauty and durability and unique patterns .

3. Characteristics of Marble - Advantages and Points to Note

merit

- Each pattern is unique: No two patterns created by nature are exactly the same.

-Luxurious feel : The unique luster and texture of stone give the space a high-quality look.

- Enjoy the changes over time : The beautifully aged matte texture is also attractive.

- High workability : As it is a soft stone, it is also suitable for creating intricate shapes.

Points to note

- Weak against acids : The surface may become cloudy when in contact with lemon juice or vinegar.

- Prone to water stains and scratches : Because it is absorbent, care must be taken when using it around water (MENN has coated the product).

-Heavy : Careful handling is required during transportation and installation.

4. Why is it so expensive? - The effort required from mining to processing

The reason marble is expensive is not simply because it is a natural material.

・Mining costs are high : large quarries and heavy machinery are required. Safety management also requires a large number of manpower.

- Processing requires skilled techniques : Stone processing requires specialized skills such as cutting, polishing, and shaping.

- Difficult to transport : Because it is heavy and fragile, transportation and packaging costs are high.

In other words, the value of marble lies not just in the material itself, but in the entire process.

5. Why is marble attracting attention again now?

In recent years, marble has been reevaluated not only for its beauty but also as a non-disposable material.

After an era of mass production and mass disposal, attention is now being paid to " materials that can be used for a long time and have a low environmental impact ."
Marble can be used for decades or even centuries if handled properly, and is therefore being reassessed as a "material that can be passed down through the ages."

At STUDIO MENN, we take high-quality marble that has already been imported to Japan for architectural use but has never been used and give it new life as furniture and interior accessories.

6. MENN's thoughts on "The appeal of marble"

At STUDIO MENN, we view marble not simply as a decorative material, but as a " limited resource created by time and nature ."

The patterns and colors are engraved with the history of the land, which varies depending on the place of origin , and no two pieces are the same.

One of the joys of living with marble for a long time is seeing it gradually lose its luster and become matte, and these imperfections are proof that it is a natural material created by nature.

To make the most of this, STUDIO MENN products have a minimalist design that is not too assertive.

Our policy is to preserve the natural beauty of the trees without cutting them down too much.