ERETRIA MARBLE

Geological and Physical Properties

Eretria Marble, quarried in the Eretria region of Greece on the island of Euboea (Eğriboz), is classified as brecciated ‘True Marble.’ Known as ‘Marmor Molossium’ during the Roman Empire, it was later referred to by Italian stonemasons as ‘Fior di Pesco’ due to its resemblance to peach blossoms.

It is distinguished by its striking violet and white coloration, featuring pink-gray recrystallized limestone with bands of red, darker brown, white, and violet.

Use in Roman and Ottoman Periods

In ancient times, Eretria Marble was prized for its use as decorative elements in buildings particularly in columns, statues, flooring, and other architectural details. During the Ottoman period, this marble was used by Mimar Sinan in the Nişancı Mehmed Pasha Mosque in the Fatih district of Istanbul.