MARBLE FIREPLACE MANTEL
Of the many types of stone mantels,
including onyx, granite, and cast stone, the traditionally most popular
materials are marble and limestone:
Marble
mantels:
-
Material - The term marble
is loosely applied to any limestone or dolomite that takes a good
polish and is otherwise suitable as a building or ornamental stone. More specifically, marble is the metamorphic form of
calcium carbonate.
-
Finish – A marble
fireplace mantel will usually have a polished finish.
-
Size – A marble
fireplace mantel is usually rather small.
-
Style – A marble
fireplace mantel is often quite ornamental.
A modern marble fireplaces mantel is often a replica of an
antique marble mantel.
-
Construction – A marble
fireplace mantel is usually composed of several flat pieces, about
one inch thick, which are pieced together.
Therefore, a marble fireplace mantel is usually hollow (see
photos below).
. 
Antique Marble Fireplace Surround (3/4 view)

Antique Marble Fireplace Surround (3/4 view)
Limestone Mantels:
-
Material – Limestone is the sedimentary form of
calcium carbonate.
-
Finish – Limestone fireplace mantels usually have
a honed finish (smooth, but not polished).
-
Size – A limestone mantel may be small, but they
will most often be larger than a marble fireplace mantel.
-
Style – Limestone mantels range in style from
simple, classic designs to very ornate.
-
Construction – Limestone mantels are usually made
from solid pieces of stone (unlike marble mantels).
Therefore, larger mantels may be quite heavy. Some of our
mantel designs
weigh over 2,000 pounds!

Louis XV style Cast Limestone Fireplace Mantel
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