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From Carrara to Calacatta: Exploring Iconic Marble Types
14 November 2024
You may not know this, but marble actually has history and heritage. Some varieties of marbles have been famous and known for top quality with unique patterns since the time of antiquity, and their reign continues today. We are going to guide you through the most iconic marbles that the market has to offer. Get ready to learn why classics from Carrara to Calacatta are in such high demand.
Fill you in on the inside scoop and trivia so you can gloat in front of all of your design enthusiast friends. And we'll show you how to spot the fakes. This primer is both for the new-to-natural stone type, and the armchair geologists among us. Let's dig into all of the metaphysical stories underlying some of these popular stones.
Carrara Marble: The Origination and History
A Legacy of Centuries
Carrara marble has been put to service of sculptors and architects since the times of Ancient Rome. This luminous white stone is quarried in Tuscany, Italy, and has been used to build celebrated works of art like Michelangelo's David and the Pantheon in Rome.
The World's Best Marble
The two major reasons why Carrara marble is so in-demand are the absolute white shade and fine-grained stone. Mostly composed of calcite, this marble also has a cream-translucent quality that seems to sparkle from the inside. When polished, it becomes, in fact, that immaculate white that is perfect for utmost details.
From the Renaissance until Today
A lot of masters would use the Carrara marble for shaping during the Renaissance—many world-famous sculptures, including Michelangelo's Pieta, have been carved out of this material. It was also broadly used by architects, for example, in the creation of Baroque churches in Rome or the Castle of Vincennes in Paris.
To this day, Carrara marble remains an epitome of luxury design in homes across the world. It is used as countertops in the kitchen, bathroom, stairs, and much else to give to space timeless elegance. But because it is rare, the quarrying of this stone is complex and leaves an environmental impact. It's for this concern for sustainability that rules were put in place to ensure Carrara marble is protected for the future.
While other marbles from other regions may compare in color or grain, none quite matches in pedigree to the original. Carrara marble stands alone in its status; its status as the ultimate embodiment of prestige and craft. For those who want to make a bold statement, this iconic natural stone will do it with flair.
Why Calacatta Marble Is the Most Expensive Natural Stone?
Calacatta is considered the crème de la crème of natural stone. This gorgeous material comes from the Apuan Alps in Northern Italy and is prized for its dramatic veining on a creamy white background.
Superior Beauty and Elegance
With its feathery gray veins and gold undertones, Calacatta marble simply oozes luxury. The striking patterns and translucence create a sense of depth and movement that springs into life in front of your eyes. Whether it's on countertops, flooring, or as a wall accent, the marble makes a strong statement of elegance and style.
Rare and Exclusive
Calacatta marble is a rare form of stone, found in only a few quarries. This exclusiveness plays a big part in the prestige and price of Calacatta marble. The cost of slabs may reach up to $400 per square foot, thus becoming an investment in itself. But its beauty is intended to be enjoyed by generations.
Requires a Light Touch
The downside to Calacatta marble is that its softness requires gentle care. While durable, it can stain or scratch more easily than granites. Refrain from using harsh chemicals when cleaning, and do not forget to seal the marble. A honed or a leathered finish is apt for high-use areas as it hides small scratches or stains with time.
Calacatta marble will deliver a lifetime of enjoyment if properly cared for and maintained, delivering beauty to any room. Nothing will enhance and transform a space like the opulence, prestige, and artistry that Calacatta does.
Other Notable Types of Marble and Their Characteristics
Nero Marquina
This striking black marble earns its name, Nero Marquina, from the Basque Country quarries of northern Spain. Its intense jet black is offset by clouds of bright white veining, creating high impact in its contrast. Nero Marquina has been used in many buildings, such as the altar of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The almost moody contrast evokes a sense of grandeur and opulence..
Crema Marfil
Crema Marfil is an imported marble from Spain. The overall look of the marble has a creamy beige base with very soft honey gold veining. Its warm, comforting velvety hue is elegant. Crema Marfil is a classic residential and commercial flooring favorite and very versatile for someone looking for a change from white marble but with a strong presence.
Travertine
Travertine is a stunning natural stone that comes as a deposit from hot springs of Italy and Turkey. The stone is available in earthy, rustic textures with plentiful cavities and holes on its surface. When filled and honed, travertine has a smooth, velvety texture with shades of pale ivory and creamy white. Its pitted, dented surface gives it natural depth and texture. Travertine is a popular choice and is widely used in floors, walls, and countertops.
Danby Marble
Danby marble is white or gray with veins of blue-gray, gold, and burgundy. This creates an overall craftsmen-like effect that is variegated, much an abstract painting. Danby marble is one of the essential stone types in many famous and important buildings in America, such as the National Gallery of Art and Library of Congress, so because of the strong standout veining and mainly because it is American, Danby marble is considered very prestigious.
With so many marbles to choose from, many of them vastly different from each other, this decision is easier than ever. Whether you're a fan of drama and contrast, heart-warmed by the rustic charm of travertine, or you're feeling all-American and proud as punch with Danby Marble, there are iconic marbles to match any style.
Conclusion
In summary, above are some of the iconic marble varieties you can turn to Carrara: The whitest with gray veins, its white is quite crispy, with its oldest version obtained from ancient texts. Statuario: It is the "king of the marbles"; the veins are bold and white in color. Calacatta: characterized by dramatic gray and gold veining, it reflects high-end class. Emperador marble: Warmth and depth are brought through the shades of browns, reds, and greens.
There is a timeless marble to suit your style. So long as the marble you choose is designed and installed correctly, its beauty will last for many lifetimes. So go right ahead and channel your inner Italian sculptor and douse your house in classic, elegant style with these iconic natural stones. Ciao for now!
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