You likely know that there are many different types of materials used for countertops—granite, quartz, and marble, to name a few. But did you know that there are different varieties of those stones? For example, Carrara and Calacatta are just two of the many varieties of marble kitchen countertops in Duluth, GA. How do they compare to one another? Keep reading to find out.
Origins
Carrara and Calacatta marble both get their names from regions of Italy, where they’re both quarried. Carrara marble is the most common marble found in the country and is named for the region it comes from, Carrara, Italy. Unfortunately, a great deal of the Calacatta marble in the world is also quarried in this region, so it’s little wonder that these two are confused with one another.
Coloring
Another reason Calacatta and Carrara marble are frequently mixed up is that they’re very similar in coloring. Both have a white base color with gray veining. Their subtle, elegant coloring and patterns are what make these two types of Italian marble so desirable.
So, if you’re looking for white and gray marble slabs, you can’t go wrong with either of these. However, if you’re set on one or the other, it’s important to be aware of how to tell these two apart, despite their color similarities.
Identifying Carrara Marble
Carrara marble is largely identified as having a much “softer” look than Calacatta. Its veining is more subtle, and it’s a light gray shade that can sometimes have a bluish hue. Many homeowners love the way some of the veins have “feather” grains, further softening the look of this marble’s veining.
When installed by a professional, the grains of this stone’s patterns create a stunning design on your countertop that’s soft and subtle while remaining unique and beautiful to look at. Its texture can also be somewhat rougher than Calacatta, lending the surface a slightly more textile appearance while still maintaining the elegance and beauty of Italian marble.
Identifying Calacatta Marble
Calacatta marble has a sharper, more defined appearance to it than Carrara. This is partly because the base color of Calacatta marble is a much truer white than that of Carrara marble. In fact, when comparing the two side by side, Carrara marble may appear to have a very soft gray tone to its base color, while the Calacatta will appear to have a much sharper white coloring. It has thick, clearly defined veins, which can vary in color from beige to gold.
The veins are unique to every slab and create lovely, eye-catching patterns across the counters. It also tends to be much smoother than Carrara, giving your countertops a sleek, luxurious finish when installed and polished.
While the differences between Calacatta and Carrara marble are subtle and nuanced, they’re definitely there. So, if you’re set on one of these types of marbles, make sure you know how to identify them properly so that you get exactly what you desire. However, if you’re simply looking for beautiful, elegant marble in gray and white tones, either one of these marble types will do.
Whatever material you choose for your countertops, contact Legacy Granite Countertops for assistance with designing and installing your new counters. We are professional and experienced quartz, granite, and marble countertop contractors in Duluth, GA, and we are ready and waiting to serve you. Give us a call today!
