Belgium black marbles
The name “Belgium Black marble” refers to several black marbles from Belgium quarries. Belgium black marbles contrary to French ones are free of veins and motifs. Their very fine crystallisation gives them a shine that is unparalleled. They were often used for mantels and clocks in the 19th century. In this category, the Mazy Black and Dinant Black marbles are the most famous. Without geological testing it is difficult to determine precisely which quarry Belgium Black marbles come from. Dinant Black marble most often was used for the production of clocks.
- photo 1: detail of a Belgium Black marble mantel from the 19th century. Exceptionnal craftsmanship in the sculpture of the lion head and fox cubs that emerge from the smooth surface of the entablature.
- photo 2: Belgium Black marble three shell model from the 19th century.
Bibliography :
J. Dubarry de Lasalle, Identification of marbles, Ed. H. Vial, Dourdan, 2000
J. Dubarry de Lasalle, The use of marbles, Ed. H. Vial, Dourdan, 2005
P. Julien, Marbres, From Quarries to Palaces, ed. Le Bec en l'air, Manosque, 2006
Marmi antichi, collective work, ed. De Luca, Rome, 1998
