Marble is composed of limestone having a typical saccaroidal texture due to metamorphic recrystalizzation. Here the excavation has developed and spread into three surrounding valleys – Colonnata, Fantiscritti and Ravaccione – where not only mined is the famous white Carrara marble, but also statuario, veined, paonazzo, calacata, bardiglio and many more.

The mining of marble has ancient origins stemming from the 2nd century BC. The process was later enhanced by the Romany, who widely used “lunense” marble to build villas and monuments. They continued with alternating fortunes right up until the Industrial Revolution of the last century. Since then the mining of marble has grown steadily, up to the current production levels of approximately 800 thousand tons per year.
Its future is secure thanks to new techniques, tools, and methods of extraction. Coupled together with improved pay and working conditions, these mine workers at the forefront of this sector.

Pulling of a marble block inside the quarry (WMV 8,14MB)

The Artists
In its naturally occurring form, marble is a cold, if beautiful stone. Not until it has been touched by the skilled hands of man that the real transformation occurs – architectural wonders and lifelike sculptures result.
Michelangelo, the great divine master, gave birth to sinuous statues so beautiful that they appeared to be alive both in body and soul. The Cava Marmi Ravaccione is situated between Fantiscritti and Ravaccione.
Ravaccione was for him a basin of such great importance, the quality of the marble was without question the best and it is thought that he spent 3 years searching for the perfect blocks of marble for which he would carve the tomb of Pope Julius II.

Marble from the quarries is still used by domestic artists to this day: