Marble Faceoff: Carrara v/s Calacatta
When it comes to white marble, Carrara and Calacatta are popular choices. However, because they look a lot like each other many find it difficult to tell one from the other. The truth is that both, Carrara and Calacatta, are exquisite white marble that are sourced from Italy. More so, Calacatta is often quarried in the region of Carrara in Italy. There are, of course, key differences that can give you a clue about the stone that you are looking at. Let’s take a look!
In Vein
When you compare Carrara and Calacatta, the biggest difference will be in terms of the pattern. Calacatta comes with greater and bolder veining. The whiter of both the marbles, Calacatta will have thick veining running through the surface of the stone, giving it an opulent finish. The veining on the Cararra, on the other hand, is noticeably smaller and much thinner. Instead of thick patterns you will find finer patterns that are splayed across the stone in a linear fashion and many a time in a feathery design.
Shades of Gray
Of the stones, the Carrrara is lot grayer than the Calacatta. Even in the instances, when the patterning is thick and resembles the Calacatta, you will notice the shade of the stone is several degrees grayer than an average Calacatta. The pristine look of the Calacatta can make a room look breezy and bright while the grayness of the Carrara can render the room with warmth and a feeling of coziness.
Hue Done It?
Even with their distinct features, the Carrara and Calacatta can be rather confusing to tell apart because of the variations that crop up. For example, you will find a sparklingly white Carrara that might lead you to think it’s a Calacatta. In this case, take a closer look at the veining in the stone to determine which type it is. Like Carrara, Calacatta also comes in different hues. The most common being the ones with a delicate gold strain.
Since the Calacatta is the rarer of the two, it is the more expensive of the two stones. The Carrara might be the subtler of the stones, and yet, it can definitely add a touch of class to the room that it adorns while the Calacatta can infuse your home with glamour. So, it would be wise to choose what suits your home and your budget before choosing between the two masterpieces in marble.