VITREOUS MARBLE

Evening Star, Issue 20312, 22 October 1929, Page 14

VITREOUS MARBLE

FOR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR USES A material which must ultimately become very popular in adding to the beauty of buildings is an American composition known as vitreous marble. It is really a marble substitute, being ■produced by a glass expert in 1900 to serve its first purpose—linings for refrigerators. This glass-like substance wa-s used only to line refrigerators until 1916, when it was found that the imitation marble could b© used for table tops, counter tops, and frames. The material has been used extensively in America for both exterior and interior finish during the last five years, it is used for wails, ceilings, and store fronts, and signs, in addition to its former uses. Vitreous marble is made from melted rock, and is said to be’ as enduring as solid flint, and by actual tests, forty per cent, harder than marble. The chief ingredient used in the making of the material is silica, which is obtained chiefly from a highgrade of quartz sand It is required to test almost 100 per cent, pure. While this material has found its way into many North Island structures, little is known of the substance in Dunedin. The reason, no doubt, arises from the fact that it is rather expensive, there being a heavy duty of forty per cent, placed on its importation into this country. Nevertheless, it is a most attractive product, as can be evidenced in die shop of Messrs Wardell’s, Ltd., where some counters have been lined with it. Having a smooth tile-like surface the materia), which can be obtained in big slabs and in numerous colours and patterns, : s ideally suited for purposes where cleanliness ; s an important factor. Perhaps for this reason the material is specified for use in the new Maniototo Hospital at Ranfurly.