Our Guide to Calacatta Marble

09 Mar Our Guide to Calacatta Marble

What is Calacatta Marble

Calacatta marble is synonymous with luxury and elegance across the world.  It is a timeless natural material that elevates every thing it touches. Calacatta is the most in demand choice of all natural stones.

There are a few key features that define Calacatta marble

1. It is a natural stone
2. It is only available from one quarry in the world, located in Carrara, Italy
3. It is recognised as having a white background with stunning grey veins throughout

Given the beauty of this stone, it should come as no surprise that it is often recreated in engineered stones where people want access to the same style, without the corresponding price.

There are many different kinds of Calacatta too.  There are options with just the iconic grey veining but there are also unique options with gold, cabernet and many more that only mother nature can produce.  Engineered options typically create a ‘flat’ marble look whereas the beauty of Calacatta marble is there is so much depth and complexity to it that you just can’t replicate.

Where to use it

The beauty (and price) of Calacatta means it’s generally reserved for use in high impact and visible areas where it can draw compliments from all those that see it.  Bench tops and splash-backs are the most common areas to find the marble but we’ll also regularly integrate it in high end bathrooms.  Our clients also often go for Calacatta Marble for open fireplace surrounds and hearths as a feature piece in the living area.  In other words, it can look absolutely fantastic anywhere you put it.

What’s the difference between Carrara and Calacatta?

Typically, Carrara features muddy hues and is not pure white. Carrara is also less expensive and more common to find in your everyday marketplace or cut into tiles. On the contrary, Calacatta has very bold veining with a crisp white background. While each natural stone slab is unique, Calacatta marble is much rarer than your typical Carrara.

If you’d like to discuss the marble options for your home or business, get in touch with us at Beyond Stone WA.