Noir Belge
Some Noir belge marble deposit belongs to a fine-grained calcareous sedimentary formation dated Frasnian era (Upper Devonian – around 360 million years ago) and located on the northern border of Namur sedimentary basin.
Its relative scarcity is due to the difficult exploiting conditions (quarries in underground operation, for example of Golzinne and Bioul).
Due to its immaculate velvety black appearance and its remarkable high gloss, it was preferred by artisans across Europe.
It became exceedingly widespread since it was preferred as the deep-black background for the colourful Intarsia or Pietra dura works from the Florentine Medici workshop founded in 1588.
[citation needed] In northern Europe, especially in Belgium and France, "Noir Belge" was also applied to large decorative structures such as stairs, floorings, altars, fireplaces...
dressed in a habit of noir belge which effectfully offsets the white Carrara marble of the head, hands, feet and pillows.
Statue by Pierre Le Gros the Younger , 1702–03, Rome, Jesuit Novitiate
