Illustrated Dictionary of British Churches - Purbeck Marble Definition

History and Architecture

Purbeck Marble

A dark stone named for the Isle of Purbeck region of Dorset where it was quarried. Despite the name, it is not actually marble, but a form of crystalline limestone. Purbeck marble was highly prized by medieval builders for the attractive lustre it possessed when cut and polished. It was often used in the construction of compound pillars and on expensive memorials.




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