Adam Schallau Photography

Splintered Marble

When the Powell Expedition floated through this area in 1869, John Wesley Powell wrote in his journal, "The limestone of this canyon is often polished, and makes a beautiful marble. Sometimes the rocks are of many colors – whites, gray, pink, and purple, with saffron tints."

Powell mistakenly identified the rock as marble when, in fact, this section of the canyon is mostly limestone, dolomite, and sandstone. Thus, the name 'Marble Canyon' is a misnomer as the canyon has no marble.

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Image Size: 9504x6336 / 172.3MB; https://adamschallau.com; AZ Arizona Below the Rim Colorado River Grand Canyon Marble Canyon National Park Rafting Expedition River Trip
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When the Powell Expedition floated through this area in 1869, John Wesley Powell wrote in his journal, "The limestone of this canyon is often polished, and makes a beautiful marble. Sometimes the rocks are of many colors – whites, gray, pink, and purple, with saffron tints."<br />
<br />
Powell mistakenly identified the rock as marble when, in fact, this section of the canyon is mostly limestone, dolomite, and sandstone. Thus, the name 'Marble Canyon' is a misnomer as the canyon has no marble.