Marble – Griotte

Griotte marble – gets its name from the Morello (Griotte in French) cherry because of its bright red colour. The best quality marble is the most red and when it has inclusions of small white calcite fossilized shells (goniatites) it is called ‘Partridge eye’.

The marble was a favourite in French Royal apartments in the 18th century, particularly for mantles like the one in Versailles in the office of Louis XIV.

It is commonly found in the south of France, in the Pyrenees and in souther Belgium.