Builders Turn to 'Italy’s White Gold'
There is no end to the demand for ‘Italy’s white gold', better known as marble, from the town of Carrara. Workers first began mining the stone from the mountains of Tuscany more than 2,000 years ago.
The ancient Romans were the first to recognize the beauty of the marble and millions of people still go to Rome to see famous monuments made with the stone. Two of the many famous marble sights include the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column. There are also famous marble statues, such as "the Pietà" by the sculptor and painter Michelangelo.
Carrara’s marble is in great demand in the Middle East and in countries like China, India and Thailand. Buyers want kitchens, bathrooms and staircases in their homes made from this precious material.
Others have very specific ideas for marble statues, which they pay high prices for sculptors to create. For example, a few years ago, a request came for a huge block of marble to be used in a massive statue of Buddha.
However, the demand is taking a toll on the land.
Many have expressed concerns that marble mining is destroying the mountain environment and is significantly affecting how the magnificent landscape of the Apuan Alps looks. It may look like snow from afar, but in reality it is the bright marble that makes these mountains look white all year round.
