Carrara or Calacatta Marble: Can You Tell the Difference?
These two beautiful marble types are popular in homes worldwide, but how can you tell which one is which?
Carrara or Calacatta? People often mix up these two marbles, so I decided to create an ideabook to illustrate the differences. These terms are used interchangeably because both of these Italian marbles are very similar in appearance: White with grey veining. To add to the confusion, much of Calacatta comes from Carrara, Italy.
In general, Carrara tends to be greyer with softer veining, while Calacatta is whiter with bolder, more dramatic veining. There are additional subtle differences, and once you know what to look for you should be able to distinguish between Carrara and Calacatta. Let’s compare some Houzz examples.
In general, Carrara tends to be greyer with softer veining, while Calacatta is whiter with bolder, more dramatic veining. There are additional subtle differences, and once you know what to look for you should be able to distinguish between Carrara and Calacatta. Let’s compare some Houzz examples.
Carrara:
Here, tile is used to frame a traditional fireplace. Carrara veining tends to be linear.
Here, tile is used to frame a traditional fireplace. Carrara veining tends to be linear.
Carrara:
On this waterfall island bench top, the grey veining is small and fine.
On this waterfall island bench top, the grey veining is small and fine.
Calacatta:
A vanity bench and large floor tiles make this master bathroom light and airy.
A vanity bench and large floor tiles make this master bathroom light and airy.
Calacatta:
Here you see the characteristic large patterning in a slab splashback.
Take a look at these 9 steamy splashback tiles
Here you see the characteristic large patterning in a slab splashback.
Take a look at these 9 steamy splashback tiles
Carrara:
Within Carrara and Calacatta marbles, there is a lot of variability. Here is a very white Carrara.
Within Carrara and Calacatta marbles, there is a lot of variability. Here is a very white Carrara.
Carrara:
These floor tiles reveal a range of tones.
Tip: When considering any stone tile, ask for at least three samples of the current lot to see the shade variation.
Choose from these 8 bathroom tile ideas
These floor tiles reveal a range of tones.
Tip: When considering any stone tile, ask for at least three samples of the current lot to see the shade variation.
Choose from these 8 bathroom tile ideas
Calacatta:
Some have really dark patterning. The heavy veining contrasts dramatically with the crisp white background in these floor tiles and shower slab.
Some have really dark patterning. The heavy veining contrasts dramatically with the crisp white background in these floor tiles and shower slab.
Read more:
8 Spectacular Ways to Use Marble
Tell us:
Can you tell what kind of marble this is? Answer in the Comments below and we will reveal whether you are right… or not.
8 Spectacular Ways to Use Marble
Tell us:
Can you tell what kind of marble this is? Answer in the Comments below and we will reveal whether you are right… or not.
The patterning on this one is predominately larger and thick.