Smoky Grey Marble is a sophisticated and elegant natural stone quarried in Turkey, known for its smoky silver-gray background and wood-like texture with light to dark gray veining. Below is a comprehensive description of its features, technical specifications, and applications:

Appearance and Texture

Color: Features a smoky silver-gray base that exudes a modern and timeless aesthetic.

Pattern: Characterized by a wood-like texture with light to dark gray veining, creating a natural and organic look.

Texture: Smooth and polished, with a natural stone feel that enhances its luxurious appeal.

Technical Specifications

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Density: Approximately 2.6–2.7 g/cm³.

Water Absorption: Low (typically <0.5% by weight), making it resistant to moisture and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Compressive Strength: High (around 90–120 MPa), ensuring durability and longevity.

Flexural Strength: Approximately 10–15 MPa, indicating good resistance to bending and cracking.

Chemical Composition (% by weight)

• Calcium Carbonate (CaCO?): ~90–95% (primary component).
• Magnesium Carbonate (MgCO?): ~2–5%.
• Silica (SiO?): ~1–3% (from quartz and other minerals).
• Iron Oxides (Fe?O?): ~1–2% (responsible for the veining).
• Other Minerals: Trace amounts of aluminum silicates and organic materials.

Mineral Composition (% by weight)

• Calcite: ~90–95%.
• Dolomite: ~2–5%.
• Quartz: ~1–3%.
• Iron Oxides: ~1–2%.
• Other Minerals: ~1–2%.

Usage

Smoky Grey Marble is a versatile material suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

Interior Flooring and Wall Cladding: Adds a modern and elegant touch to living spaces, lobbies, and hallways.

Countertops and Vanities: Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms due to its durability and low water absorption.

Decorative Panels and Feature Walls: Its unique pattern makes it a standout choice for accent features.

Outdoor Applications: Can be used for exterior cladding, patios, and garden pathways (with proper sealing).

Commercial Spaces: Perfect for hotels, restaurants, and office buildings seeking a luxurious yet timeless aesthetic.

Maintenance

Cleaning: Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth or mop. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners to prevent surface damage.

Sealing: Recommended to apply a high-quality sealer periodically to maintain its luster and protect against stains.

Polishing: Can be professionally polished to restore its shine if needed.

Cutting Sizes

Smoky Grey Marble is available in a variety of cutting sizes to suit different project requirements:

Slabs:

Thickness: 2 cm (0.79 inches) or 3 cm (1.18 inches).

Length: 240–300 cm (94–118 inches).

Width: 120–200 cm (47–79 inches).

Tiles:

Thickness: 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 inches).

Common Sizes: 30x30 cm (12x12 inches), 60x30 cm (24x12 inches), 60x60 cm (24x24 inches), and custom sizes upon request.

Surface Finish Options

Smoky Grey Marble can be finished in various ways to achieve different looks and functionalities:

Polished:

Appearance: Glossy, reflective surface that highlights the marble's natural colors and patterns.

Best For: Countertops, wall cladding, and flooring in high-end residential and commercial spaces.

Maintenance: Requires regular sealing to maintain shine and prevent stains.

Honed:

Appearance: Smooth, matte finish with a soft, velvety texture.

Best For: Floors, countertops, and walls where a non-reflective, contemporary look is desired.

Maintenance: Easier to maintain than polished finishes, as scratches and etching are less visible.

Brushed:

Appearance: Textured, slightly rough surface with a rustic, aged look.

Best For: Outdoor applications, patios, and feature walls where a natural, weathered appearance is preferred.

Maintenance: Requires less frequent cleaning due to its textured nature.

Leather (Antique) Finish:

Appearance: Soft, textured surface with a slightly glossy sheen, resembling leather.

Best For: Countertops, wall cladding, and feature walls where a unique, tactile finish is desired.

Maintenance: Requires regular sealing to preserve its texture and appearance.

Tumbled:

Appearance: Weathered, antique look with softened edges and a slightly uneven surface.

Best For: Traditional or vintage designs, decorative accents, and outdoor spaces.

Maintenance: Low maintenance due to its rustic finish.

Sandblasted:

Appearance: Matte, slightly textured surface with a subtle, grainy feel.

Best For: Decorative walls, outdoor applications, and areas requiring a non-slip surface.

Maintenance: Easy to maintain and hides scratches well.

Inappropriate Finish for Smoky Grey Marble

Flamed Finish: Not recommended for Smoky Grey Marble or any calcite-based marble, as the high heat used in the flaming process can cause the calcite to break down, leading to discoloration or surface damage.

Customization Options

Edge Profiles: Choose from straight, beveled, bullnose, ogee, or custom edge profiles for countertops and vanity tops.

Inlays and Medallions: Incorporate intricate designs or patterns using waterjet cutting technology.

Bookmatched Slabs: Create a mirrored effect by pairing slabs with symmetrical veining patterns for a dramatic visual impact.

Conclusion

Smoky Grey Marble is a premium natural stone that combines aesthetic appeal with exceptional durability. Its smoky silver-gray background with wood-like texture and light to dark gray veining makes it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects. With proper maintenance and sealing, it can retain its beauty and functionality for decades.