Do you want to add a personal touch to your new home or redesign your current space? For floors and kitchen countertops, a delicate and regal marmo (marble) might be your first choice.
Discover everything you need to know about Italian marble and why it is a great option for your home.
What exactly is marble?
Marble is a metamorphic roccia (rock) made up of recrystallized carbonate minerals, the most common of which are calcite or dolomite. It is often used in the construction of home structures such as countertops.
The stone is quarried all over the world and comes in a variety of colors. If you are considering buying marble, some useful information you may want to know is explained below.
- Aspetto (Appearance): Marble has a classic and timeless look. The natural stone’s stylish veining will bring aesthetic appeal to your home;
- Prezzo (Price): Installing Italian marble normally costs between $50 and $150 per square foot. The Italian marble price depends on a variety of factors, including the type of marble purchased. Rarer types of marble will be more expensive.
- Mantenimento (Maintenance): Marble is a porous stone. Spilling acidic materials, such as juice or coffee, can damage it. To clean your marble, use cleaners made specifically for use with marble;
- Longevità (Longevity): Marble is also prone to scratching if not treated with care. If you cut directly on your marble countertop, for example, you can leave scratches on the surface. However, if you take good care of the stone, it will look amazing in your home for many years to come.
Be careful!
Fai attenzione!
Where does Italian marble come from?
Although the answer may seem to be obvious, there is a particular area of Italy that produces high-quality marble.
Carrara Marble is extracted from a quarry near Carrara, which is located in the Alpi Apuane (Apuan Alps) in northern-central Italy. This area also produces a variety of other marbles, such as Calacatta and Bardiglio.
Italian marble is exported to over 100 countries worldwide, and the most popular export destination for Italian marble is the United States.
Popular Italian marble types
Some excellent Italian marble choices are:
the Carrara Italian marble, with its light-grey base and fine, feather-like veins;
the golden-hued Botticino Italian marble, famous for its illuminating glow from the inside;
the Statuario Italian marble, defined by its delicate white color and grey or gold veins;
Perlato Silica, Rossa Verona, and Nero Marquina are some other famous Italian marbles.
Why is Italian marble so popular?
While marble is quarried in many different countries, Italian marble varieties continue to be the most common type that people seek. So, what defines Italian marble from marble quarried in other countries?
Many people consider Italian marble to be superior because of its purity, toughness, and beautiful white color.
The fact that many buildings, sculptures, and other works of art made of Carrara marble centuries ago still exist today is considered a testimony to its durability.
The way Italian marble was formed contributes to its purity and durability.
Marble is composed primarily of crystallized limestone. As limestone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure, large crystals form and tie together to form marble. Any of the impurities present in the stone are destroyed by extreme heat.
Left behind are large sections of white marble with different colored veins running through them. The amount and type of minerals present in the limestone influence the color and boldness of the veins.
Another reason why Italian marble is thought to be superior comes from Italy’s rich stone-working eredità (heritage).
They were the first to simplify and perfect quarrying techniques that are still in use today. The Italians have very high-quality control standards and do it with precision.
Indeed, Italians are still regarded as some of the most professional stone cutters and carvers in the world today.
Why should you buy Italian Marble?
There are several reasons why you should buy Italian marble. From the look to the quality of the stone, choosing Italian marble can be one of the best investments you ever make.
Italian marble is, without a doubt, one of the finest natural stones available.
And, it’s easy to see why the stone has been used to create everything from famous sculptures to kitchen and bathroom countertops since the time of the ancient Romans.
However, since this marble is so unique, it is often duplicated without the user’s knowledge.
Slabs are often cut and labeled as “Italian” when they are quarried in countries such as China or Vietnam, then shipped to Italy for cutting before being exported to the United States for distribution.
The word “Carrara marble” should literally mean that the marble was quarried in Italy’s Carrara area rather than simply that it was cut there. So, when you’re out shopping, make sure.
To ask a lot of questions
fare un sacco di domande
to ensure that you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Related: Top 5 astonishing Italian furniture brands in 2021
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One Response
Yes, marble is lovely. We used it for our kitchen and it feels luxurious 😎 🤗