Why Does Marble Corrode

Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive.

Why does marble corrode.

Why does my carrara marble have orange stains. Marble like all calcareous rocks is particularly sensitive to degradation by acid chemicals and to weathering. Carbonic sulfuric or nitric acid are components of acid rain that will react with the calcium carbonate in the marble and limestone to pit and dissolve the rock over time. Acid rain has a significant effect on marble and limestone.

If these deposits are exposed to water they can rust and leach through to the surface causing the yellow brown stains. Although specialized non acidic products can remove surface rust on marble or limestone the indwelling rust caused by constant induction of humidity mostly from the backside of the stone cannot be removed. Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. That is a natural element of the stone so it doesn t make the stone.

But the same patterns that make marble beautiful can be a real headache to match from tile to tile says daniel dixon a california based tile construction expert. Real marble tiles have a beautiful unique look like no other surface with all their whirling patterns and shade variations. The aforementioned conditions plus the stone being subjected to excessive moisture can cause rust staining or also know as inorganic metal stains. He told me he was building a two million dollar home and had installed nearly 3500 square feet of a white statuary marble tile.

White carrara marbles are known to contain iron sulfide pyrite minerals. On non acid resistant stones like limestone or marble rust can be a non repairable problem. Iron deposits that are embedded in white marble tile especially carrara marble are typically the cause of this type of stain. Acid rains are one of the main degradation agents for marble artifacts.

When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Acid rain contains carbonic nitric and sulfuric acid that are produced by oxidation and dissolution in water of gaseous oxides co 2 no 2 and so 2 present in the air as chemical pollutants. It started out faint has gotten brighter and appears to be growing.

In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. Taj mahal is an example of corrosion of marble the discoloration of its marble is due to corrosion. How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings. A yellow brownish stain has begun to appear on the marble bench slab.