since renaissance the "noir belge" marble was widely used as a decorative construction material. 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. "noir belge" was even used by italian artisans in the intarsia decoration of the taj mahal in india.