Marble quarry. Marble has been quarried in the hills above Carrara in Italy for more than 2000 years. Marble is a metamorphic rock, formed when limestone is altered by processes within the Earth, for example extreme pressure or temperature. This fine white marble is used for building and sculpture. Michelangelo used marble from Carrara for his sculptures. The orange staining is caused by rust from the water tank (upper centre). Water is used to cool the saws (not seen) that cut the stone.