WHY IS MARBLE PREFERRED FOR SCULPTING – AT LEAST THE HUMAN FORM? Marble has been

WHY IS MARBLE PREFERRED FOR SCULPTING – AT LEAST THE HUMAN FORM?

Marble has been the preferred material for stone monumental sculpture since ancient times, with several advantages over its more common geological “parent” limestone. Here are some reasons why marble is preferred by sculptors:
Translucency: Among the commonly available stones, only marble has a slight translucency i.e. subsurface scattering that is comparable to that of human skin.
Texture and Sheen: The sheen and texture of marble are unmatched by other stones, making it an ideal choice for creating sculptures.
Grain Fineness: The fineness of marble’s grain enables the sculptor to render minute detail in a manner not always possible with limestone1.
Workability: Some types of marble also have the advantage that, when first quarried, it is relatively soft and easy to work, refine, and polish. As the finished marble ages, it becomes harder and more durable.
Hardness and Compressive Strength: Marble has a high level of hardness and compressive strength, making it ideal for sculpting.
Durability: Marble is resistant to weathering and decay, making it an ideal material for outdoor sculptures that must withstand the elements.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LIMESTONE AND MARBLE
The minerals in limestone are cemented together by natural processes, while marble is a result of metamorphism which recrystallizes the calcite and dolomite.
Formation: Limestone is a sedimentary rock, typically composed of calcium carbonate fossils (shells and skeletons). When sedimentary limestone is compressed through rock-forming processes under extreme heat, marble is formed by the recrystallised grains.
Metamorphism: Marble is a metamorphic rock formed by the alteration of limestone by heat and pressure. The calcite in the limestone changes and fossils and layering in the original limestone disappear as interlocking grains grow. If the limestone is pure, a white marble is formed.
Recrystallization: The recrystallization process results in smaller grains and increases the overall strength of the marble.

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