Purbeck marble

/ ˈpɜːbɛk /

noun

1. a fossil-rich limestone that takes a high polish: used for building, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of Purbeck marble¹

C15: named after Purbeck, Dorset, where it is quarried

Example Sentences

Yet as I stand in the circular nave, surrounded by a ring of dark Purbeck marble columns, I feel as though I’m being watched.

From Washington Post

The Irwins’ house, created out of two labourers’ cottages, was built in the centre of the old villa and rests on a large slab of Purbeck marble, which is probably of Roman origin.

From The Guardian

They themselves stand as raised by their builders, but Bishop Northwold gave them new capitals of Purbeck marble harmonising with the work he was erecting eastward.

From Project Gutenberg

They are of two varieties: one of a yellowish-grey; the other, greatly resembling Purbeck marble, fossiliferous and of a light bluish tint.

From Project Gutenberg

The mouldings of these arches display great beauty and elegance, and the central arch, which forms the grand entrance to the nave, is supported upon magnificent Purbeck marble columns.

From Project Gutenberg