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Carrara or Calacatta ?

Carrara or Calacatta? People often mix up these two marbles, so I decided to create an ideabook to illustrate the differences. These terms are used interchangeably because both of these Italian marbles are very similar in appearance: white with gray veining. To add to the confusion, much of Calacatta comes from Carrara, Italy. In general, Carrara tends to be grayer with softer veining, while Calacatta is whiter with bolder more dramatic veining. There are additional subtle differences and once you know what to look for, you should be able to distinguish between Carrara and Calacatta. Let’s compare some Houzz examples:
Contemporary Kitchen by Chelsea Atelier Architect, PC
Chelsea Atelier Architect, PC
Calacatta: The patterning on this one is predominately larger and thick.
Traditional Living Room by Olga Adler
Olga Adler
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Carrara: Here, tile is used to frame a traditional fireplace. Carrara veining tends to be linear.
Contemporary Living Room by Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers
Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers
Calacatta: A slab with dramatic gray veining makes a stunning fireplace surround. Calacatta is rarer than Carrara and is considered a luxury stone.
Modern Kitchen by See Construction
See Construction
Carrara: On this waterfall island countertop, the gray veining is small and fine.
Contemporary Bathroom by LDa Architecture & Interiors
LDa Architecture & Interiors
Calacatta: A vanity counter and large floor tiles make this master bath light and airy.
Contemporary Bathroom by Flüff Designs & Decor
Flüff Designs & Decor
Carrara: Although this marble has some large and dramatic veining like Calacatta, it is grayer and also has many fine feathery lines.
Traditional Kitchen by Suzie Parkinson SÜZA DESIGN
Suzie Parkinson SÜZA DESIGN
Carrara: The backsplash has an overall gray tone and provides the color in this white kitchen.
Traditional Kitchen by Soorikian Architecture
Soorikian Architecture
Calacatta: Here you see the characteristic large patterning in a slab backsplash.
Contemporary Kitchen by BAAN design
BAAN design
Carrara: Within Carrara and Calacatta marbles, there is a lot of variability. Here is a very white Carrara.
Traditional Bathroom by Red Barn Studio
Red Barn Studio
Carrara: These floor tiles reveal a range of tones.

Tip: When considering any stone tile, ask for at least 3 samples of the current lot to see the shade variation.
Transitional Bathroom by Elizabeth Dinkel
Elizabeth Dinkel
Calacatta: Some have really dark patterning. The heavy veining contrasts dramatically with the crisp white background in these floor tiles and shower slab.
Traditional Bathroom Traditional Bathroom
Calacatta Gold: This is a variation of Calacatta with gold mixed in. It works well with both cool and warm tones. There are many types of Calacatta.
Contemporary Bathroom by Innovative Construction Inc.
Innovative Construction Inc.
Carrara: More readily available, Carrara marble is a beautiful and classic choice for bathrooms.
Source : Houzz.com
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