Numidian Marble and Some of its Specialities

Abstract

The colours of the marbles which Roman builders brought from all parts of the Empire to decorate their magnificient edifices were many and various. Numidian Marble (NM) was one of the most favoured. Because of its beautiful yellow stone masons of the Renaissance called it Giallo Antico. The shades of the marble range from creamy to deep golden yellow; it is crossed by purple, sometimes brown veins, which occasionally broaden into bands. A dark violet was rare but valued. Less appreciated were the light yellow, salmon-coloured or pale pink shades.