Cultural Objects – Marble (Marmer)

This object is a specimen of Marble (Marmer), a highly valued metamorphic rock formed from the recrystallization of carbonate rocks, such as limestone, due to exposure to intense heat and pressure during geological processes. Marble is generally recognized as a highly prized type of rock widely used in sculpture, architectural carvings, and as a premium building material, making it a significant cultural and economic heritage.

Physically, the rock is predominantly pale white to cream in color, featuring a clearly visible and slightly coarse crystalline texture. There is a distinct, prominent patch of dark yellow or orange adhering to one side of the rock, likely caused by certain iron oxide mineral content or other natural impurities trapped during the metamorphic process. This rock originates from the Surian region of Solok Regency, West Sumatra, an area on Sumatra Island known for its complex geological formations, suggesting strong tectonic and thermal activity in the past.

The discovery of Marble in the Solok area confirms that the region possesses a valuable rock resource. The surface of the marble exhibits a dense, interlocking intercrystalline pattern, reflecting the intense metamorphic process it underwent deep within the earth, making it a robust and aesthetically pleasing specimen.