Italian Marble: Types, Uses & Maintenance Tips

You’re considering updating your home décor with beautiful Italian marble flooring and countertops. Well, go for it—Italian marble is a luxurious material that’s both timeless and elegant. 

But there are a few things to note about the various Italian marble types and names before making your purchase.

HomeLane introduces the seven most popular Italian marbles. We’ll also mention their unique characteristics, plus what to look for when choosing Italian marble for your home.

1. Carrara 

When most people think of Italian marble, Carrara marble is the first type that comes to mind. This elegant white marble has a soft, romantic look, making it a popular choice for flooring, countertops, walls, and even statues.

Carrara marble is quarried in the Carrara region of Tuscany and is known for its fine white grain and occasional blue-green veining. It’s a popular choice for residential and commercial projects and is available in various finishes, from polished to honed to sandblasted.

2. Calacatta 

Calacatta is a preferred marble option for affluent homes. This marble is known for its dramatic white and gold veining, which can impact flooring and countertops.

Due to its distinctive look, Calacatta marble is a popular choice for high-end projects. It’s also one of the more expensive Italian marbles, so keep that in mind if your budget is tight.

3. Black Marquina 

Black Marquina marble is a black marble with a glossy finish. It’s perfect for an opulent home that needs dark flooring/countertops.

Some of its features include a deep black colour with white streaks and a high polish level that gives it a beautiful sheen. It’s also a very durable stone, hence a good choice for high-traffic areas.

4. Botticino 

Botticino will definitely pop up when discussing beige Italian marble names with your interior designer. This marble borrows its name from its origin.

Botticino is unique because it is light beige with light pink veins running through it. Generally, its colour varies according to grain thickness, uniformity of background, and the presence/absence of veins and calcites.

It also has a long-lasting shine thanks to its resilient nature. Botticino marble is versatile and can fit into different design styles.

5. Bardiglio

Bardiglio Marble is a bluish-grey type of marble found in the Apuan Alps of Italy. It has a very fine grain and is one of the most common Italian marbles.

Bardiglio marble can serve various purposes, from flooring to countertops and staircases. It’s a beautiful and timeless option that never goes out of style.

6. Giallo Fantasia 

Giallo Fantasia is another excellent marble option, and it’s easy to see why. Giallo Fantasia has a beautiful golden colour with grey, white, and brown veins. It is also heat resistant, so you don’t have to fret about hot pans ruining your countertops.

One thing to keep in mind with Giallo Fantasia is that it can be susceptible to staining, so you’ll need to seal it regularly. But if you’re ready to put in the work, this gorgeous stone is definitely worth it.

7. Statuario 

Statuario marble is a classic white marble with soft grey veining. It’s mined in the Apuan Alps in Tuscany and has featured in some of Italy’s most famous landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica and Michaelangelo’s David sculpture.

This marble has a timeless look that never goes out of style. Statuario marble is also very durable, making it a good choice if you want a durable flooring material.

Considerations when Choosing Italian Marble

Now that you’re familiar with Italian marble types choosing the right one for your project is the next challenge. There are a few points to note when making your selection.

Intended use of the marble

Some types are better suited for flooring, while others are better for countertops or other uses.

Traffic levels

You’ll also want to consider the level of traffic in the area where you plan to install the marble. Some types are more resistant to wear and tear than others.

Maintenance

Some types of Italian marble flooring require more care than others, so choose one that fits your lifestyle and maintenance routine.

Resistance to heat

Heat resistance also matters if you use marble for your kitchen countertop. Hot pans can ruin your marble top, so choose a resilient type.

How long it retains its shine

Maintenance determines marble durability, but some types retain their shine longer than others. Your designer can help you pick the right product.

Once you’ve considered all of these factors, compare Italian marble types and prices before making a purchase. You’ll be able to narrow down your options and choose the perfect type for your project.

The Benefits of Using Italian Marble

Not only is Italian marble beautiful, but it’s also durable and timeless. Marble is a natural stone used in home design for centuries, and it’s easy to see why.

• Italian marble is available in various colours and patterns, making your living room and  Kitchen designs an excellent choice for flooring and countertops.
•  It’s also heat-resistant and easy to clean, which makes it a practical choice for busy families.
• When properly sealed, it is stain-resistant and can withstand spills and other accidents.
•  It’s also scratch-resistant; you don’t have to worry about ruining it with heavy use.

bedroom designs are the way to go if you’re after a classic flooring/countertop/bathroom material that stands the test of time.

Tips to Care for Italian Marble

Here are a few quick tips to keep your marble looking as good as new:

• Do not use harsh chemicals when cleaning
• Use a soft mop head and avoid getting the floor too wet.
• Periodically seal your marble countertops or floors to protect them from staining.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners on marble
• Always wipe up spills immediately, as marble is porous and can absorb liquids.
• Place rugs in high-traffic zones to prevent scratching.

Remember, marble is durable, but your maintenance habits determine how long it retains its beauty.

Conclusion

So, there you have it; a quick guide to some of the most popular Italian marble types. As you can see, different varieties of Italian marble have unique features, making them ideal for different applications.

Italian marble is ideal if you’re looking for a classic, timeless look for your home. Work with experts from HomeLane to pick the right marble based on your design.

With so many different types available, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your home.

FAQs

1. Which is the Best Italian Marble?

The best Italian marble has a smooth and matt surface- Carrara. It is also white in colour. The finest Italian marbles come from Carrara, Italy. They have a beautiful sheen and can be used for interior designs, countertops, floors, and staircases.

2. Which Colour of Italian Marble is Best?

The colour of the marble depends on the region or city where it was quarried. Some of the most popular colours are white, blue, black, and gold. You can choose these colours depending on your needs and tastes. For example, you can choose golden marble if you want to add colour to your kitchen countertop; they give off a beautiful glow.

3. What is the Cost of Italian Marble?

The cost of Italian marble differs from one place to another depending on its quality, size, and cut. You can get a small piece of 5 cm for around Rs. 3000-4000 per square foot. But more expensive ones cost between Rs. 8000-10,000 per square foot.