The Story Behind Calacatta Marble

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All marble is not the same, no matter what some inexperienced marble dealers out there might try and say about it. Calacatta marble is highly sought after for many reasons. One of these reasons being the fact that Calacatta has been used in some of the most famous buildings throughout history – castles and cathedrals, mostly.

A reason for this is because Calacatta marble is whiter than most marbles on the market, so contractors and homeowners often associate it with high-end luxury. Calacatta marble is characterized by its deep white color and thick, elegant veins that come in a variety of colors, anything from beige to regal gold. Continue reading and don’t be confused over marble slabs again. Finally, get the real story behind luxurious Calacatta marble.

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Origins

This natural stone comes from the plentiful quarries in the mountains of Carrara, Italy. For this reason, Calacatta is so often confused with Carrara marble, but just know, these two stones are not the same despite their abundant similarities. They are both white marble made of mostly the same materials and an almost indistinguishable geological formation. The differences are subtle, but they are there, especially to a trained eye. Generally speaking, Carrara is a deeper gray with much softer veining, while Calacatta skews whiter with thick, substantial veining.

Calacatta still comes from Italy today, along with a large portion of the rest of the worlds marble. It has been used for sculptures and other beautiful buildings since before the time of Michelangelo (it was said to be his favorite stone to work with), who is often associated for working with this beautiful natural stone.

Elegant Look

Calacatta marble's elegant look is truly what keeps service professionals and homeowners coming back year after year, as the rich white and gold details are impossible to match. Carrara marble tends to have softer veins, and usually can’t match the dramatic veins of Calacatta marble. The bright white comes with veins in several different colors, suitable to most homeowners.

Calacatta is widely used for bathrooms and in kitchens, although be careful when using them for countertops, as they are porous and a bit sensitive in nature. It’s a classic, timeless look for any room really, and the stunning veining is unmatched.

Uses

Like mentioned above, Calacatta marble is a mainstay in luxurious bathrooms, and has been for quite some time. When done well, this natural stone can be a major highlight, taking a boring bathroom to a supremely stylish one. Wherever you use this stone, you are going to want to make sure it’s in a highly visible area – don’t waste the beauty! Wherever a bit of elegance is required, Calacatta should be there displayed prominently.

We often see Calacatta marble used heavily in the bathroom, or for kitchen marble countertops, and for vibrant backsplashes. Modern luxury homes love to use Calacatta as kitchen countertops, so just be sure to have them sealed correctly and regularly, as you’ll want to protect your investment. They also work well in offices and boardrooms, really almost anywhere you’re trying to project a sense of class and luxury.

Also, as a backsplash they can really be a great detail, not overwhelming but very tasteful. Just be sure you’re getting the real stuff, as some people call any Statuario marble “Calacatta”, but true Calacatta is going to be whiter, and in turn, more expensive. That’s why it is always important to get your natural stone slabs from the most reputable dealer you can find, a dealer with plenty of experience in the unique marble slab market.

Remember, Calacatta marble looks great on any surface or room, but when used in the kitchen it comes with some maintenance responsibilities. The deep richness of the white ensure most of the stains that set on this porous material are going to be quite visible if not tended to.

Cost

Fantastic looking marble isn’t exactly cheap, and there is a reason for that – it’s a timeless classic. From traditional to modern, a great slab of Calacatta marble can be mixed in with virtually any home décor. And, Calacatta marble is going to set you back more than most marble, as it is considered a bit more high end and rare, so there will always be somewhat of a premium on this natural stone.

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In many cases, you’re going to pay double what you would for similar marbles such as Carrara, and the price tag may go as high as north of $250 per square foot. Naturally, these prices are all going to change and vary depending on the slab supplier you choose, but think of these prices as an estimate, a starting point. Calacatta is a serious investment for your home or business, which is all the more reason to put your trust in good, reliable natural stone suppliers.

Calacatta marble has been one of the most desired stones throughout history, and now you should know a bit more about why this elegant slab is so sought after. From world famous builders to everyday architects, the list of Calacatta marble fans is a long and impressive one.

Lastly, consider it for your next building or home renovation project now that you know a bit more about it and how to use it. You’ll be receiving compliments about your new natural stone for years to come.

Why you can trust Marble.com

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

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