Breche

Breche marbles are a category of marbles that are all made up of the same composition: the pressure and distortions at the time of the geological formation of the stone created a marble with large elements.
There are many varieties of Breche in a broad range of colors and motifs: Breche de Medous, Breche d’Alep, Breche de Saint-Maximin and yellow Breche de Benou.
Breche marbles are used both in furniture and mantels. The very graphic effect of Breche d'Alep marble for example was very popular during the 18th century. It is found in many of the beautiful dwellings of the time like in the Chateau of Chantilly.

Photo 1 : Grand Trianon in Versailles, mantel from the Emperor's family living room

Photo 2 : Chateau of Chantilly, Breche d'Alep mantel, XVIIIe

Photo 3 : Detail of a Breche from Montmeyan

Photo 4: Detail of a Breche from Benou

Photo 5 : Detail of a Breche from Alep

Photo 6 : Detail of a Breche from Sarravezza

Photo 7 : Detail of a Breche from Saint-Maximin

Bibliography

J. Dubarry de Lasalle, Identification des marbres, Ed. H. Vial, Dourdan, 2000
J. Dubarry de Lasalle, Utilisation des marbres, Ed. H. Vial, Dourdan, 2005
P. Julien, Marbres, de carrières en palais, ed. Le Bec en l'air, Manosque, 2006
Marmi antichi, ouvrage collectif, ed. De Luca, Rome, 1998