Incense Plum Marble is a beautiful, unique stone quarried in Milas, Mugla province, Turkey. It is characterized by a white base with striking dark plum violet streaks and subtle veining, giving it a sophisticated and elegant appearance. Here's a detailed breakdown of its properties and features:

Physical and Visual Properties:

Background Color: The stone has a soft white background, providing a clean and bright foundation.

Veining: It features dark plum and violet streaks that flow through the stone, creating an elegant, dramatic contrast with the white background. The veining can vary in intensity, with some slabs displaying more prominent veins than others.

Texture: The surface of Incense Plum Marble is generally smooth with a fine-grained structure. It has a polished appearance when finished but maintains a slight natural texture depending on the chosen surface finish.

Chemical Composition:

Primary Composition: Incense Plum Marble is primarily composed of calcite (calcium carbonate), typical of most marble varieties.

Impurities: The darker plum and violet hues come from trace elements like iron oxides and manganese which impart the color.

Mineral Composition:

Calcite (CaCO?) – 95% (Approx.)

Dolomite – 3% (Approx.)

Iron Oxides – Contributing to the darker plum streaks (Approx. 2%)

Mechanical Properties:

Hardness: As a marble, Incense Plum typically has a Mohs hardness of 3-4, which makes it relatively soft compared to granite but still suitable for most interior applications.

Density: It has a medium density, which varies slightly between slabs but is generally around 2.6 to 2.8 g/cm³.

Porosity: Incense Plum Marble is relatively porous compared to other natural stones like granite, so sealing is recommended for stain resistance.

Compressive Strength: This marble has a compressive strength of around 80 to 100 MPa, which is strong enough for most applications but should be handled with care, especially in high-traffic areas.

Usage:

Incense Plum Marble’s unique veining and elegant appearance make it ideal for a variety of luxury applications:

Interior Flooring:Its striking appearance is perfect for high-end flooring in lobbies, living rooms, and corridors.

Wall Cladding: It works well as an eye-catching accent or full-wall cladding in spaces like bathrooms, feature walls, and fireplaces.

Countertops & Vanities: The white background with dark veins adds sophistication to kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and even bar tops.

Decorative Elements: This marble is used in decorative items like columns, panels, and custom designs.

Maintenance:

Cleaning: Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water is recommended. Avoid acidic cleaners (like vinegar or lemon), which can damage the marble's surface.

Sealing: Due to its porosity, Incense Plum Marble should be sealed regularly (every 1-2 years) to prevent staining from oils, wine, or other substances.

Scratch Resistance: Marble is softer than granite, so care should be taken to prevent scratches from sharp objects.

Cutting and Surface Finish Options:

Cutting: Incense Plum Marble can be easily cut into slabs or tiles using a diamond-tipped saw. The natural texture and veining require attention during cutting to minimize cracking.

Polished Finish: The most common finish, this gives the stone a shiny, glossy look that enhances its color and veining. It works especially well for countertops and bathroom surfaces.

Honed Finish: A matte finish, honed marble is ideal for floor applications, giving it a softer look while maintaining its luxurious feel.

Leathered Finish: The leathered texture adds depth and reduces the stone’s reflective quality, making it suitable for more rustic or contemporary designs.

Brushed Finish: This gives the marble a soft, textured feel while reducing shine. It is an excellent option for creating a more natural look, particularly for floors or exterior cladding.

Test Results:

Water Absorption: Typically ranges from 0.2% to 1.5%, making it suitable for interior use but requiring sealing for high-moisture areas.

Flexural Strength: Approximately 7-10 MPa, which is average for marble and suitable for use in decorative elements and moderate-use applications.

Thermal Resistance: Marble generally has good heat resistance, but prolonged exposure to high heat can cause discoloration or damage, so care should be taken in kitchen applications.

Acid Resistance: Sensitive to acidic substances, so surfaces should be protected from cleaning agents or food like citrus, wine, or vinegar.

Conclusion:

Incense Plum Marble is a beautiful and luxurious stone with distinctive veining and a soft, clean background. It is well-suited for both functional and decorative applications, though it requires regular maintenance and care to preserve its aesthetic qualities. With various surface finishes available, it can be tailored to suit a wide range of architectural and design styles, from classic to contemporary.