Examples of Metamorphic Architecture & Art

Marble is maybe the most well known metamorphic rock. This is especially the case concerning metamorphic rocks used in construction and artwork. Because marble is essentially limestone that has been subjected to the heat and pressure of the metamorphic process, it comes in many forms. The Joseph Smith Memorial Building in Downtown Salt Lake City, for example, is home to plenty of marble architecture and artwork. (The Church in general uses a lot of marble in places around Temple Square).

I took this first picture of what I believe are the marble pillars that make up the main hall of the building (I apologize for the mediocre quality of the photo).

In that same main hall, visitors will find a statue of the Prophet Joseph Smith, also made from marble. This picture is from LDS.org:
A Heroic Figure of Joseph Smith

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is not folilated, and its parent rocks consist of mostly of limestone and dolostone. Because of the formation of veins and patterns within the pillars, it was evident to me that the classic characteristics of igneous rock such as dark coloration, all one texture, and either shiny or holed appearance were not present in the metamorphic process that created these rocks.
While looking at these pictures, it made me wonder like I haven't before: "Where on earth did this marble come from?".

I'll just have to ask one of the missionaries. 


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