marmer

Marmer is the Turkish name for the ornamental stone commonly known in English as marble. In Turkish geology and construction, mermer denotes a metamorphic rock composed mainly of calcite (CaCO3) or dolomite, formed when limestone or dolostone is recrystallized under elevated temperatures and pressures. It typically has a crystalline texture and occurs in a broad range of colors and veining, produced by impurities such as clay, iron oxides, or organic matter. The term covers both the rock and the finished material used in architecture and sculpture.

Marmer varieties are macrocrystalline or microcrystalline. Marble forms at regional or contact metamorphism, and pure calcite marble is usually white, while impurities create black, green, pink, or multicolored patterns. The stone is relatively soft for a stone used in construction (Mohs hardness around 3) and is soluble in acids, making it susceptible to etching and staining.

Uses include architectural cladding, flooring, countertops, and sculpture. Finishes range from high polish to honed, brushed, or rough textures. Because of its sensitivity to acids, marble requires careful maintenance: cleaning with neutral pH products, prompt spill cleanup, and periodic sealing to reduce staining.

Globally, marble is quarried in many countries; Turkey is a significant producer, and Turkish marbles are valued for color, pattern, and quality in domestic and international markets. Etymology-wise, the Turkish mermer is cognate with the European words marble, marbre, and marmore, reflecting its shared linguistic heritage.

See also: Marble, Limestone, Metamorphic rock.