Most marbles, however, are infused with impurities such as dolomite, silica or clay, providing variations in color and significant movement. The base colors of marble range from white to black with a broad range of hues. Marble is significantly softer than granite and therefore subject to greater wear and weathering. Limestone Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed of calcites and dolomites. Organic limestones were formed from the deposits of marine shellfish and fossils.
Limestone is noncrystalline and possesses very uniform composition, texture and structure.
It is soft and therefore easy to quarry and shape. Limestone ranges in color from white to gray and does not take a polish. Travertine Travertine displays characteristics similar to limestone. It is layered calcium carbonate formed by water deposits from spring water, particularly hot springs. Metamorphosized travertine is marble-like and can take a polish.