ASTM C503/C503M-23

Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone

ABSTRACT
This specification covers the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling method appropriate to the selection of marble dimension stone for general building and structural purposes. Dimension marble shall include stone that is sawed, cut, split, or otherwise finished or shaped into blocks, slabs or tiles, and shall specifically exclude molded, cast and artificially aggregated units composed of fragments, and also crushed and broken stone. Marbles covered here are classified as either calcite or dolomite. The physical property requirements to which marble stones shall adhere to are absorption by weight, density, compressive strength, modulus of rupture, abrasion resistance, and flexural strength.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling appropriate to the selection of marble for general building and structural purposes. Refer to Guides C1242 and C1528 for the appropriate selection and use of marble dimension stone.  
1.2 Dimension marble shall include stone that is sawed, cut, split, or otherwise finished or shaped into blocks, slabs or tiles, and shall specifically exclude molded, cast and artificially aggregated units composed of fragments, and also crushed and broken stone.  
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Dec-2023
• ICS: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: C18 - Dimension Stone
• Drafting Committee: C18.03 - Material Specifications

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM C503/C503M-22 - Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM C170/C170M-24a - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2024
• Refers: ASTM C170/C170M-24 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM C1242-23c - Standard Guide for Selection, Design, and Installation of Dimension Stone Attachment Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM C170/C170M-23 - Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Referred By: ASTM C1242-23b - Standard Guide for Selection, Design, and Installation of Dimension Stone Attachment Systems
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2023

Overview

ASTM C503/C503M-23: Standard Specification for Marble Dimension Stone provides comprehensive requirements for the selection and use of marble in building and structural applications. This internationally recognized standard, published by ASTM International, outlines the material characteristics, physical property thresholds, and appropriate sampling methods for marble that will be cut, sawed, split, or otherwise finished into blocks, slabs, or tiles. The specification excludes artificially aggregated, cast, or molded products, focusing exclusively on natural marble classified as either calcite or dolomite. With a clear scope and defined physical and soundness criteria, this standard is essential for ensuring quality and durability in marble dimension stone.

Key Topics

• Material Characteristics and Classifications

  • Covers both calcite and dolomite marble varieties.
  • Marble must be natural, dimensioned into blocks, slabs, or tiles.
  • Excludes molded, cast, or artificially combined stone products.

• Physical Requirements

  • Absorption by weight
  • Density
  • Compressive strength
  • Modulus of rupture
  • Abrasion resistance
  • Flexural strength
    These ensure marble’s suitability for intended structural uses.

• Soundness Groups

  • Group A: The most sound, suitable especially for exterior or load-bearing use.
  • Groups B, C, and D: For interior or less demanding structural applications, with increasing allowances for natural flaws and repairs.
  • The correct soundness group must be selected according to application to ensure long-term performance.

• Sampling Methods

  • Mandates representative sampling to confirm compliance with specified physical and material properties.

• Dual Unit Measurement

  • Test values are stated separately in both SI and inch-pound units. Mixing of measurement systems is not permitted to maintain standardization.

Applications

ASTM C503/C503M-23 is highly relevant for professionals in architecture, construction, and engineering when selecting marble for:

• Building Facades and Cladding: Ensures only the highest soundness grades are used for exterior applications.
• Flooring and Stairs: Specifies abrasion and flexural strength minimums for interior walkways and stair surfaces.
• Walls and Interior Features: Guides the use of various marble soundness groups for aesthetic and structural interior uses.
• Historical Restoration: Assists in matching new marble installations with existing stonework, considering both material and performance standards.

Using this standard helps ensure that marble products will perform as expected in their specified environments, reducing the risk of structural failure or early deterioration.

Related Standards

Several other ASTM standards complement ASTM C503/C503M-23 and should be consulted for a holistic approach to marble selection and use:

• ASTM C97/C97M - Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone
• ASTM C99/C99M - Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Dimension Stone
• ASTM C170/C170M - Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone
• ASTM C241/C241M, C1353 - Methods for Abrasion Resistance of Stone
• ASTM C880/C880M - Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone
• ASTM C1242 - Guide for Selection, Design, and Installation of Dimension Stone Attachment Systems
• ASTM C1528 - Guide for Selection of Dimension Stone

Consulting these related documentation resources will ensure compliance, durability, and quality in all marble dimension stone applications.

