MARBLE 101: The Geography and History of 3 Italian Marble Varieties

Italy - Torino. Interior of Palazzo Madama Royal PalaceGourmet food, fine wine, classical art– we relate all of these things with Italy. The vibrant colours and personalities of the country contribute to the overall sensation we enjoy when it crosses our imaginations. Italy sets trends globally and home design is no exception: Italian marble has dominated refined and luxurious projects thanks to its one-of-a-kind warmth and appearance. Are you curious about the origins and differences of Italian marble? Read on for Stoneworks’ handy guide.

CARRARA
Carrara marble is one of the most popular varieties ever sold; it earned the name from the city and region in which it was produced. Carrara is a city and province in northern Tuscany that has quarried more marble than anywhere else in the world. In fact, the other two marble types listed below are also sourced from the Carrara region in Italy. Carrara marble is a classic white variety with subtle, subdued veining– perfect for understated and subtle rooms.

CALACATTA
Calacatta marble, like Carrara marble, is coloured classic white, mined in the Carrara region of Italy and has been sold widely for hundreds of years. Unlike Carrara marble, Calacatta has thick, bold veins throughout the stone. These veins create wide a range of shades in a single slab, as well as dramatic, geometric visuals. Ranging from dark grey to stark white, Calacatta marble is a good choice for unique surfaces in any room.

STATUARIO
A precious and rare subclass of Carrara marble, Statuario is generally considered to be marble of the highest quality. With subtle tones and hues, Statuario marble enjoys a deep range of colours– from rich gold to pale grey. Deep, complex veining is also common in this variety; a subtler version known as Satuarietto is also available.

Tips:

  • Invest in a good sealant– marble is porous and can stain if not treated
  • Ask for at least three samples of your desired marble– you will get a better idea of the range of colour, tone and pattern.
  • Embrace the patina– the first scratch in a marble surface is hard to take, but over time well-worn marble adds charm and warmth to any room.
  • Avoid acid– acidic cleaners and food can seriously and permanently damage your marble surface. Clean all spills immediately.
  • When in doubt, refinish– unlike some other products, marble can be refinished to renew its original look and feel (thought it can be costly).

Still have questions about marble surfaces, their origin and their care? Contact or visit Stoneworks today and our stone specialists can address any concerns you might have. We pride ourselves in a diverse stock, friendly customer service and unmatched experience in the field of stone surfaces. Get your free quote today!