,
India ,
Philippines The extraction of marble is performed by
quarrying. Blocks are favoured for most purposes, and can be created through various techniques, including drilling and blasting, water jet and wedge methods. Limestones are often commercially and historically referred to as marble, which differs from the geological definition.
Locations Marble production was dominated by 4 countries that accounted for almost half of world production of marble and decorative stone.
China and
Italy were the world leaders, each representing 34% and 19% of world production respectively, followed by
India and
Spain produced 16% and 13% respectively. In 2018
Turkey was the world leader in marble export, with 42% share in global marble trade, followed by
Italy with 18% and
Greece with 10%. The largest importer of marble in 2018 was
China with a 64% market share, followed by
India with 11% and Italy with 5%.
Ancient times White marbles throughout the
Mediterranean basin were widely utilized during the
Roman period. Extraction centers were unevenly distributed across the
Italian Peninsula,
mainland Greece, the
Aegean Islands,
Asia Minor, and smaller hubs like those in the
Iberian Peninsula. The need for extensive trade arose due to this imbalance, leading to the widespread exchange of marble objects, including building elements, sculptures, and
sarcophagi. There was a significant increase in the distribution of white marble from the late 1st century BC to the end of the 2nd century AD. A gradual decline in distribution started in the third century AD.
United States According to the
United States Geological Survey, U.S. domestic marble production in 2006 was 46,400 tons valued at about $18.1 million, compared to 72,300 tons valued at $18.9 million in 2005. Crushed marble production (for aggregate and industrial uses) in 2006 was 11.8 million tons valued at $116 million, of which 6.5 million tons was finely ground
calcium carbonate and the rest was
construction aggregate. For comparison, 2005 crushed marble production was 7.76 million tons valued at $58.7 million, of which 4.8 million tons was finely ground calcium carbonate and the rest was construction aggregate. U.S. dimension marble demand is about 1.3 million tons. The DSAN World Demand for (finished) Marble Index has shown a growth of 12% annually for the 2000–2006 period, compared to 10.5% annually for the 2000–2005 period. The largest dimension marble application is tile.
Palestine Marble in the geologic sense does not naturally outcrop in Palestine, and the vast majority of commercially labeled marble produced in Palestine would geologically be considered limestone.
Occupational safety Particulate air pollution exposure has been found to be elevated in the marble production industry. Exposure to the dust produced by cutting marble could impair lung function or cause lung disease in workers, such as
silicosis. Skin and eye problems are also a potential hazard. Mitigations such as dust filters, or dust suppression are suggested, but more research needs to be carried out on the efficacy of safety measures. Dust,
debris and temperature fluctuations from working marble can endanger the eye health of employees. For the staff involved in marble processing, it is necessary to provide
eye protection equipment, and it is recommended to improve the education of all workers on
occupational health risks and strengthen preventive measures. ==Cultural associations==