Pendant with white Thassos marble, handmade, oval, bronze 30x22mm, Arethusa.

Marble is a rock composed of calcite (CaCO3) or a combination of the minerals calcite (CaCO3) and dolomite ((Ca,Mg)(CO3)2) and has been created by the metamorphism of limestone, i.e. sedimentary carbonate rocks. The word is derived from the ancient Greek marble, meaning ‘shining stone’. The image usually associated with ancient Greek monumental sculpture is statues and buildings made of white marble. In commercial language, marble is considered to be any crystalline rock, with a mineralogical composition in which minerals with a hardness of 3 to 4 on the Mohs hardness scale predominate. Marble has the chemical composition of calcium carbonate or calcite (CaCO3) or dolomite ((Ca,Mg)(CO3)2) or a combination of both minerals. Pure calcite is white, but mineral impurities add colour in random patterns. For example, hematite adds the red colour. All carbonate salts, when directly attacked by acids, produce soluble acids and carbon dioxide. Consequently, acid rain is the greatest enemy of marbles along with atmospheric pollution. Marble has the property of reflecting light. Thassos marble provides high reflection of sunlight compared to other white marbles worldwide, keeping a cool temperature for a prolonged period of time, making it ideal for masonry in warmer areas. Marble also has the ability to absorb liquids. By creating our handmade marble jewellery when grinding and polishing the surface, waterproofing is largely carried out, however we would recommend avoiding direct contact with perfumes, salts, ink, coffee, wine, mud, paints and markers. To clean stains that form on contact with marble, one can remove them using warm water and the special high grade sandpaper that will come with each purchase. Avoid any kind of detergents and acidic substances as they will cause scratches and lead to loss of shine.