Calacatta Marble Colours
What Makes Calacatta Marble Special?
Brilliant colours and veins, origin, rarity, and history are what make Calacatta Marble slabs especially desirable. This natural stone evokes prestige like no other in the stark contrast of its dark and gold veins against a vivid white background or field. It seems to convey both light and life to the space it inhabits, creating nothing but a sense of luxury and exclusivity. Perhaps this is why it carries the badge of being Michelangelo’s favourite stone to work on.
More special still is Calacatta Borghini. While not all slabs are cut the same, Calacatta Marble is exceptionally rare and sought after. No other Calacatta possesses gold veins and honey hues than Borghini. In addition, because it is extracted from inside the mountain itself—as opposed to the more-common extraction area at the mountainside—production is very limited, resulting in its very high marketplace value.
Calacatta Borghini Marble vs. Carrara Marble
Oftentimes, when people speak of marble, they usually think or confuse two varieties: Calacatta and Carrara. Perhaps the confusion lies in their origin—both are quarried from the same Italian region of Carrara. However, their similarity stops there.
Calacatta Marble is defined by its smooth and brilliant white field. As the field turns a little greyer and a little muddier, the marble ventures into Carrara territory. In addition, while Calacatta’s veining is bold, dark, and thick with gold and honey splashes, Carrara’s are more light and feathery, ranging from grey to blue.
Finally, Carrara is more common and readily available than Calacatta Marble, making the former more affordable and the latter considered luxury.
Cost of Calacatta Slabs
It must be made known that not every Calacatta marble benchtop is expensive and the material varies greatly, catering for a wide range of customers and their budgets. The material ranges in price from $800/m2 + GST to $2,500/m2 + GST. The below lists a few factors that play a role in determining the price of Calacatta:
Material Type
Generally speaking, in Italy the Calacatta material is graded and priced accordingly based on its visual appearance. The slabs with a brighter white background as opposed to milky white or grey and prominent evenly distributed grey veins are highly desirable and therefore are sold for a premium on the market.
Thickness
The thickness of the slabs in questions will strongly determine the price charged. For example the conventional 2cm or 20mm stone slabs are the most economical and clients usually build up these materials by mitering the edges to appear thicker. As the stone thickness increases to say 3cm – 5cm the price unfortunately does too.
Installation
The material or supply only price is only a small piece of the pie and installation must also be factored into the overall price. There are many factors that will change the Installation price such as access to the property. Poor access from walking up several flights of stairs will result in multiple installers having to carry the piece in. Similarly, the size of the piece will also affect heavily the weight of the piece and how many installers are required to lift and fit.
Finish
The finish of the Calacatta marble slabs can also impact the cost of the stone. A honed or matte finish on the stone is the most commonly used finish for Kitchen benchtops and shows off the natural beauty and veining of the stone more so than others. A polished or gloss finish is usually appropriate on vertical non useable surfaces like bathroom walls or feature walls. There are numerous other finishes which are more difficult to achieve and require machinery to do so. These can include Sandblasting, bush hammering, acid etching and brushing. As these finishes are more difficult to achieve, they have the tendency to drive prices up of the stone.
Calacatta Marble Care and Maintenance
Patination is natural in authentic marble. However, marble care and maintenance actually require little effort provided that your stone slabs are finished with a high-quality sealer, which prevents liquids from seeping in and staining the surface. Depending on use, resealing is only usually required every two to five years.
Acids like citrus juices, vinegar, or wine can etch finished marble, but these etchings can be removed by scrubbing them with gentle kitchen cleaners.
Over time, these marble slabs can be re-sanded and re-polished to maintain their immaculate condition.
Cleaning Marble Fixtures
Once the marble has been sealed, it is easy to clean. Only a clean damp cloth and some gentle soap are usually required. Acidic and strong cleaners are not recommended as they adversely affect the sealing and/or etch the marble itself.
Liquids that stain, such as juices and wine, should be wiped off as soon as possible with a clean dry cloth. Water should not be left on the surface as well to prevent discolouration. Oily spills can be completely soaked up with clean paper towels. Talcum powder or flour is an excellent tool to draw out any remaining liquid.
Why Choose Euro Marble
If you’re enamoured by the most luxurious marble slabs Italy can offer and seek Calacatta in Sydney, it is easily available through the city’s top natural stone merchants. But if you want to ensure that your marble designs and fixtures make the boldest of statements in uniqueness and exclusivity, Calacatta Borghini is the only choice there is. Few in the industry and fewer still in Sydney—indeed the whole country—have access.
Fortunately, Euro Marble has the opportunity to source this rarest stone from the quarries of Borghini, Italy, to your home or business in Sydney. Euro Marble has been providing a superior range of natural stone products and services to Australian residential and commercial sectors for the past 30 years, establishing us as industry leaders. Our team of craftsmen are renowned not only for skilfully creating bespoke designs of superior quality but for excellent service as well.
Talk to us today for any enquiry and/or request. We would be happy to assist you.
