Can Marble Be Used For Solid Fuel Fireplaces & Hearths
Answer: No marble is not suitable for solid fuel fires As a marble fireplace specialist, we often get asked if marble can be used for solid fuel fires. The answer is more complex than it initially appears. Marble cannot be used for solid fuel fires alone as it will crack due to the immense heat generated. However, it is possible to adapt a marble fireplace to make it suitable by using a cast iron back panel and granite hearth. 
Marble hearths & suitability
1. Marble fireplaces and hearths are suitable for gas or electric fires as standard 2. Marble hearths (base section of fireplace) cannot be used for solid fuel fires even if the hearth is cut and rejoined (a process known as slabbing)
Cast iron fireplaces
Marble fireplaces can be used for solid fuel fires if the fireplace is supplied with a cast iron back panel & a Granite or Slate hearth which is cut and rejoined. Cutting and rejoining a hearth creates expansion joints and allows the heat to escape without cracking the hearth. 
Stone fireplaces
Stone is a harder material than marble, and is suitable for solid fuel fires as standard. It is important to be careful to ensure that you carefully read the description of the stone fireplace prior to making any purchasing decisions, as artificial stone fireplaces are not suitable for solid fuel fires, where as 100% natural stone fireplaces are suitable (as they are made from chunky slabs of stone) 
