
Everything There’s To Know about Calacatta Marble
Calacatta marble, with its striking white background and bold veining, has been a coveted material in high-end design and construction for centuries. This prized Italian marble is characterised by its distinctive appearance, unique patterns, and colourisation varieties.
In addition to its aesthetic value, Calacatta marble offers versatility in residential and commercial settings (from kitchen countertops to lavish bathroom surfaces), durability, timeless value, and a touch of opulence to any space it graces.
What is Calacatta marble?
Calacatta marble is a premium white marble variety distinguished from other types by its rarer occurrence and more dramatic veining patterns.
Unlike the more common versions of marble, which features softer, more subtle grey veining, Calacatta boasts more pronounced veins ranging from gold to grey to deep brown.
This sought-after stone is primarily quarried from the Apuan Alps in Carrara, Italy, a region renowned for its high-quality marble deposits.
Calacatta marble tends to be characterised by its:
- Striking white background
- Thick veins that carry shades of grey or gold
- Strong, high-gloss finish
Types of Calacatta Marble
Calacatta Classic
Calacatta Classic marble is celebrated for its distinctive and elegant appearance. It features a pristine white background that is beautifully contrasted by prominent grey or gold veining.
This marble is highly sought after for its luxurious aesthetic, making it a popular choice for high-end architectural and interior design projects. The unique patterning of each slab ensures a bespoke look, adding a touch of sophistication to any space.
Calacatta Vagli
Calacatta Vagli marble is known for its intricate veining in shades of grey or brass-like gold. It features a milky white base and is often used in interior design elements such as dining tables, coffee tables, and kitchen countertops. The Vagli Gold variety is especially valued for its honey gold veining.
Calacatta Oro Antico
Calacatta Oro Antico, also known as Calacatta Oro, is characterised by a soft milky white backdrop with dramatic honey-coloured veining. This variety has been a popular choice for kitchen islands, countertops, and bathroom vanities for years.
Calacatta Statuario
Calacatta Statuario marble features a pure white background with grey veining. This classic and elegant marble is ideal for modern and traditional designs, often used for highlighting walls and creating sophisticated interiors.
Calacatta Borghini
Calacatta Borghini is one of the most in-demand varieties of marble. It has a pristine white backdrop adorned with striking, deep grey veins, occasionally complemented by delicate grey feathered lines and hints of gold.
Uses of Calacatta Marble
Interior Design
Calacatta marble is a popular choice for interior design, often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. It creates a luxurious focal point for countertops and adds a stunning visual element to backsplashes. Its versatility makes it suitable for both large surfaces and small accent pieces, complementing various design styles.
Commercial Applications
Creating an atmosphere of opulence and refinement, Calacatta marble is a staple in high-end commercial spaces. Hotels use it in lobbies, reception desks, and bathrooms to impress guests. Upscale restaurants feature it for bar tops and tabletops. Corporate offices and retail spaces utilise it to convey professionalism.
Art and Decor
Since ancient times, sculptors have favored Calacatta marble for its unique and eye-catching appearance. Modern artists continue to use it for sculptures, from classical busts to contemporary pieces. In home decor, this marble appears in items such as vases, lamps, tabletops, and bookends, providing the same beauty on a smaller scale.
Benefits of Calacatta Marble
Aesthetic Appeal
Calacatta marble’s elegant aesthetic is easily its most celebrated attribute. Whether used in large expanses or as accent pieces, The stone stands out and commands attention, transforming ordinary rooms into extraordinary spaces.
Durability
When properly maintained, Calacatta marble offers impressive durability and longevity. As a natural stone, it can withstand daily use and, with appropriate care, retains its allure for generations. Its dense composition makes it resistant to cracking and chipping, particularly compared to some manufactured materials.
Versatility
It is suitable for various applications, including countertops, backsplashes, flooring, and decorative accents, making it a versatile choice for both residential and commercial projects.
Maintenance and Care
Cleaning Tips
To maintain Calacatta marble, clean spills immediately with a damp cloth to remove water, oil, and food spills. Use soft sponges and towels instead of stiff brushes or scouring pads.
Avoid using acidic solutions such as vinegar, lemon, or other acidic substances and abrasive cleaners that can strip the marble’s protective layer. Opt for marble-specific cleaners designed on marble surfaces to ensure proper care and maintenance.
Sealing
Preserve the surface and the protective coating on your Calacatta marble to ensure its longevity. Establish a routine cleaning and sealing schedule to keep it looking its best. Regular maintenance is crucial for maintaining the marble’s charm and durability.
Preventive Measures
Keep clean, absorbent cloths handy for quick spill clean-up to prevent staining, as Calacatta marble is porous and can retain particles that may discolour its white background. Be cautious with cleaning tools and everyday use to avoid scratching the surface, making the marble appear dull.
Use coasters and trivets under glasses, dishes, and hot items to prevent direct contact with the marble surface. In bathrooms, place toiletries on trays or in containers to avoid potential staining or etching.
Cost Considerations
What factors influence the price of Calacatta marble?
Calacatta marble is less common than other varieties, increasing its price due to its limited supply from specific Italian quarries.
The quality, with higher grades featuring more precise white backgrounds and dramatic veining patterns, also affects the price, commanding premiums for better grades.
Transportation costs, including customs fees, import taxes, and handling expenses, impact the final price. Larger, unique slabs are more expensive due to their versatility and the difficulty in extracting them intact.
Additionally, slabs with unique veining patterns and specific finishes, which require more labour and expertise, often fetch higher prices.
Calacatta Marble Is A Lucrative Investment For Homeowners And Designers
Calacatta marble is a valuable investment for homeowners and designers due to its longevity, timeless appeal, and ability to increase property value. Its distinct patterns add uniqueness, and its versatility ensures it complements various design styles.
Calacatta marble epitomises luxury and refinement, making it a prime choice for enhancing interiors, commercial spaces, and artistic projects. Each variety, from Classic to Borghini, offers unique aesthetic appeal, significantly increasing property value.
At Baasar Stone, Melbourne’s leading supplier of Calacatta marble, we offer an extensive selection of premium slabs.
Our commitment to providing the highest quality at competitive prices ensures you can achieve the elegance and refinement that Calacatta marble brings to any space.
If you’re looking for Calacatta marble for your next project, contact us or give us a call on (03) 9357 7780.
Need more convincing? Take a look at our exceptional project portfolio.