The term "Marble" is derived from the Latin word "Marmar" which itself comes from the Greek root "Marmarous" meaning thereby a shining stone. Technically, marble is a recrystallised (metamorphosed) limestone. In commercial terms, marble is any crystalline rock composed predominantly of calcite, dolomite or serpentine, having 3-4 hardness, which can be excavated as blocks and can be sawn into marble slabs and marble tiles.

Suitability of marble slabs and marble tiles for any purpose does not depend on chemical composition or genetic aspect, but on physical and aesthetic properties - color, shade, luster, grain and texture.