Did you know that there is a huge variety of types of marble? Well, mother nature privileged us with beautiful stones of different colors and different textures.
And for every project, there will always be a perfect marble. With that in mind, we have brought you a complete guide on the types of marble with the main features, advantages, disadvantages, and, of course, how much all of this can cost you.
What are marble and its main characteristics?
Marble is a type of metamorphic rock formed throughout the entire period of the planet’s natural evolution.
Made of limestone, the marble had to go through long physical and chemical transformations, such as heat and pressure, to stay the way we see it today.
For centuries, marble was seen as a symbol of status, power, and wealth, but nowadays, the stone has become quite popular, and with this, it has become more accessible to a large part of the population.
Most of the marble used in the world comes from European countries, especially Greece, Italy, and Spain. Brazil has some types of marble, but it is not enough to stand out in the market.
The main characteristic of marble is the veins marked on the surface of the stone. This, in fact, is the best way to differentiate marble from granite since granite has only grains and dots on its surface.
Advantages of marble
Beauty and sophistication
Marble is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and sophisticated flooring options available. With it, any environment gains the status of luxury and refinement. Not to mention that the smoother and more uniform appearance of marble ends up turning the stone into a wildcard for different decoration projects.
Versatility of uses
Marble can have a huge variety of uses. It is possible to apply it as a floor, wall covering, countertops for kitchen and bathroom sinks, counters, and even tabletops.
Durability and strength
Marble is a very resistant and durable stone, capable of crossing the centuries, as can be seen in older buildings and palaces.
Marble is also durable and resistant to traffic and can be used in places with a high flow of people.
Disadvantage of marble
Porosity
Marble is considered a porous stone; that is, it has the ability to absorb liquids and moisture. This causes the marble to become susceptible to stains.
For this reason, it is not advisable to use light marbles on sink countertops, for example, since the place is used for food preparation that may end up staining the stone.
Price
Another disadvantage of marble is the price. The stone is one of the most expensive that exists today, with market values well above granite.
The most affordable marble doesn’t cost less than $ 750 per square meter to give you an idea. At the same time, other types of marble can cost up to $ 3000 per meter.
Installation
Installing marble is another inconvenience that can derail your plans to use the stone. This is because it is essential to have specialized labor to install marble to ensure the correct placement and a perfect finish.
Types of marble and the different finishes
Polished marble
Polishing gives the marble a shine. The stone is impeccably smooth and shiny, but this can become a problem in wet and wet areas, as the marble ends up being slippery.
Therefore, it is not recommended to use polished marble on floors in bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
Raw marble
The raw marble does not receive any finishing and is used to find it in nature: rustic and imperfect. This type of marble is ideal for creating differentiated wall panels.
Sandblasted marble
Sandblasted marble receives a layer of sand on its surface, making the stone rougher and less slippery. This is the ideal finish for those who want to use marble as a floor in damp and wet areas.
Levigated marble
The light finish can be compared to the satin effect of some types of porcelain tiles. In this case, the marble is smooth but lackluster, with a more matte appearance. Ideal for modern and contemporary projects.
Resin marble
The resin marble is indicated for application on countertops and counters. This is because the resin layer applied to the stone surface makes it waterproof; it forms a film that prevents water and other liquids from penetrating the stone, making the marble more resistant to stains.
Here are the most used types of marble:
Botticino
Widely used in floors and coverings, botticino marble has a hue close to light beige with dark brown veins. Of Italian origin, this marble can cost between $750 and $850 per m².
01. Botticino marble floor for the modern dining room
02. In this living room, botticino marble stands out on the floor and walls.
03. A luxurious bathroom finished in botticino marble.
04. Here, botticino marble guarantees luxury and glamour to the passageway.
05. Botticino marble staircase.
06. Botticino marble kitchen countertop and covering.
White Carrara
Carrara white marble is one of the best known and most used. The stone has a white background with striking grey veins, ideal for modern and sophisticated spaces. The average price of white Carrara marble is around R$950 per square meter.
07. Bathroom covered in white Carrara marble.
08. Carrara white marble to form the panel behind the TV.
09. Perfect combination of white and black marbles combined with the luxury of golden details.
10. How about a table topped with white Carrara marble?
11. How about a table with a Carrara white marble top?
12. It’s not just a kitchen island. It is an island made of Carrara marble.
Calacatta Oro
The Calacatta Oro marble is one of the most luxurious in existence. This marble has an incredible combination between the white background and the veins in shades ranging from grey to gold, going through shades of brown.
13. Calacatta Oro marble kitchen worktop.
14. Calacatta Oro marble for a sophisticated ambiance.
15. Bathroom calacatta gold.
16. Kitchen with calacatta or marble floor.
17. The perfect veins of the calacatta oro. A natural work of art.
18. With calacatta oro marble, you don’t need anything else.
Carrara Gioia
Carrara Gioia marble is considered a derivative of Carrara marble with the difference that it has darker veins. The price of Carrara Gioia marble can reach R$ 1000 per meter.
19. Carrara Gioia for the dining tabletop.
20. Carrara Gioia marble wall cladding.
21. Have you ever thought about having a Carrara marble bookcase?
22. A bathroom not basic, although simple in composition.
23. Carrara Gioia marble floor and external staircase.
24. Furniture can also be made of marble.
Crema
Of Italian origin, the crema marble has a uniform beige hue with discrete veins. For this reason, it is widely used in modern projects with a clean and minimalist proposal. The crema marble can be found with prices starting at R$700 per meter.
25. Crema marble for a sleek, modern bathroom.
26. Crema marble floor in the living room.
27. Crema marble bench combined with wooden furniture.
28. Crema marble on the floor and Nero marble on the wall.
29. Clean and elegant look with crema marble.
30. Crema marble bathroom wall cladding.
Imperial brown
The imperial brown marble has a brown background of Spanish origin with veins that reach close to gold. The average price of imperial brown marble is R$900 per square meter.
31. Imperial brown marble for the bedroom floor.
32. Imperial brown for the luxury bathroom.
33. Imperial brown marble on kitchen sink countertop.
34. Indirect lighting enhances the veins of the marble.
35. Carved marble bench and bowl.
36. Brown marble on countertop and wall, giving uniformity to the project.
Nero
Black marble exists, and its name is Nero. This stone has a black background with white veins resulting in an incredible tonal contrast. The average price of Nero marble is R$900 per meter.
37. Nero marble for the modern kitchen.
38. The charm of a coffee table with a Nero marble top and gilded feet.
39. White bathroom with Nero marble countertop.
40. Black marble combined with wood.
41. Pure luxury, this black marble staircase.
42. Marbled Details!
Piggy
Pigues marble, of Greek origin, is also considered a type of white marble and Carrara. The difference between them is the veins, since the bigger ones have more spaced veins, giving a cleaner and more uniform aesthetic to the environments.
43. Pigue marble combined with blue furniture.
44. White marble staircase.
45. Piguese marble for a super clean bathroom.
46. Amazing effect of this handrail carved into the marble wall.
47. Coffee table with white marble top.
48. Modern dining room with white marble wall.
Travertine
Travertine marble is one of the most popular. Its main characteristic is the beige coloration with discrete veins in a brown tone. The price range for travertine marble is R$900.
49. Travertine marble floor for living room matching coffee table.
50. Travertine marble kitchen island.
