What are some Unusual Uses for Marble

By Frederick M. Hueston  Stoneforeniscs.com

Marble is a stunning and versatile natural stone that has been used for thousands of years in a variety of applications. It is commonly used in construction, sculpture, and art and design, among other things. However, there are also many unusual and unexpected uses for marble that you may not have heard of before. The following are some of these unique applications.

Musical Instruments

One of the most unusual uses for marble is in the creation of musical instruments. Marble has a natural resonance that makes it an excellent material for creating unique and beautiful sounds. One example of a marble musical instrument is the marble xylophone, which is made up of a series of marble bars that produce distinct tones when struck with mallets.

Roller Coasters

Another unexpected use for marble is in the construction of roller coaster tracks. While it is not a common material for this purpose, there have been some roller coasters that have used marble tracks. For example, the Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island in New York used to have a section of track made of marble.

Coffins

Marble has also been used to create ornate coffins for royalty and other notable figures throughout history. These coffins often feature intricate carvings and decorations, making them works of art in their own right.

Bowling Balls

Believe it or not, marble has been used to create bowling balls in the past. While it is no longer a common material for this purpose, there are still some antique marble bowling balls in existence today.

Medical Implants

Marble has been used as a material for medical implants, such as bone and dental implants, due to its durability and biocompatibility. While it is not a common material for this purpose, it is still used in some cases where other materials are not suitable.

Heat Sinks

Finally, marble has been used as a material for heat sinks in electronic devices. The natural thermal conductivity of marble makes it an effective material for dissipating heat, which is important for preventing damage to sensitive electronic components.

While marble is most commonly associated with construction, sculpture, and art and design, it has also been used in a variety of unusual and unexpected applications throughout history. From musical instruments and roller coaster tracks to coffins and medical implants, the versatility of marble knows no bounds.