The Differences Between Calacatta and Carrara Marble

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To the average homeowner, marble slabs are just a nice material for their kitchen or bathroom. However, in the northern mountains of Italy, not all marbles are created equal, even if they're quarried from the same area. There are certain qualities that set each and every marble slab apart.


The Basics of Marble Slabs

In 2017, the worldwide demand for luxurious natural stones is higher than it's ever been. Two of the most infamous stones are Calacatta Marble and Carrara Marble. However, they are often misidentified. Since Calacatta Marble is typically more popular than Carrara, it's sometimes considered to be “better,” although this isn't a true statement. A crucial detail to understand about all marble slabs, and those of other natural stones, is that each and every slab is unique, since they are formed via natural processes. Because of this, every stone will vary.

The same mountain will produce some stones that are quite unusable, but another batch could be the best quality in the world. The range is wide and it truly takes an expert, like those at Slab Market, to ensure that the best quality marbles are making their way into residential and business properties. Luckily, the Italian quarries are dedicated to picking out the most incredible marble slabs of Calacatta and Carrara.

While there are standard factors to determine the value of marble, such as how white it is, the thickness of the veining and the symmetry of the veining, the inherent value will rest in the eyes of the beholder.

Most homeowners are concerned with durability and apperance. Quite simply if it looks good as their kitchen countertop or bathroom vanity top, they'll be satisfied. Rarely does the average homeowners delve into the heritage of their countertop, but we implore you to do so! For those who want to further understand the differences between Calacatta Marble and Carrara Marble, we have all of your answers.


Origin and Rarity

First, let's address a common misconception, although these marbles are both quarried in Carrara, Italy, they come from different areas of the mountain, which denote their differences. They can only come from this specific region. Marble slabs aren't White Calacatta or White Carrara if they are not. Often, only long-established, trusted names in the countertop industry, like Slab Market can distribute these stones. Sometimes the waiting period to acquire them can be more than a year!


Aesthetics and Durability

White Carrera tends to have “softer” veining, while slabs of Calacatta marble normally contains very sharp and thick veins. Calacatta is normally whiter than Carrara. In fact, White Carrara can be greyish when compared to Calacatta.

There are some different versions of both Calacatta and Carrara marbles. For example, Calacatta Oro typically features more gold, while Statuario is a Carrara with deeper, bold veining.


Cost of Marble Slabs

Since Carrara is more abundant, it generally has a lower cost than Calacatta. Marble slabs that have thick symmetrical veining and pure white bases will always be the most highly sought, and their price will reflect that.

In the end, depending on the style you like and your budget, both stones are an excellent choice. It's important to carry a diverse inventory of marble for your customers. At Slab Market we have the first pick of many natural stones from around the world. When a new block of stone becomes available we are given first opportunity to distribute them online. Whether you're looking for Calacatta, Carrara, or any other natural stone, Slab Market will not only get you the best batch available, but we'll also handle the paper work.