The Cool Marble Beneath Your Feet: Thassos Marble at the Grand Mosque in Mecca

Millions of Muslims visit the Grand Mosque in Mecca each year for Umrah or Hajj. To ensure the comfort of worshippers, the Saudi Arabian government continually improves the mosque’s facilities, with a recent focus on the flooring. This seemingly simple element is crucial, as congregants are advised not to wear footwear within the mosque. Remarkably, the marble flooring remains cool to the touch even in the intense Saudi Arabian heat.

The Secret: Thassos Marble from Greece

The material responsible for this comfort is Thassos marble, sourced from the island of Thassos in Eastern Greece, near Kavala in the Aegean Sea. Arab News reports that Thassos marble has been quarried on the island since ancient times.

A History Rooted in Antiquity

The use of Thassos marble dates back to ancient Greece, featuring in structures such as the ancient Macedonian tomb in Amphipolis – the largest tomb ever discovered in Greece – and the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey. This historical precedent underscores the material’s enduring quality and prestige.

Why Thassos Marble Stays Cool

Thassos marble is known for its pure white color and high light reflection, often referred to as “snow white marble.” More importantly, it possesses the lowest heat absorption of all marble types. A 2022 study published in the Journal of The Investigation of Engineers (India), titled “Investigating the Unique Thermal Properties of Thassos Marble,” found that it has higher thermal conductivity than standard white marble. The Times of India details that this allows the marble to efficiently disperse heat, preventing it from building up on the surface.

the Thassos marble slabs are thick and installed with a special insulating layer. This design allows heat to spread downwards and sideways, rather than concentrating on the surface, contributing to the consistently cool temperature.

The Cost of Comfort

According to data from Indian marble supplier RMS Marble (2023), Thassos marble tiles cost between US$250-400, or approximately Rp. 4.2-6.7 million (exchange rate Rp. 16,888) per square meter.

Key Takeaways

• The Grand Mosque in Mecca utilizes Thassos marble for its flooring to maintain a comfortable temperature for worshippers.
• Thassos marble has been quarried since ancient times and used in historically significant structures.
• Its high thermal conductivity and specialized installation contribute to its cooling properties.
• The cost of Thassos marble ranges from US$250-400 per square meter.