Sussex marble

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June 17, 2026

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Sussex marble is a type of unmetamorphosed limestone from the Mesozoic Era, dating back 251 to 65.5 million years ago. It is characterized by masses of freshwater snail shells embedded in blue, gray, or greenish limestone. This material was favored by medieval architects and can be seen in structures like Westminster Abbey and several English cathedrals.1

The term "marble" in a commercial sense also refers to decorative, calcium-rich rocks that can be polished, including limestone or dolomite that has been recrystallized by heat and pressure. True marbles are composed of calcite grains and are often found interbedded with other metamorphic rocks.1

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marble
…Purbeck Beds, England, and the Sussex marble, both of Mesozoic Era (from 251 million to 65.5 million years ago), consist of masses of shells of freshwater snails embedded in blue, gray, or greenish limestone. They were a favourite material of medieval architects and may be seen in Westminster Abbey and…
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…Purbeck Beds, England, and the Sussex marble, both of Mesozoic Era (from 251 million to 65.5 million years ago), consist of masses of shells of freshwater snails embedded in blue, gray, or greenish limestone. They were a favourite material of medieval architects and may be seen in Westminster Abbey and…
Read More