Marble Product Definition
Marble has two separate definitions: scientific and commercial.
Scientific Definition
Carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite that have undergone a metamorphic process and bear the traces of metamorphism are called MARBLE.
These rocks, which are referred to as marble, contain high levels of calcium carbonate, lower levels of magnesium carbonate and various metal oxides.
When pure, marble is translucent and white. However, as a result of subsequent structural changes and chemical dissolution, marble can acquire interesting and different colors.
For example, it can be yellow, pink, red, blue, black, beige or anthracite.
In addition, fractures in marble rocks caused by movements of the earth create vein structures.
Commercial Definition
According to Mining Law No. 3213, stones that can produce blocks in dimensions suitable for commercial standards, can be cut and polished, or have surfaces that can be processed in accordance with applicable standards are commercially defined as MARBLE.
Magmatic stones such as granite, syenite, serpentine, andesite, basalt and travertine are classified as NATURAL STONE.
History
Products obtained from natural stone have been processed and used by people throughout history.
In Anatolia, which has rich marble and natural stone resources, various civilizations throughout history have used this wealth to create important works.
The use of marble, which began during the Hittite period, continued during the Phrygian and Ionian periods with the construction of palaces and temples and the creation of statues of gods.
The golden age of marble was experienced during the Hellenistic period and the Byzantine Empire.
Marble was also used during the Seljuk and Ottoman Empire periods in structures such as mosques, inns, palaces and baths.
In earlier periods, marble was used in artistic fields because of its aesthetics and durability. Today, its main areas of use include the construction sector, decoration, sculpture, ornamental objects and tomb construction.
Today, the areas in which marble is used, which are closely related to national income and levels of prosperity, vary from country to country.
The United States and Germany are among the countries with the highest marble consumption in the world.
Türkiye’s Marble Reserves
Türkiye has marble reserves of 5.2 billion cubic meters, representing a high share of approximately 40% of the world’s reserves.
Marble reserves are present in all seven regions of Türkiye.
The richness of underground and above-ground natural resources, and the utilization of these existing resources in a way that provides the highest possible contribution to the economy, play a role in determining countries’ levels of development.
Our country ranks first in terms of marble diversity in the world.
The diversity of marble in Türkiye has the richness and quality necessary to compete in the global market.
Türkiye’s Marble Regions
The internationally best-known marble varieties produced in Türkiye are obtained from quarries in the regions of:
Afyon, Amasya, Antalya, Balıkesir, Bilecik, Burdur, Bursa, Çanakkale, Denizli, Diyarbakır, Düzce, Elazığ, Eskişehir, Giresun, Isparta, Kastamonu, Kayseri, Kırıkkale, Kırşehir, Konya, Kütahya, Marmara Island, Manisa, Mersin, Muğla, Sivas, Tokat, Uşak and Karabük.
Development of the Marble Industry
After marble was included within the scope of Mining Law No. 3213 in 1985, the amount of investment in marble began to increase year by year.
Through this law, quarry operators were provided with long-term license guarantees, encouraging long-term investments.
Increasing demand for marble use both globally and in Türkiye makes the sector an attractive area for investment.
Due to its appearance and physical durability, marble has become an indispensable product, particularly for the construction sector.
At the same time, interest in marble, which is also considered an indicator of a high level of prosperity, comes from developed countries for these reasons.
Türkiye’s Marble Exports
Commercial marble blocks, as well as cut and polished slab products, are in demand in international markets.
Türkiye exports marble in both block and slab form, and these exports have shown continuous growth.
In selective markets and in the international competition for high-quality products, competition has taken place not only among the traditional countries of Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece, but also among Türkiye, India and China, which have shown significant development over the last 20 years.
As natural stones have increasingly been used as construction and decoration materials, and as global demand has continued to grow, significant increases have been recorded in natural stone production and trade.
Gökhan Sarısoy | ERSA Mermer Granit İnşaat San. ve Tic. Ltd. Şti.
To learn more about Türkiye’s marble and natural stone industry and explore ERSA Mermer’s products, visit www.ersamermer.com.tr