Baasar Stone Pty Ltd

Complete Guide To Carrara Marble

Prized since ancient times, Carrara Marble is a stunning natural stone with over 2000 years of history. Each piece has its own colours, unique veins, and patterns. If you have been planning to add some marble elements to your home, you’ve probably already heard about Carrara Marble.

But what makes this marble so unique and well sought after? Let’s find out.

Tracing its roots back as far as 2000 years, Carrara Marble has been used to make beautiful sculptures, buildings, and fancy furniture. People love Carrara Marble for its luxurious look and unique patterns.

It was first found in the Apennine mountains in northwest Italy, near the Carrara town in Tuscany. Marble forms when limestone, made from algae, coral, and shells, changes under heat and pressure from moving tectonic plates. This process creates the beautiful, crystal-like look of the Carrara marble.

It usually has an off-white or blue-grey colour with grey, feathery lines. This elegant look makes any space look more stylish. Even though it’s the most common type of marble in Italy, it is still considered a luxury and can be expensive.

Not only that, but Carrara Marble plays a big part in Italy’s culture. It is everywhere, from small village bars to family homes, used for counters, floors, kitchens, and bathrooms. Its widespread use shows how important and popular it is. Some of the popular use cases include:

  • The Pantheon in Rome
  • Marble Arch in London
  • The Statue of David by Michelangelo

Where to use Carrara Marble?

Due to its versatility, Carrara Marble can create stunning architecture, floorings, countertops, backsplashes, wall cladding, staircases, and outdoor spaces.

carrara_marble

Why pick Carrara Marble?

Carrara Marble is one of the most sought-after marbles by architects and homeowners alike. It can be used in many different places and is easy to maintain. Also, homes with Carrara Marble have often seen increased property value.

What makes Carrara Marble Unique?

Choosing Carrara Marble for your home or projects comes with many benefits. Here are a few reasons this natural stone has been a favourite choice for centuries.

Appearance

Carrara marble has been prized for centuries for its appearance. Its white or blue-grey stone with feathery veining brings any space a classic and sophisticated look. This makes

Versatility

Carrara marble can be used in various applications, from kitchen countertops and bathroom vanities to flooring and fireplace surrounds. Its versatile nature makes it suitable for both modern and traditional designs.

Durability

This natural stone is not only beautiful but also durable. Carrara marble is known for its strength and can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a practical choice for busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms requiring regular chemical cleaning.

Unique Patterns

Unlike other natural stones, no two Carrara marble slabs are the same. Each piece has unique veining patterns, adding personalisation and a unique touch to your space.

Historical Significance

For ages, architects worldwide have chosen Carrara Marble. Many famous architectural structures and artworks, such as Michelangelo’s statue of David and the Pantheon in Rome, have been made using it.

Eco-Friendly

Carrara marble is a natural material, making it an eco-friendly choice. It does not contain harmful chemicals and is biodegradable, making it a sustainable option for environmentally conscious homeowners.

Easy to Clean

Carrara marble surfaces are easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water is usually enough to keep it looking as good as new. Sealing the marble can further protect it from stains and scratches.

What are the Drawbacks of Carrara Marble?

Just like every other natural stone, Carrara Marble comes with its own set of drawbacks and cons.

Porosity

Carrara marble is a porous material that easily absorbs liquids and stains. Spills from wine, coffee, or acidic substances can seep into the stone and leave permanent marks if not cleaned up quickly.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is required to keep Carrara marble looking its best. This includes periodically sealing the surface to protect against stains and using pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damaging the stone.

Weight

Marble is heavy, making transportation and installation more challenging and costly. Proper support structures are needed to bear its weight, especially for larger installations like countertops or flooring.

Etching

Marble can get scratched easily; if it’s exposed to acid for a long time, the polish or sealant will wear off, causing it to etch.

How to Pick the Best Carrara Marble?

When selecting a Carrara Marble slab, look for a uniform colour tone and well-balanced veining. High-quality slabs have minimal impurities and a consistent texture.

Consider the veining patterns, ranging from light white to blueish-grey streaks. While subtle veins offer elegance, dramatic veins make a bold statement and are perfect for kitchens.

Although Carrara Marble is known for its translucent quality, allowing light to filter through delicately. Avoid slabs that appear dull or opaque when illuminated.

Honed finishes provide a matte look and smooth texture, ideal for a modern aesthetic. Lastly, match the finish and thickness to the specific demands of your marble’s intended use. Prioritising quality ensures both visual appeal and structural integrity.

Even though Carrara Marble is widely sought by professionals and homeowners alike, finding a supplier who can produce, craft, and polish authentic Marble can be quite hard. At Basaar Stone, Melbourne, we source Carrara Marble straight from the mines of Tuscany, Italy. We make sure that you always get the best value for your money.

How to Care for Carrara Marble?

While Carrara marble is fairly easy to maintain, it’s important to know how to care for it properly.

Sealing the marble surface regularly helps protect it from stains and keeps it looking good. Clean it often with mild soap and water, and avoid using harsh cleaners that can damage the marble’s finish.

If you have kids or host many gatherings, spills and scratches will likely stain and damage your Carrara marble. If you prefer something easier to manage, you might want to choose a more durable material like quartz or granite.

Carrara vs Calacatta Marble

     Carrara Marble

     Calacatta Marble

It’s easy to mix up Carrara Marble and Calacatta Marble because they look similar.

The main difference is in their veining styles. Calacatta Marble has bold and vibrant veins that make it stand out, while Carrara Marble has more delicate and subtle veins.

Calacatta Marble is also rarer than Carrara Marble, making it less accessible. So, even though they might look alike at first glance, each type of marble has unique features. Both are from the same quarrying area, but aesthetically, Carrara marble is white with grey or black veining, while Calacatta marble has a more dynamic background with lively veining.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt why Carrara Marble is so sought out by people worldwide. As people start discovering more about it, we will see it in homes everywhere. The current challenge that people may face is to find someone who can source and craft authentic Carrara Marble.

At Baasar Stones, Melbourne, we offer a diverse range of Carrara slabs in various sizes, colours, and specifications. Sourced directly from Carrara, Tuscany. Feel free to drop by our  showroom to explore our natural stone collection, or call us if you have any questions. We’re here to help!