For marble experts, Calacatta marble is at the very top of the line. It originates from the mecca of marble, Carrara, Italy giving it a natural stone pedigree. It has been a favourite of Renaissance masters, gracing the world’s renowned castles, cathedrals, and churches, and possesses a most desirable colour and veining, so one can’t go wrong with Calacatta.
At Euro Marble, we source our Calacatta Marble from one of the world’s best and time-honoured Italian quarries—Borghini Quarry. Hence, the exclusive Calacatta Borghini.
Calacatta Borghini is a smooth white marble with bold grey, gold, or honey veins. This natural stone gets its identity and rarity from its crisp white colour where the whiter the marble, the rarer it is. Slabs of more consistent patterns fetch more allure, perfect for staircases, floors, facings, even small decorations, as well as countertops for kitchens and bathrooms.
Blue Marble
Blue Marble
Products
Black Marble Products
Black Granite
Black Granite
Black Granite Sydney – Hand-Picked Slabs, Cut and Installed by Euro Marble
You already know why you want black granite. The question is which one, and who cuts and installs it. Euro Marble has been supplying and fabricating natural stone in Sydney for more than 35 years, and our black granite range runs from the pure, even black of Nero Assoluto to the dramatic gold movement of Titanium. Every slab is displayed full-size at our Marrickville showroom, hand-picked by you, then cut and installed by our own team.
Enquire with Evan and the team, request a sample, or come and see the slabs in person.
Products
The black granite varieties we stock in Sydney
Black granite is never a single look. Each variety below behaves differently across a benchtop, splashback or bathroom wall, from a pure, even jet black to dramatic gold movement, which is exactly why it is worth seeing the full slab in person before you choose. Here is what is on our showroom floor right now.
Nero Assoluto
The definitive absolute black. A deep, even jet-black field with a fine, compact grain and subtle glints like a night sky. This is the one to choose when you want pure, uninterrupted black for benchtops, splashbacks or flooring, understated and endlessly versatile. View Nero Assoluto.
Titanium Granite
The statement piece. A dramatic black base with sweeping movement and bursts of cream, gold and taupe running through it, almost like molten stone frozen in place. Made for a waterfall island, a feature wall or a benchtop you want people to notice. View Titanium Granite.
Mystic Black
Black with quiet character. Ribbons of charcoal and pebble veining and a scatter of natural flecks give it more depth and movement than an absolute black, without ever tipping into bold. A versatile choice across kitchens, bathrooms and floors. View Mystic Black.
Blue Volga
Black with a twist. A background of black, grey and white shot through with metallic glints and cool blue nuances that shift as the light moves. For a project that wants a dark stone with something unexpected in it. View Blue Volga.
Leather Granite
Black with texture. Charcoal, ash and cedar tones carrying mica reflections that shimmer, and the one variety we can also supply with a leathered finish for a softer, more tactile surface that hides everyday marks well. View Leather Granite.
All are stocked as full 20mm slabs in honed or polished finishes, cut to size in our own workshop. To check what is on the floor right now, call us on (02) 8585 2999 or request a sample.
Why enquire with Euro Marble?
Plenty of places will sell you a black granite slab. Fewer will hand-pick it with you and then fabricate and install it themselves, and that single point of accountability is the difference once your benchtop is in.
Everything happens under one roof at Marrickville. You choose the exact slab that becomes your kitchen and we reserve it in your name, because black granite varies from piece to piece and the slab you stand next to is the slab you get. Our own stonemasons then template, cut, edge, polish and install it on 5-axis CNC and waterjet machinery, so nothing is handed off to a third party along the way. After more than 35 years we have learned that honest advice matters more than a quick sale, so we will tell you which black granite suits a hardworking kitchen, and where a different stone might serve you better. It is the reason we hold a 4.9-star Google rating built on referrals and repeat clients.
“We have used Euro Marble twice now and the service, price and workmanship was both professional and faultless. They arrived when they said they would and completed the job on time. I would highly recommend this company. If you only want to do the job done once and right, call this company.” – Vince Cali, Google review
What is black granite best suited to?
Granite is one of the hardest, most heat and scratch resistant natural stones, denser and more forgiving than marble, which makes black granite a genuinely practical choice for surfaces that get used hard. It comes into its own on kitchen benchtops and islands, where that durability earns its place, and works just as beautifully across splashbacks and feature walls, flooring in foyers and high-traffic areas, stairs and entrances, and vanity tops and basins. Whatever the surface, our team handles brief, slab, fabrication and installation under one roof. See the services page for detail.
What does black granite cost in Sydney?
The price of a black granite project depends on the variety you choose, the slab, the edge profile, the cut-outs and the complexity of the install, so we do not publish a template price. We would rather quote your actual job. The figure we give you is fixed and covers the lot: supply, templating, cutting, edging, sealing and installation. The number we quote is the number you pay.
→ Request an installed black granite quote
Why work with Evan and the Euro Marble team?
Because who cuts and installs your stone matters as much as the slab you choose. Euro Marble is a family business, and when you work with us you deal directly with Evan and the team, the same people who select the stone and stand behind it after it is installed. More than 35 years in, that is still how every project is run.
