Calacatta Marble - Everything You Need To Know

Published: November 28th, 2022

Having trouble designing your dream kitchen? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one. With all the options available to you on today’s market, making these kinds of big purchases can be a real headache - especially when you’re unsure of what you’re buying. Fortunately for you, we’re here to help, namely by giving you some more information on one of our most popular tiles, Calacatta Marble.

What is Calacatta Marble?

The word Calacatta derives from a Greek word meaning ‘to sparkle, flash and gleam’ and has been a staple of luxury design projects for centuries. Although the natural stone’s origins are in the quarries of the Apuan Mountains in Carrara, Italy it can now be found across the globe The original Calacatta marble has a delicate, off-white background with bold grey veining throughout, together this creates that coveted look of luxury that’s use can be traced as far back as Ancient Rome. Although most are familiar with the classic white and grey marble look, there are countless other variations of the Calacatta stone available on the market today. Take the Calacatta Gold Quartz that features a subtle hint of gold to create an added layer of luxury that we at Grosvenor Granite are absolutely obsessed with!

Calacatta Vs. Carrera

Something we’re often asked at Grosvenor Granite is “What exactly is the difference between the Calacatta and the Carrera stone?” and this is because to the untrained eye the differences might not be all that notable. Side by side, however, they’re much easier to distinguish from one another. Although the Carrara stone has that stunning look we all love, the white is slightly muddier and the veining’s less distinct. It’s the crisper white and bolder veining of Calacatta that makes it the more revered of the 2 stones. But the greatest distinction between the marbles is their rarity. Although both stones are available across the globe, the Calacatta is much harder to come by and it’s this rarity and limited availability that makes Calacatta more precious and sought after.

How To Care For Your Marble Countertop

A common misconception about Calacatta marble is that it’s easily damaged and hard to maintain, we’d like to assure you that this isn’t the case. Regardless of whether your worktop is quartz or granite, some upkeep is needed to maintain that desired look. Take our Calacatta Venato Quartz, exceptionally luxurious, yes, but it showcases a sharp white background that you don’t want to be ruined by a pesky stain. Marble is a porous material, meaning that it’s susceptible to staining agents like juices and oils, which could pose an issue to the messier cooks reading this. But don’t be put off, with some small adjustments to some of your muckier habits and some extra precautions you can keep the kitchen of your dreams crystal clear. When adding those little details to your cabinetry beneath your marble countertops, add a mixture of kitchen cabinet handles and knobs from French Furniture Fitting for a streamlined and subtle finish. Calacatta Marble - Everything You Need To Know

Here are some do’s and don'ts when it comes to maintaining your Calacatta worktops.

Do: Use A Marble Sealer

One of the most effective ways of maintaining your worktops is by applying a sealer to the worktop upon installation to create a barrier between the marble and the acidic substances that are inevitably going to make their way onto the worktop. Although this won't act as a complete deterrent against stains, it will greatly reduce the damage they’d make.

Do: Use Chopping Boards and Coasters

For most of you, this should be a given, but just in case, we’ll say it anyway. When preparing your food it’s essential that you use a cutting board as it will shield your worktop from stains and etching. The same goes for using coasters with mugs, glasses or cans - make sure to inform guests of this as well!

Don’t: Let Spills Sit On The Worktop

For the clumsier reading this, we’re sorry to say, the days of letting spills and stains sit on your worktops will need to come to an end. Any stains that befall the marble will need clearing up ASAP with hot water or a specially formulated marble stain remover (as opposed to standard cleaning products that could do more harm than good).

Which Calacatta Stone Is For Me?

The Calacatta Gold Quartz is guaranteed to add a touch of class to your home and one of our favourites here at Grosvenor Granite. The Calacatta Gold Quartz is a must-have for anyone looking to add that extra touch of luxury to their home. The Calacatta Oro Quartz allows you to showcase that timeless look of Italian elegance we all know and love in your home without overwhelming a room. One of our subtler designs, the Calacatta Oro Quartz is perfect for those of you who love understated interiors. Rich in depth and texture, this Calacatta Venato Quartz will stand out in any space and instil a sleek and stylish look into any home. If sophisticated interiors are for you, the Calacatta Venato Quartz is the stone for you. The Calacatta Antique marble is a must-have for anyone looking to elevate their home to a place of refined luxury. The dreamy cloud-like colours of the Calacatta Antique marble will give any space it’s in a place of royal tranquillity. The Calacatta Superior marble is perfect for anyone looking to create a bolder statement than can be achieved with most white marbles. The large grey veining of the marble will create a captivating appearance of style and sophistication in any kitchen.

Take A Look For Yourself

Used by Michelangelo to sculpt his renaissance masterpiece, David, nobody can question Calacatta's breathtaking beauty. Take a look for yourself and see how Grosvenor Granite could transform your home.