Keywords: marble dimension stone, ASTM C503, building marble, marble specification, calcite marble, dolomite marble, marble soundness, marble test methods, physical requirements, construction standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: C503/C503M − 23
Standard Specification for
Marble Dimension Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C503/C503M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope C241/C241M Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Stone
Subjected to Foot Traffic
1.1 This specification covers the material characteristics,
C880/C880M Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimen-
physical requirements, and sampling appropriate to the selec-
sion Stone
tion of marble for general building and structural purposes.
C1242 Guide for Selection, Design, and Installation of
Refer to Guides C1242 and C1528 for the appropriate selection
Dimension Stone Attachment Systems
and use of marble dimension stone.
C1353 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Dimension
1.2 Dimension marble shall include stone that is sawed, cut,
Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic Using a Rotary Platform
split, or otherwise finished or shaped into blocks, slabs or tiles,
Abraser
and shall specifically exclude molded, cast and artificially
C1528 Guide for Selection of Dimension Stone
aggregated units composed of fragments, and also crushed and
broken stone. 3. Terminology
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units
3.1 Definitions—All definitions are in accordance with Ter-
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in minology C119.
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
4. Classification
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
4.1 Dimension marble is classified as follows:
with the standard.
4.1.1 I Calcite.
4.1.2 II Dolomite.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 1—See Terminology C119 for definitions of calcite and dolomite.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5. Soundness
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 Marbles are further classified into four “Soundness”
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
groups: A, B, C, and D. Classifications are based on the
properties encountered in fabrication and has no reference
2. Referenced Documents
whatsoever to comparative merit or value. Marble is classified
2.1 ASTM Standards:
by its producer.
C97/C97M Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific
5.2 The Soundness classifications indicate what repairs may
Gravity of Dimension Stone
be necessary prior to or during installation, based on standard
C99/C99M Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Dimen-
trade practices.
sion Stone
5.3 The groupings A, B, C, and D, should be taken into
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
account when specifying marble, for all marbles are not
C170/C170M Test Method for Compressive Strength of
suitable for all building applications. This is particularly true of
Dimension Stone
the comparatively fragile marbles classified under Soundness
Groups C and D, which may need additional fabrication before
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C18 on
or during installation. Only Soundness Group A marble should
Dimension Stone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C18.03 on
be used for exterior installations, or any applications that
Material Specifications.
require the stone panel to resist lateral loads or to bear weight
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2023. Published January 2024. Originally
without reinforcement.
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as C503/C503M – 22.
DOI: 10.1520/C0503_C0503M-23.
5.3.1 The four groups are:
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Group A—Sound marbles with uniform and favorable
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
working qualities; containing no geological flaws, voids,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. spalls, cracks, open seams, pits or other defects.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C503/C503M − 23
TABLE 1 Physical Requirements
NOTE 1—The v
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: C503/C503M − 22 C503/C503M − 23
Standard Specification for
Marble Dimension Stone
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C503/C503M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification covers the material characteristics, physical requirements, and sampling appropriate to the selection of
marble for general building and structural purposes. Refer to Guides C1242 and C1528 for the appropriate selection and use of
marble dimension stone.
1.2 Dimension marble shall include stone that is sawed, cut, split, or otherwise finished or shaped into blocks, slabs or tiles, and
shall specifically exclude molded, cast and artificially aggregated units composed of fragments, and also crushed and broken stone.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C97/C97M Test Methods for Absorption and Bulk Specific Gravity of Dimension Stone
C99/C99M Test Method for Modulus of Rupture of Dimension Stone
C119 Terminology Relating to Dimension Stone
C170/C170M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Dimension Stone
C241/C241M Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic
C880/C880M Test Method for Flexural Strength of Dimension Stone
C1242 Guide for Selection, Design, and Installation of Dimension Stone Attachment Systems
C1353 Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Dimension Stone Subjected to Foot Traffic Using a Rotary Platform Abraser
C1528 Guide for Selection of Dimension Stone
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—All definitions are in accordance with Terminology C119.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C18 on Dimension Stone and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C18.03 on Material
Specifications.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2022Dec. 15, 2023. Published September 2022January 2024. Originally approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 20152022
as C503/C503M – 15.C503/C503M – 22. DOI: 10.1520/C0503_C0503M-22.10.1520/C0503_C0503M-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C503/C503M − 23
4. Classification
4.1 Dimension marble is classified as follows:
4.1.1 I Calcite.
4.1.2 II Dolomite.
NOTE 1—See Terminology C119 for definitions of calcite and dolomite.
5. Soundness
5.1 Marbles are further classified into four “Soundness” groups: A, B, C, and D. Classifications are based on the properties
encountered in fabrication and has no reference whatsoever to comparative merit or value. Marble is classified by its producer.
5.2 The Soundness classifications indicate what repairs may be necessary prior to or during installation, based on standard trade
practices.
5.3 The groupings A, B, C, and D, should be taken into account when specifying marble, for all marbles are not suitable for all
building applications. This is particularly true of the comparatively fragile marbles classified under Soundness Groups C and D,
which may need additional fabrication before or during installation. Only Soundness Group A marble should be used for exterior
installations, or any applications that require the stone panel to resist lateral loads or to bear weight without reinforcement.
5.3.1 The four groups are:
Group A—Sound marbles with uniform and favorable working qualities; containing no geological flaws, voids, spalls, cracks,
open seams, pits or other defects.
Group B—Marble similar in soundness to Group A, but with le
...