Calacatta Marble vs Carrara Marble

Marble adds an elegant touch to any premises. It offers timeless beauty and luxurious aesthetics. However, a lot can change depending on the marble type you choose. Some of the best options are Calacatta marble and Carrara marble. But between Calacatta Marble vs Carrara Marble comparison, which one is better?

Today’s post will answer this question by comparing these two marble types on various parameters.

Calacatta Marble vs Carrara Marble: Differences

Let us now analyze both marble types using various parameters.

1. Origin

Calacatta marble is sourced from the quarries situated in the Apuan Mountains in Italy. The quarries are spread across the mountain range. The mountain range is also famous for quarries which offer various other marble types.

Carrara marble is quarried from the provinces of Massa Carrara in Italy where over 650 quarries are located at to date.

Geographically, it can be said that both these marble types are quarried from the same region.

2. Appearance

Calacatta marble is primarily white in appearance. Intricate veining patterns found on it make it elegant. While the primary color of Calacatta marble doesn’t vary much, the veins can be of different colors like grey, black, brown, beige, and even gold. Despite the intricate veining pattern, the veins are pretty distinct and usually don’t blend into the background, making this marble a good option if you want to make a statement.

Carrara marble, on the other hand, is bluish-gray or off-white. The veining pattern of this type of marble is much more subtle. That’s why the veins often blend into the background. 

While the marble does look elegant, it’s because of the subtlety and not the bold design of the marble.

3. Rarity

Calacatta marble is rare compared to Carrara marble. The reason behind rarity is that it is formed under specific geological conditions. Another reason is that bold veining patterns in different colors are rare. The time-consuming and labor-intensive extraction process also makes it rare.

In general, Carrara marble is easily available compared to Calacatta marble. However, currently available Carrara marble has grayish streaks. The high-quality variants have depleted at a faster rate. This is evident from reports like this one, which states that the quarry’s extractive waste is increasing with each passing year.

Purely based on rarity, Calacatta is certainly rarer than Carrara.

4. Cost

By now, most of you might have tilted your buying decision towards Calacatta, especially because of the bold veining pattern and the rarity.

But rarity does come at a price.

Calacatta Marble averages upwards of $140 per square foot in applications like countertops. Depending on the exact variant and the application, the cost can also be around $200 per square feet.

It’s not uncommon for high-end Carrara Marble countertops to cost upwards of $120 per square foot. However, the low-end ones cost around $60 per square foot.

Since marble slabs and countertops can span across multiple square feet, the cost quickly adds up. That’s why Carrara marble is a much better choice if you’re on a budget.

5. Applications

Calacatta marble is pretty versatile. Kitchen countertops, bathroom walls, flooring, and vanities can be made from Calacatta marble. Backsplashes can also be created from Calacatta marble. Tiles made from Calacatta marble can also be used in kitchens and bathrooms.

Carrara marble is used to make kitchen countertops, kitchen backsplashes, staircases, clad walls, fireplace mantels, flooring tiles, and even bathroom vanities. Carrara marble is even used in artistic applications, such as sculptures and mosaics. It is not uncommon to find custom-carved sinks made of Carrara marble. Monuments made from Carrara marble can be found in Italy, a prime example being the Column of Marcus Aurelius.

Both marble types have similar applications, but Carrara marble has an edge because of its higher versatility.

6. Durability

Calacatta marble scores 4 out of 10 on the MOHS hardness scale. While it is lower than many other natural stones, it’s a bit higher than Carrara marble. The hardness makes it more resistant to stains, scratches, and heat.

Carrara marble scores 3 on the MOHS scale, making it a bit softer than Calacatta marble. That is why this marble type is used for sculpting. Being softer also means Carrara marble is slightly less durable. Additionally, the porous surface of Carrara marble means maintenance requirements are higher because of periodic sealing requirements.

In day-to-day applications, both marble types have similar durability, but technically, Calacatta marble is superior because of its higher hardness, which translates to slightly higher durability.

7. Maintenance

According to a report by the US General Services Administration, marble has small but definite porosity. This is true for Calacatta and Carrara marble. That is why you need to wipe off the spillovers on Calacatta and Carrara marble equally quickly.

The maintenance requirements of Calacatta and Carrara marble are almost the same. However, Calacatta marble is brighter, which means stains are more distinct. This means you need to wipe them off quicker, translating into more maintenance.

Carrara marble, on the other hand, has a grayish background, which means stains aren’t as visible. Sure enough, you need to clean and wipe off spills equally sooner, but smaller spills or stains are less likely to be visible, reducing the need for maintenance.

Thus, Carrara marble has an advantage in this regard.

FAQs On Calacatta Marble

Is Calacatta marble from India?

No, Calacatta is found near the Carrara region in Italy. Even though an Indian city has a similar name, Calacatta marble isn’t found in India.

Is Calacatta marble rare?

Calacatta marble is rare and found in only one region in the world. Such is its rarity that it is often known as the Ferrari of Marbles.

Is Calacatta a natural stone?

Yes, Calacatta marble is a natural stone. This marble type has a bright color along with a bold veining pattern.

FAQs On Carrara Marble

How long will Carrara marble last?

Carrara marble, with proper maintenance and sealing, can last for decades. Sealing is required only once every 6 months or 1 year.

How to identify Carrara marble?

Carrara marble can be recognized by its soft white, almost grayish appearance, and delicate veining pattern. Compared to other marble types like Calacatta, it is much more subtle.

Which one should you choose?

If you’re wondering which marble type is better, between Calacatta Marble vs Carrara marble, it depends on what you’re looking for.

Anyone looking for an affordable yet elegant marble type can go with Carrara marble. Customers looking to make a statement should go with Calacatta Marble because of its rarity, bold look, and excellent aesthetics.

Wondering where you can buy such high-quality marble? Check out our Marble Collection to get high-quality marble for your premises.