Classic Marmara marble is a calcitic white marble we source from quarries in Saraylar (Marmara Island), recognized for centuries as a signature stone of Mediterranean architecture. The fine gray and at times bluish veins that cross its smooth white ground make the stone sought after in both classic and contemporary buildings.
In terms of geological origin, classic Marmara marble contains approximately 98% calcium carbonate and was formed through metamorphic processes that compressed limestone over millions of years. The vein structure takes shape as the fine mineral lines running through the stone slowly oxidize over time, making each block unique. Known since antiquity as Prokonnesos, the quarries of the Marmara Island basin are considered one of the oldest industrial marble production centers in the world.
Looking at its physical properties, classic Marmara marble has a density of approximately 2.70 g/cm3, a compressive strength of 80-100 MPa, a flexural strength of 12-15 MPa, and a water absorption rate of 0.2% or below. Its Mohs hardness sits in the 3-4 range, and its frost resistance is sufficient for exterior facade applications. These values allow the stone to be used confidently in both interior and exterior environments.
Architectural use cases include interior floor cladding, facade panels, countertop and washbasin fabrication, stair treads, and bathroom designs. The low water absorption rate reduces the risk of staining in interiors, while high frost resistance prevents darkening and cracking on facades over the years. It is used across a wide spectrum of applications, from hotel lobbies and mosque interiors to boutique residential projects and museum collections.
Classic Marmara marble reflects light softly and gives depth to a space. Because the vein pattern of each block is unique, it adds a natural character to every project. With proper care it can hold its original appearance for decades, which turns the material into a long-term investment. Sourced in accordance with TS EN and EN ISO standards and processed at our partner workshops, classic Marmara marble is used in architectural projects in various countries.
At Alpay Doğaltaş, with our family heritage dating back to 1962 and our company founded in 2016 by Ogün Koç, we source classic Marmara marble from quarries across Turkey, principally in Saraylar (Marmara Island). With deep respect for natural stone, we select each block carefully and prepare it with our partner workshops to fit the needs of your architectural project. You can get in touch with us for detailed information and sample requests for your project.
