Indian limestone slabs versus Marble: Properties You Must Understand Before Buying

Posted on Sep 18, 2015

Limestone slabs are preferred in places that are susceptible to harsh environmental conditions. Since marble is a luxury item, using them in places that undergo rapid erosion could prove to be a costly affair. In such places, Indian limestone slabs are an ideal choice. Most Indian marble exporters recommend a smart assortment of Indian limestone slabs along with the luxury package. If you don’t understand the difference between Indian limestone slabs and marble package, read the following pointers.

–    Composition and Origin
Limestone belongs to the family of sedimentary rocks. It largely consists of fossilized parts of marine animals with shells and bones. The chemical origin is similar to that of calcium carbonate. Formed under pressure of flowing water and deposition of mud and silt, it won’t be wrong to say that Indian limestone slabs are actually similar to the pearls from the oyster.
On the other hand, marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed by the re-crystallization of Indian limestone under heat. Composition-wise, Indian limestone slabs and marble are similar to each other.

–    Colours and patterns
Indian limestone slabs and marble differ in their colour and pattern. Limestone surface has a mottled surface with ambiguous patterns. Marble has a more clear and pristine appearance with cloudy haze. Some older assortments of marble stones could resemble a jig-saw puzzle owing to the abrupt re-crystallization. Non-calcite intrusions and oxides leave colourful spots and streaks on marble making them all the more appealing. Indian limestone slabs don’t have such non-calcite intrusions.

–    Differential degrees of Porosity
Indian limestone slabs are more porous as compared to marble stones. The reason for this is the small openings that are present on the limestone. These openings are actually the gaps between the fossil fragments that did not calcify. Due to rearrangements in the crystalline structure during metamorphosis of limestone, Indian marbles have a more closed surface. This contributes to the lower porosity among the marble stones.

–    Applications
Indian limestone slabs are easier to cut and machine when compared to the marble stones. The structural integrity of Indian limestone could vary depending on the degree of crystallization. Indian marble suppliers on the other hand offer stones that are consistent in their physical properties. Limestone varies in terms of its colours while marble is usually clear and more consistent.
Indian limestone slabs are used in the industries to make cement, calcite and building blocks. Marble blocks are used majorly in the building components.

–    Effect of Temperature variance
Indian limestone slabs are not affected by temperature variance. They tend to retain the thermal consistency throughout the day. This makes them easier to handle than marbles. Marble blocks laid in the open and exposed to sun get heated quickly. In afternoon, walking on exposed marble floors could actually lead to sun burns on the sole. At night, the temperature of the marble stone falls. Hence, Indian limestone blocks are preferred in exposed areas. Marble also becomes slippery during monsoon and could result in falls.