---
title: "Short note: Marble"
subject: "Engineering Geology I"
chapter: 4
key: "semester_3/engineering_geology_i:short-note-marble"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/short-note-marble
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Marble

Engineering Geology I · Chapter 4: Petrology

- Asked in: 2068 Chaitra, 1 marks
- Video: ["Marble Rock Explained | Formation, Properties & Uses of Marble"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TstAXPfh5BI) — On the earth
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/short-note-marble
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/engineering_geology_i/chapter-4

## Question

Write a short note on marble.

## Short answer

Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock formed by recrystallisation of limestone or dolomite. Composed of interlocking calcite crystals, hardness 3, specific gravity 2.7, compressive strength 70-140 MPa. Takes a polish for flooring/cladding, but is attacked by acid rain; found in Lesser Himalaya.

## Answer

**Marble** is a non-foliated metamorphic rock formed by recrystallisation of limestone or dolomite under heat and pressure. It is composed of interlocking calcite crystals (granoblastic texture), white or coloured with veins due to impurities. Hardness 3, specific gravity about 2.7, compressive strength about 70 - 140 MPa, effervesces with dilute HCl. It takes a fine polish and is used for flooring, cladding, steps and sculpture. It is attacked by acid rain, so it is not suitable for outdoor use in polluted areas. It is found in the Lesser Himalaya (for example Godavari, Kathmandu).

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. From what is marble formed?
   A. Recrystallisation of limestone or dolomite
   B. Metamorphism of sandstone
   C. Metamorphism of shale
   D. Cooling of lava
   Answer: A. Heat and pressure recrystallise calcite. (Key point: Marble origin)

2. How can marble be identified quickly?
   A. It scratches glass easily
   B. It effervesces with dilute HCl
   C. It splits into thin sheets
   D. It has banded gneissic structure
   Answer: B. Calcite reacts with acid releasing CO2. (Key point: Identification test)

3. What texture does marble have?
   A. Lepidoblastic
   B. Vesicular
   C. Granoblastic, interlocking calcite crystals
   D. Clastic
   Answer: C. It is non-foliated with interlocking crystals. (Key point: Texture)