MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Marble Tile/Slab

Metamorphic/Sedimentary
mineral › Stone › Metamorphic/Sedimentary
mineralstonemarblemetamorphicnatural-stoneflooringcladdingcountertopnon-combustiblepremiumheritageCarraraCalacattaacid-sensitive
ATLAS CODE
MIN-STN-MET-002
Marble Tile/Slab
Category mineral
Material Family Stone
Regulatory Status A1 Non-Combustible
Density
2600-2850 kg/m3
Carbon (A1-A5)
0.12-0.35 kg CO2-eq/kg
Fire Class
A1 Non-Combustible
Lifespan
50-200+ years
Description

Natural marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone recrystallised under heat and pressure, composed primarily of calcite (CaCO3) or dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2). Prized since antiquity for its luminous translucency, veining patterns, and workability, marble is specified in architecture as tiles (typically 10-20mm thick) and slabs (20-50mm thick) for flooring, wall cladding, countertops, staircases, and feature elements. Key architectural varieties include Carrara (blue-grey veined white, density approximately 2,710 kg/m3, compressive strength 125-150 MPa), Calacatta (bold gold/grey veined white, flexural strength approximately 18 MPa), Statuario (dramatic grey veined white), and coloured marbles such as Rosso Verona, Nero Marquina, and Verde Guatemala. Marble rates 3-4 on the Mohs hardness scale — softer than granite (6-7) — making it susceptible to scratching and etching from acidic substances. Water absorption ranges from 0.10-0.20% for dense varieties per ASTM C503, classifying it as a low-porosity stone suitable for interior wet areas when properly sealed. As a natural stone, marble is inherently non-combustible (A1 per AS 1530.1) but can spall under extreme thermal shock in fire conditions. The material's embodied carbon is relatively low for a premium finish (approximately 0.12-0.20 kg CO2-eq/kg for extraction and processing) but transportation from distant quarries can significantly increase total carbon footprint.

