This particular type 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 purity of its white color is not only unique but also establishes a direct connection between Ancient Greece and modern interior design, captivating us with its timeless beauty.
Its Roots in Ancient Greece
Thassos white marble immediately showcased an elegance that led the most distinguished peoples of the ancient world to consider it a prime material for constructing temples, sculptures, and monuments.
The Greek civilization extensively utilized it, giving it a solid reputation as early as the 6th century BC. During this period, it was highly sought after by neighboring peoples for the creation of architectural works. However, with the rise of the Romans and, notably, the Roman Empire, Thassos white marble reached the pinnacle of its glory, contributing to works still visited today by tourists and admirers of Greek 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.
Color Qualities of Thassos Marble
The enduring success of Thassos marble is justified by its many remarkable qualities, starting with its color characteristics. The beautiful texture of this marble is distinguished by a homogeneous and crystalline white, almost free of veins and impurities. Because of this, the stone extracted from Thassos resembles the colors of a vast expanse of snow, conveying a sense of dazzling purity and brilliance when viewed in its entirety.
However, color is not the only advantage of Thassos white marble. Its appeal in contemporary environments is also enhanced by its low porosity, which allows it to resist moisture very effectively, and its excellent heat dissipation properties due to its predominant composition of dolomite (a mineral composed of calcium and magnesium carbonate).
Its Use in Interior Design
Light has acquired fundamental value in modern design, and any contemporary 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 modern styles. This stone material is highly versatile, inspiring us with its potential to enliven any space with its elegance.
Source: www.marmomac.com
