Discover the luxurious touch and timeless beauty of Calacatta Marble countertops – the perfect statement for your stylish kitchen or bath.
There’s a reason why our top-selling colors have consistently been quartz that mimics white marbles found in Italy. Timeless elegance.
In particular, Calacatta marble is coveted for its luxurious appearance and distinctive veining.
This exquisite marble has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Magnificent structures like the Pantheon in Rome use Calacatta marble.
Its pure white background and bold, dramatic veins are still treasured in the design world today.
Read on to discover more about this majestic marble, its origin, and how it’s different from its close cousin, Carrara marble.
Calacatta Marble Countertops Trend
In recent years, Calacatta marble has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Its universal appeal and luxurious aesthetics have captivated designers and homeowners alike.
The growing trend towards incorporating natural materials and a desire for elegant and sophisticated interiors have contributed to renewed interest.
It can also seamlessly blend with various design styles. From traditional to contemporary, Calacatta is a versatile choice for many interior design projects.
However, pure Calacatta marble is expensive, and the quartz manufacturers have capitalized on this. They recognize its appeal and respond by creating several new colors to mimic the natural beauty of Calacatta.
This trend provides the benefits of quartz while also making this expensive and exclusive marble more available. For example, quartz is stain resistant and doesn’t need sealing to protect it as marbles often do.
Calacatta Marble Origin and Unique Features
Calacatta derives its name from the Calacatta region in Carrara, Italy. This region is famous for its marble quarries.
Calacatta is distinct from other marbles due to its unique veining patterns. They are often thicker and more pronounced than other marble varieties.
The veining ranges in color from gray to gold, with striking contrasts against the pristine white background. These bold, flowing veins are also the hallmark of Calacatta marble.
Also Read: Three Ways to Make a White Quartz Choice
Calacatta Marble vs Carrara: What’s Different?
There is often confusion between Carrara marble and Calacatta because Calacatta comes from Carrara, Italy.
They share similarities, but distinct characteristics set them apart from one another:
Origin: Calacatta and Carrara marble are both quarried in the Apuan Mountains in Carrara, Italy. However, Calacatta comes from the Carrara region’s more exclusive quarries.
Background Color: Calacatta tends to have a whiter and brighter background color than Carrara. It often appears as a pure white or a very light gray shade.
Veining: Both marbles feature veining, but their patterns differ. Carrara typically has softer and more subtle gray veins evenly distributed. Conversely, Calacatta showcases bolder and more dramatic veins in gray, gold, or warm brown colors.
Vein Intensity: Calacatta generally exhibits more prominent and pronounced veining compared to Carrara. The veins in Calacatta can also have a higher contrast with the background, creating a striking and eye-catching effect.
Rarity and Cost: Calacatta is rarer and more expensive than Carrara due to its exclusive sourcing and distinctive veining patterns. Carrara is more widely available and relatively more affordable.
Varieties: Both Calacatta and Carrara marbles have different varieties within their respective categories. For example, Calacatta Oro and Calacatta Borghini are highly sought-after types of Calacatta marble, known for their rich golden veining. Carrara marble has various grades, such as Bianco Carrara, a common type with lighter gray veining.
Maintenance and Care: While Calacatta is undoubtedly stunning, it requires proper care and maintenance to preserve its beauty. It’s a natural stone susceptible to etching and staining from acidic substances. Sealing the marble surface and cleaning up spills promptly are essential to maintain its pristine appearance. We recommend regular cleaning with mild, non-abrasive cleaners to keep the marble looking its best.
Also Read: Carrara vs Calacatta Marble
Redesign Your Kitchen or Bath with Calacatta Marble Countertops
Calacatta marble brings illustrious history, enduring popularity, and exquisite characteristics.
From classical architecture to contemporary interiors, Calacatta marble elevates spaces into realms of unparalleled beauty. As this remarkable stone endures, it will continue to grace homes with its majestic allure for generations.
Visit our slab gallery and see the many quartz options that replicate the look of this opulent marble.
We currently showcase our white quartz products that look like Italian marble in one place. Seeing them displayed together is more effective so you can discern what patterns and colors make the most sense for your project.