This particular variety of marble, quarried on the Greek island of Thassos, located in the northernmost part of the Aegean Sea, has a history that spans centuries.
The purpose of this article is not to verify the truth of this claim, but to highlight the undeniable certainties regarding Thassos marble, a stone that stands out in the market. The purity of its white colour – of this, we are confident – is not just unique, but it also establishes a direct link between Ancient Greece and contemporary interior design, captivating us with its timeless beauty.
its Roots in Ancient Greece
Discovered by the Phoenicians, Thassos white marble immediately showcased an elegance that led the most prominent peoples of the ancient world to consider it a prime material for constructing temples, sculptures, and monuments.
The Greek civilization utilized it extensively, giving it a solid reputation as early as the sixth century BC. During this time, it was highly sought after by neighbouring populations for the creation of architectural works. However, with the advent of the Romans and, notably, the Roman Empire, Thassos white marble reached its peak of glory, contributing to works still visited today by tourists and enthusiasts of Hellenic culture. Famous examples include the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a covered arena built in 174 AD for musical performances on the Acropolis of Athens, and the statues of Emperor Hadrian used to complete the Temple of Olympian Zeus, 500 meters from the Acropolis, between 129 and 131 AD.
From there, the history of Thassos marble continued through various refined uses up to the present day, where it remains a cornerstone of the stone industry. On the island of Thassos, ten quarries are dedicated to its extraction, from which it is mined and then exported worldwide, from the Middle East to North America and even Japan.
colour Qualities of Thassos Marble
The enduring success of Thassos marble is justified by all its remarkable qualities, starting with its colour characteristics. The wonderful grain of this marble is distinguished by a homogeneous and crystalline white, virtually free of veins and impurities. Because of this, the stone extracted from Thassos resembles the colours of a boundless expanse of snow, which conveys a sense of dazzling purity and brilliance when contemplated in its vastness.
However, colour is not the only virtue of Thassos white marble. Its appeal in contemporary contexts is also enhanced by its low porosity, allowing it to resist moisture very effectively, and its excellent heat dissipation properties due to its predominant composition of dolomite (a mineral made up of calcium and magnesium carbonate).
its Use in Interior Design
Light has acquired a fundamental value in contemporary design, and any modern project seeks to maximize it. In this context, the pure white of Thassos marble can make a significant difference, as it interacts with various light sources to flood spaces with deep and spectacular brightness. This is why it is often used for interior wall cladding and for creating floors, stairs, and bathrooms, whether in classic or contemporary styles. This stone material is highly versatile, inspiring us with its potential to enliven any space with its elegance.
