Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone under high temperature and pressure. The transformation recrystallizes the calcite minerals in the limestone, giving marble its characteristic interlocking crystal texture and often colorful veins. Key points:

• Parent rock: limestone (a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcite).
• Process: metamorphism involving heat and pressure.
• Composition: primarily calcite (CaCO3) or dolomite in some varieties.
• Common uses: sculpture, architecture, countertops, and decorative stone due to its beauty and workability, though it can be susceptible to staining and acid etching.

If you’d like, I can provide a quick comparison table of marble vs. other common rocks (like granite, limestone, and quartzite) to highlight differences in composition, formation, and typical uses.