Final answer:
Marble is formed from the metamorphism of limestone under high heat and pressure. Impurities in the original limestone contribute to the unique patterns in marble, which has been used for sculpting and architecture for centuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
Marble is typically formed as a result of the metamorphism of limestone. During the metamorphic process, limestone is subjected to high heat and pressure, which causes it to recrystallize and form marble. Marble is comprised mostly of calcite or dolomite, and it is the recrystallization of these carbonate minerals that gives marble its hardness and compactness. The presence of impurities within the original limestone leads to the creation of the distinctive swirls and veins that marble is known for.
Marble deposits are commonly found deep within mountains and are extracted from either mines or open quarries. This material has been coveted for centuries due to its beauty and workability, making it a preferred medium for sculptors and for use in buildings. Notable marble quarries, like those found in Carrara, Italy, have been historically significant for producing stones that exhibit translucency similar to human skin, ideal for intricate sculpting due to the stone's exceptionally fine grain.