Nero Marquina
Nero Marquina is the classic black marble: a deep black ground with crisp white veining, quarried in the Basque Country of northern Spain. It gives a bathroom or kitchen the drama that white marble cannot, and it is the natural partner to Thassos or Carrara in checkerboards, borders and black-and-white mosaics. This collection has Nero Marquina field tile, mosaics and trim in polished and honed finishes.
What's in the collection
Field tile in 12x12, 12x24, 3x6 subway and 2x12; mosaics in hexagon, herringbone, chevron, penny round and 1x2 brick; and pencil liners, chair rails and bullnose for edges. Most pieces come polished or honed.
Where to use Nero Marquina
A full black marble shower, a black-and-white checkerboard floor with Thassos, a black subway backsplash, a fireplace surround or a powder room feature wall. Honed hexagon on a bathroom floor with white walls is a classic. Nero Marquina pairs with brass, unlacquered bronze and white or wood cabinets.
Polished or honed
Polished Nero Marquina is a deep mirror black that shows the white veins clearly; it also shows water spots and dust, so it suits walls. Honed is a soft charcoal black that hides spots and gives grip, the better choice for floors and showers.
Care
Seal after installation. Black marble shows etching as light dull spots, so wipe acids quickly and use a neutral cleaner. Dark gray or black grout keeps the surface seamless; white grout turns the layout into a graphic grid.
Frequently asked questions
Is Nero Marquina real marble?
Yes. It is a natural black limestone-marble from Markina in Spain, with white calcite veins. Color and vein density vary by lot; order a sample.
Does black marble show water spots?
Polished black marble does. Honed hides them, and a squeegee after showers solves most of it. Hard water areas may want a honed finish on walls too.
Can I use Nero Marquina on a kitchen floor?
Yes, in a honed finish and sealed. It is a softer stone than granite, so expect it to develop a patina with use; many people like that.
Does Nero Marquina need sealing?
Yes. Marble is porous. Apply a penetrating sealer after grout cures, wipe off the excess, and re-seal every 1–2 years in showers and kitchens. Clean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner; vinegar, lemon and bleach etch the surface.
Do you sell samples?
Yes. Every tile and mosaic here has a sample listing. Natural stone varies from lot to lot, so order a sample first, and buy all the tile for one project at the same time so it comes from one lot.
How fast does it ship?
In stock in the US and ships in 2–3 business days. Boxed tile and mosaics ship by ground; larger orders go LTL freight.