Typical Uses
  • Interior Floor Tiles
  • Wall Cladding
  • Countertops and Vanities
  • Staircases
  • Backlit Feature Panels
300300mm
Size
Primary Form [Tiles / 300x300mm / To / 800x800mm; / Slabs / To / 3000x1700mm]
Dimensional Tol. ± [Tiles +/-0.5mm thickness, +/-1mm dimensions] mm
Recycled Content 0 (primary stone)
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 0.12-0.35 kg CO2-eq/kg
Embodied Energy 1.5-6.0 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Unique natural beauty — luminous translucency, distinctive veining, unmatched aesthetic depthExceptional heritage and cultural prestige — 4,000+ years of architectural significanceNon-combustible (A1) — inherently fire-safe cladding and flooring materialLong lifespan (100+ years) when properly maintained in interior applicationsNaturally cool surface — excellent for passive cooling in warm climatesWide range of colours, veining, and finishes from global quarry sourcesRecyclable and reusable — salvaged marble retains value, can be re-polished or repurposed
Cautions
Acid-sensitive — etches from contact with acidic substances (lemon, vinegar, wine, cleaning products)Relatively soft (Mohs 3-4) — scratches more easily than granite or engineered stoneRequires regular sealing (1-3 years) to resist stainingHeavy — approximately 27 kg/m2 per 10mm thickness, requires structural verification for wall claddingSignificant quarrying environmental impact (30-70% extraction waste)High transport carbon footprint when imported from European/Asian quarriesThermal shock spalling risk in fire conditions
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TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-STN-MET-002
Density (Dry) 2600-2850 kg/m3
Specific Gravity 2.60-2.85
Porosity 0.5-2 %
Water Absorption 0.10-0.20 %
Hardness 3-4 Mohs
Surface Roughness 0.1-200 (finish-dependent) um
UV Resistance Good
Chemical Resistance Poor (acids); Good (alkalis)
pH Tolerance 7-14 (acid-sensitive below pH 7) pH
Available Colors
White — Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario, Thassos, Bianco SivecCream/Beige — Crema Marfil, Botticino, Galala, Perlato SiciliaGrey — Bardiglio, Pietra Grey, Fior di PescoBlack — Nero Marquina, Portoro, Sahara NoirGreen — Verde Guatemala, Verde Alpi, CipollinoRed/Pink — Rosso Verona, Rosso Levanto, Rosa PortogalloBrown/Gold — Emperador (Dark/Light), Marron Imperial, Giallo Siena
Surface Finishes
Polished — high-gloss reflective finish (most common for interior)Honed — smooth matte (preferred for floors, reduces etch visibility)Leathered — low-sheen textured matteBush-hammered — textured for exterior slip resistanceSandblasted — uniform matteTumbled — aged/antique appearanceBrushed — soft directional texture
Texture Options
Polished — mirror-like gloss, maximum colour depth and veining visibilityHoned — smooth matte finish, reduced slip risk, less visible scratchingLeather/Antiqued — textured matte with tactile surface variationBush-hammered — rough dimpled texture for slip resistance (exterior)Sandblasted — uniform matte texture, good slip resistanceTumbled — rounded edges and distressed surface (aged appearance)Flamed — rough texture from thermal treatment (exterior paving)
Pattern Options
Veined — directional linear veining (Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario)Bookmatched — mirror-image slab pairs creating symmetrical patternsCross-cut — veining perpendicular to natural bedding, producing flowing patternsVein-cut — veining parallel to bedding, creating linear striationsBreccia — angular fragments cemented in contrasting matrix (Breccia Capraia)Clouded — diffuse colour variation without distinct veining (Bianco Sivec)Fossiliferous — visible fossil inclusions (some Mediterranean marbles)
Compressive Strength 52-200 MPa
Tensile Strength 7-20 MPa
Flexural Strength 7-22 MPa
Shear Strength 15-30 MPa
Elastic Modulus 40-70 GPa
Yield Strength N/A (brittle material) MPa
Impact Resistance 3-6 J
Bearing Capacity N/A (supported by substrate) kPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.20
Creep Resistance Good (tiles/cladding applications)
Abrasion Resistance Ha 10 minimum (ASTM C241)
Thermal Conductivity 2.5-3.1 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.006 m2K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 870 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 0.004-0.011 mm/m/degC
Melting Point 898 (calcite decomposition) degC
Ignition Temperature N/A (does not ignite) degC
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 45-55
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.01-0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 1-5 (through 10mm white marble) %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 5-85 (colour-dependent) %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 5-86 (colour-dependent)

Marble quarrying dates to at least 3000 BCE in the Cycladic islands of Greece. The ancient Greeks perfected marble architecture — the Parthenon (447-432 BCE) used approximately 22,000 tonnes of Pentelic marble, demonstrating the material's structural capability. Roman engineering scaled marble use dramatically, with Carrara quarries (opened circa 100 BCE) supplying marble for the Pantheon, Trajan's Column, and countless public buildings. Michelangelo personally selected Carrara marble blocks for the Pieta (1499) and David (1504), establishing Carrara's reputation as the world's premier marble source. The Taj Mahal (1632-1653) used Makrana marble from Rajasthan, demonstrating marble's transcultural significance. Industrial revolution-era wire saws and gang saws (1850s onwards) transformed marble from a hand-carved luxury into a mass-produced cladding material. The 20th century saw marble democratised as thin-tile flooring and countertop material, though premium varieties retain their luxury status. Australia's marble tradition is primarily import-based, with Italian and Greek marbles dominating the commercial and residential markets since the postwar migration period brought Mediterranean building traditions.

