marmi

Marmi is the Italian plural form of marmo and is commonly used to refer to marble, the metamorphic rock used in sculpture and architecture. Marble forms when limestone is subjected to high pressures and temperatures, resulting in a dense, crystalline rock dominated by calcite or dolomite.

Geology and appearance: The color of marble ranges widely depending on impurities, with white or light-gray backgrounds and colored veining being common. The most famous Italian marble is Carrara, known for its soft white color and distinctive veining.

Uses and significance: Marble has been quarried and worked since antiquity. It is cut into blocks and slabs, finished by polishing or honing, and used for sculpture, flooring, facades, countertops, and decorative features. Its workability and aesthetic appeal have made it a staple material in architecture and art across many cultures.

Name usage: Marmi also exists as an Italian surname. The term derives from marmo, the Italian word for marble.