Marble, a metamorphic stone, was formed by the action of extreme heat and pressure on limestone. For over two thousand years, from the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans, it has been thought to be the best, most prestigious of all decorative materials.

Marble consists mainly of crystallised calcium carbonate but other iron and clay minerals may be present which add colour, either as a base or in the veins. It will usually accept polishing to a high gloss. Marble is quarried throughout the world although today it is usually sourced in Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Although a pattern is often consistent throughout a block, marble is a natural substance with inevitable variations of colour and appearance which makes precise colour matching both impossible and undesirable. This is, of course, what gives marble its charm, individuality and unique quality.