What is Carrara Marble?
Incorporating the right marble into your home can make it more elegant. But, when you search for marble, you will come across various types. One of the names you’ll often hear about is Carrara marble. But what is Carrara marble? Where can it be used?
Today’s blog post will answer all these questions.
What is Carrara Marble?
Carrara marble is named after the city it is quarried from, that is, Carrara in Italy. The marble has been used for centuries to create sculptures, architectural works, and even elegant furniture.
Usually, the marble is available in off-white or blue-gray color hues along with greyish veins. Such a distinct appearance is the reason behind the rising popularity of this marble among interior designers, remodelers, and homeowners. Its unique characteristics (covered below) make it more versatile than marble types. That’s why it has been in demand for centuries.
History of Carrara Marble
According to Wikipedia, Carrara marble has been quarried since the Middle Ages. In fact, during the 16th century, the Carrara marble trade flourished all over Europe, with even many capital cities in Europe using this marble for their masterpiece constructions.
Such was the demand for Carrara marble that the quarries bloomed swiftly, with over 650 quarry sites found in the Apuan Alps.
Characteristics of Carrara Marble
The rising demand for Carrara marble through the centuries can be attributed to its unique characteristics:
- Soft Veining
Usually, Carrara marble has a soft and feathery veining pattern. The thin and delicate veins provide it with a subtle and elegant look. Additionally, the cloud-like or linear veins blend into the background, which helps integrate this marble with any decor. The seamless integrity drastically increases its applications.
- Smooth Texture
Carrara marble is fine-grained and has a smooth texture. The texture makes it perfect for polishing. With periodic polishing, you can rejuvenate this marble’s look, extending its lifespan.
- Easy to Carve
According to the report by the Natural Environment Research Council, Carrara marble scores 3 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it softer than other stones. The advantage of a relatively softer demeanor is that it is easy to carve and shape. That’s why making intricate designs on this marble is easy. Alternatively, cutting Carrara marble into thin slabs and tiles is possible because of this property.
- Natural Variation
Carrara marble is naturally found. That’s why no two slabs are the same. It means variations in vein pattern, texture, and even color will exist. The natural variations certainly make it better than many other stones.
Carrara Marble Applications
Carrara marble’s distinct characteristics ensure that it can be used in a variety of applications like:
- Construction Industry
Carrara marble is widely used in the construction industry. It is used in the construction of exterior walls, pillars, fireplaces, columns, staircases, balconies, and more. One of the most iconic structures built with this marble is the Carrara Cathedral in Italy.
- Art
Carrara marble has an elegant and unique look and is used to make sculptures, architectural elements, and monuments. Museums and exhibitions around the world have specimens made from Carrara marble. This marble’s easy-to-carve nature is why it is used in art-related applications.
- Community Applications
Carrara marble is used for street paving, fountain structures, and benches.
- Decor
Many artistic and decorative objects are made from Carrara marble. These include:
- Vases
- Flowerpots
- Lamps
- Tables
- Kitchen tops
- Storage compartments
- And more
Such decor items can be found in hotels, restaurants, malls, etc.
- Industrial Applications
Carrara marble is used as a filler in high-quality concrete. Additionally, this marble and various other types are added to rubber products, adhesives, and plastics to increase their strength.
According to Wikipedia, marble types, including Carrara marble, consist of Calcium carbonate. That is why Carrara marble is used in Calcium Carbonate production in various industries like Pharmaceuticals, food, and paper.
Tips to Maintain Carrara Marble
Carrara marble can easily last for decades. However, it does need some maintenance.
We will cover some tips below to help you maintain it.
- Clean Carrara Marble Frequently
In case of spills, try to clean the Carrara marble as quickly as possible. Since most Carrara marble slabs and tiles are light in color, dark stains are difficult to remove later on. The easiest way out is to wipe it clean as soon as possible.
Instead of using acidic liquids to clean the Carrara marble, it’s a good idea to use natural cleansing agents diluted in water. Simply spray such liquid and clean the marble using a soft cloth.
- Sealing the Marble
Carrara marble is porous to a certain extent. That is why periodic sealing is required. Sealing protects it from spills and moisture. At least once a year, the marble should be sealed. In case Carrara marble is installed in high traffic areas, sealing twice a year is a better idea.
- Polishing Carrara Marble
No marble can hold its shine forever. The same is true with Carrara marble. That’s why it’s better to polish it periodically. Polishing it helps reduce the texture even further. The sealing can be done after polishing to ensure the polish is retained and moisture is kept at bay.
- Repair as Required
Carrara marble doesn’t crack. However, in the rare event that it does crack, it’s a good idea to call a professional to fix it as soon as possible.
FAQs
Is Carrara Marble Good for Bathroom Vanity?
The style, durability, and easy-to-carve design of Carrara marble make it perfect for a bathroom vanity. It can certainly add elegance due to its natural pattern.
What is Special About Carrara Marble?
The natural veining pattern, low hardness, and low maintenance nature of Carrara marble make it so special. The excellent durability also increases its long-term value, making Carrara marble better than many other options.
Is Carrara Marble Shiny?
The polished Carrara marble is shiny. With wear and tear, Carrara marble’s shine can reduce, so periodic polishing is required.
Conclusion
So, if you were wondering what is Carrara marble, now you know what it is and where it is quarried from. Next time you’re looking for a stone to enhance the beauty of your home, go with Carrara marble.
Want to procure the best Carrara marble? Check out our Carrara Marble Collection.