Milas Lilac Dark Marble is a stunning and sophisticated natural stone, quarried in Milas, Mugla province, Turkey. Characterized by its striking plum purple-lilac background with bold black veins, this marble is a luxurious option for various interior applications. The rich colors and dramatic veining patterns give Milas Lilac Dark Marble a unique and artistic appearance, perfect for creating high-end designs.

Key Features of Milas Lilac Dark Marble:

Background Color: The background of this marble is a deep plum purple-lilac, which offers a rich and luxurious look with an almost velvety quality. The color can range from softer lilac tones to more intense purples, providing depth and visual interest.

Veining: The stone features dark black veins that snake through the marble in dynamic and bold patterns. These veins create a dramatic contrast with the plum purple-lilac background, adding complexity and elegance to the overall appearance.

Texture: Milas Lilac Dark Marble has a smooth texture, typical of high-quality marble. Its fine-grained structure makes it easy to polish, enhancing the contrast of the dark veins against the lighter background. The texture can also be honed for a more matte, understated look, or leathered for a soft, tactile surface.

Chemical and Mineral Composition:

Primary Composition: Like most marbles, Milas Lilac Dark Marble is primarily composed of calcite (calcium carbonate), which provides its characteristic hardness and durability.

Iron Oxides and Other Minerals: The dark veins and the unique purple-lilac tones are due to iron oxides, manganese, and possibly organic compounds that influence the color, creating its distinctive plum and black appearance.

Estimated Composition Breakdown:

Calcite (CaCO?): ~95%

Iron Oxides (Fe?O?): Responsible for the dark black veins (~2-3%)

Other Minerals (Dolomite, Mica, etc.): ~2-3%

Mechanical Properties:

Hardness: As with other marbles, Milas Lilac Dark Marble has a Mohs hardness of 3-4, making it relatively soft compared to harder stones like granite. While durable, it can be scratched or etched by acidic substances.

Density: The stone has a medium density, generally around 2.6 to 2.8 g/cm³, which contributes to its solid feel and strength, while still being easier to work with compared to harder stones.

Porosity: Milas Lilac Dark Marble has moderate porosity, so it is important to seal the surface to prevent moisture absorption, staining, and discoloration, particularly in areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

Compressive Strength: The compressive strength is around 80-100 MPa, sufficient for most residential and commercial interior applications, though care should be taken when using it in high-traffic areas.

Usage:

Milas Lilac Dark Marble’s deep, rich hues and bold pattern make it perfect for a range of luxurious applications:

Interior Flooring: Its dramatic appearance works well for entryways, living rooms, and high-end hotel lobbies, where a sense of opulence is desired.

Wall Cladding: This marble is ideal for feature walls and accent panels in bathrooms, bedrooms, and commercial spaces.

Countertops & Vanities: The striking contrast of the dark veins against the purple background makes it a popular choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar tops.

Decorative Elements: Milas Lilac Dark Marble is also perfect for creating custom furniture pieces, columns, and decorative sculptures in high-end interiors.

Maintenance:

Cleaning: Regular cleaning with a mild detergent and water is recommended. Avoid acidic cleaning products like vinegar or citrus, which can damage the marble’s surface.

Sealing: Due to its porosity, Milas Lilac Dark Marble should be sealed to protect against moisture, stains, and dirt. Sealing should be done every 1-2 years depending on usage.

Scratch and Stain Resistance: While fairly durable, it is prone to scratches from sharp objects. It’s best to avoid placing abrasive materials or hot items directly on the surface.

Polishing: The surface can be re-polished over time to maintain its shine, but caution should be taken to prevent over-polishing, which could alter the natural look.

Cutting and Surface Finish Options:

Milas Lilac Dark Marble can be cut and finished in various ways to achieve different looks:

Cutting: This marble is relatively easy to cut into slabs or tiles using diamond-tipped saws. The veining must be carefully considered during the cutting process to ensure it is aligned and aesthetically pleasing.

Surface Finishes:

Polished Finish: A high-gloss polished finish brings out the vivid plum-purple color and the dark black veins. This finish is often used for countertops, vanities, and feature walls to give the marble a sleek and sophisticated look.

Honed Finish: A matte honed finish provides a softer, understated appearance while still showing off the color variations and veining. This is an ideal choice for floors or larger wall applications where a less reflective finish is desired.

Leathered Finish: The leathered texture adds a soft sheen while preserving the tactile qualities of the marble. It’s particularly suited for kitchen surfaces and flooring where a less glossy look is preferred but still needs a luxurious feel.

Brushed Finish: This provides a more rustic, textured surface while reducing shine. It offers a slightly rougher feel, which can be ideal for larger surfaces like floors, where a more natural, organic look is desired.

Test Results:

Water Absorption: Milas Lilac Dark Marble has a moderate water absorption rate (approximately 0.2-1.5%), meaning it is suitable for interior use but should be sealed to avoid staining or water damage.

Flexural Strength: Around 7-9 MPa, this marble has sufficient strength for most interior applications, though care should be taken in high-load areas.

Thermal Resistance: Like most marbles, it has moderate resistance to heat but should not be exposed to extreme temperatures for prolonged periods, as it could cause thermal shock or discoloration.

Acid Resistance: Milas Lilac Dark Marble is sensitive to acids. Exposure to substances like lemon juice, vinegar, or harsh cleaners can etch the surface, dulling its finish.

Conclusion:

Milas Lilac Dark Marble is a dramatic, luxurious stone that combines a deep plum purple-lilac background with bold black veins, offering an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic. It is ideal for high-end interior applications, including countertops, flooring, wall cladding, and custom features. With proper care and maintenance, this marble will retain its beauty and unique character for many years, making it a timeless choice for both residential and commercial spaces.