marble
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Marble through a polarized microscope. The coloured markings are caused by mineral impurities.
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The floor of one of the many marble quarries at Carrara, Italy. Famous since early Roman times for its whiteness and consistent purity, Carrara marble has been the preferred medium for all the greatest sculptors. Its durability has also made it popular (though expensive) for exterior architectural ornamentation.
Rock formed by metamorphosis of sedimentary limestone. It takes and retains a good polish, and is used in building and sculpture. In its pure form it is white and consists almost entirely of calcite (CaCO3). Mineral impurities give it various colours and patterns. Carrara, Italy, is known for white marble.
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