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SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-STN-MET-002
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0-5
Combustibility Class A1 Non-Combustible
Ignition Temperature N/A (does not ignite) degC
Fire Resistance Rating Assembly-dependent (spalling risk above 300 degC) minutes
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m2
Toxicity of Combustion Very Low
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 0.12-0.35 kg CO2-eq/kg
Embodied Energy 1.5-6.0 MJ/kg
Water Footprint 15-45 L/kg
EPD Available Yes — multiple marble EPDs available from European manufacturers and the Natural Stone Council (NSC). Australian-specific EPDs limited. Source: EPD registries (Environdec, IBU), Natural Stone Council
Recycled Content 0%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2-5 points
Circular Economy Score 6.5 /10
VOC Emissions 0 ug/m3
Skill Level Qualified to Specialist
Crew Size 2-3 persons
Installation Time 0.5-4.0 hours/m2
Curing Time 24-72 hours
Setting Time 4-8 (initial set) hours
Temperature Range 5-35 degC
Humidity Range 30-80 %RH
Required Tools
Wet-cut diamond blade tile saw (bridge saw for large slabs)Diamond hole core drill for penetrationsNotched trowel (10-15mm) for adhesive applicationRubber mallet for tile bedding (never metal hammer)Tile spacers and levelling clipsGrout float (rubber) for jointingVacuum suction cups for large-format tile handlingDiamond polishing pads (for edge finishing/repairs)Impregnating sealer and applicator
Certifications Required
Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling (CPC31420) or equivalent for tilingNo specific licence for stone supply, but specialist stone masonry training recommended for claddingWorking at heights for wall cladding above 2mSilica dust management plan (marble cutting generates respirable crystalline silica)
Weather Limitations
Avoid adhesive application below 5 degC or above 35 degCProtect from rain during exterior installation (adhesive washout)Avoid direct sunlight during adhesive curing (premature skin formation)Exterior marble must be sealed before first winter (freeze-thaw protection)
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COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-STN-MET-002
Material Cost 60-2,500 AUD/m2
Installation Cost 30-250 AUD/m2
Annual Maintenance 6-26 AUD/m2/year
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 400-1,500 (over 50 years) AUD/m2
Market Availability Excellent
Lead Time 5-120 days
Supply & Logistics
Design Life 50-200+ years
Warranty Period 5-10 years
Maintenance Interval 365-1095 (sealing) days
Service Temp Range -30 to 200 degC
Freeze/Thaw Resistance 20-100+ cycles
Dimensional Stability 0.2-0.5 (per 50 degC thermal cycle, with hysteresis) mm/m
Certifications Held
ASTM C503 compliance testing (absorption, density, strength, abrasion)CE marking for European-sourced marble (EN standards compliance)Natural Stone Council certification (USA — transferable reference)EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) — available from major European quarriesGreen Star compliant (GBCA) — contributes to materials creditsLEED compliant — regional materials, EPD, and low-emitting materials creditsNon-toxic mineral material — no specific health certification requiredSilica dust management required during cutting per Safe Work Australia guidelines
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 — Non-combustible material (natural stone)NCC 2022 Specification C1.10 — Compliant non-combustible claddingAS 5113 — Fire propagation facade testing (stone cladding systems)
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Volume 1 — Non-combustible wall and floor liningNCC 2022 Volume 2 — Compliant flooring and wall materialAS 4654.2 — Waterproofing of wet areas (requires membrane beneath marble in wet areas)AS 1428.1 — Accessibility: slip resistance requirements (R10+ for wet areas)AS 4586 — Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materialsASTM C503/C503M — Standard Specification for Marble Dimension StoneASTM C97 — Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension StoneASTM C170 — Compressive Strength of Dimension StoneASTM C880 — Flexural Strength of Dimension StoneASTM C241 — Abrasion Resistance of Stone Subjected to Foot TrafficASTM C1353 — Abrasion Resistance of Dimension Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic Using a Rotary PlatformISO 22282 — Natural stone test methodsISO 13006 — Ceramic tiles (comparison standard for installation)ISO 9001 — Quality management for stone processingEN 1469 — Natural stone products: slabs for cladding — requirementsEN 12057 — Natural stone products: modular tiles — requirementsEN 12058 — Natural stone products: slabs for floors and stairs — requirementsEN 13501-1 — Fire classification (A1 non-combustible for natural stone)EN 1926 — Natural stone: compressive strength determinationEN 13161 — Natural stone: flexural strength determination

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-STN-MET-002 Schema: v3.0
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