“I highly recommend this family business for any job in Sydney. Their service and professional workmanship was above and beyond. Very helpful and responsive to our requests.” – Matthew Malone, Google review
See the black granite range at our Marrickville showroom
A photo cannot show you how black granite catches the light or how its grain and glints actually read. Our showroom displays full slabs upright in natural light, so you can choose with confidence. You will find us at 11 Rich Street, Marrickville NSW 2204, in Sydney’s Inner West, open to architects, designers, builders and homeowners alike.
Call us on (02) 8585 2999, email sales@euromarble.com.au, or get in touch below.
→ Enquire with Evan and the team
→ Browse the full granite range
Frequently asked questions
Is black granite good for kitchen benchtops?
Yes. Granite is one of the hardest natural stones and is heat and scratch resistant, which makes black granite well suited to hardworking kitchens. It is denser and more forgiving than marble, though a dark, glossy surface will show fingerprints and dust more than a lighter or honed one, which is worth considering when choosing your finish.
Does black granite need sealing?
Granite is much less porous than marble, so it is lower maintenance, but we still seal it at installation to protect against staining and walk you through simple ongoing care before we sign off.
What is the most popular black granite?
Nero Assoluto is the go-to for a pure, even black. Titanium is the choice when you want drama and movement, with gold and cream running through the black. Mystic Black sits between the two.
What is the difference between Nero Assoluto and Titanium?
Nero Assoluto is a uniform, near-solid black with a fine grain and a quiet, understated look. Titanium has bold, sweeping movement and gold and cream mineral clusters, so it makes a statement. It is worth seeing both slabs side by side before deciding.
Can I get a sample or see the slabs before I enquire?
Yes. You can request a sample or visit the Marrickville showroom to see full black granite slabs in natural light. No two slabs are identical, so seeing the actual piece is the only way to be sure.
Red Granite
Red Granite
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What type of rock is granite?
Granite is an extremely hard, tough rock that has made it a popular stone for construction. It’s a natural and “igneous” rock that is between 20 and 60 percent quartz by volume, and also contains feldspar and mica. It also has a coarse grain, giving rise to the name “granite.”
Granite can withstand a great deal of pressure and it resists heat and abrasion, making it ideal for commercial and residential construction. It can also be polished to a brilliant shine, making it both functional and attractive.
Due to its hard makeup, granite is ideal for kitchen bench tops, bathroom vanities, and even wall tiles, floor tiles and pavers.
How does granite become red?
Granite comes in different colors depending on the minerals that make up its composition.There are differing amounts of minerals in granite depending on the original source of molten rock that cooled to create it.
Red granite features potassium feldspar that creates the reddish tone, or it may be colored by iron oxide in its grains, in the way that metal turns red when rusted.
Products
Red Granite Slabs: These are ideal for use in the kitchen, such as on an island or benchtop. Granite can withstand heat, scratches, and daily use and abuse in the kitchen. A slab is also ideal for flooring, as it’s easy to keep clean and in good condition. Finally, slabs are perfect in an outdoor setting like a patio. The richness of a red granite slab will complement other decor colors like tans, browns or even blacks. For instance, a choice such as our Multicolour Red has deep tones of cinnamon and fire orange, with onyx wash in the background. The variety of colours in this granite can be matched with a variety of decor and highlight colours.
Red Granite Tiles: Perfect for flooring and so much more. The traditional use of granite tiles has been for floors, as they are durable and easy to maintain. But picture red granite tiles used as a wallcovering, adding depth and beauty to a space such as a bathroom. Red granite creates a richness wherever the tiles are installed. Our Jacaranda Red has tones of amber and fire with grey and white nuances, the perfect touch for tiling in a bathroom, entryway or kitchen.
Red Granite Countertops: Natural stone benchtops are a natural choice for kitchen benchtops and bathroom vanities. Granite is scratch resistant, helping to resist bacteria. Granite is also heat resistant and durable. The rich tones of red granite make it an easy choice to add to a kitchen or bathroom. Our Paradiso Dark red granite has a unique blend of dark pink with grey, black and white highlights. It’s easy to match with a multitude of other decor choices in your home.
Blue Granite
Marble Cladding
Limestone Blocks
What Is Natural Limestone?
Natural limestone blocks are sedimentary stones that are created through the compression of small particles of rock and stone. Limestone is a superb choice for building materials due to the ease in which it can be carved and shaped, its imperviousness and durability.
It is commonly used as a stone cladding as it is a strong, durable product that has a unique aesthetic appeal that differs greatly from other stones. Limestone is well suited for this application However one must take into consideration the weathering characteristics of the stone before integrating it into the next project as well as the weight implications it will have on the building’s exterior as weight is the primary area of concern. You are essentially adhering a heavy stone onto a vertical surface.
Natural limestone is one of the most difficult materials to work with (all rock for that matter).
Where To Buy Limestone Blocks
The price of limestone blocks will differ greatly depending on the grade selected and the country of origin. Natural limestone cost can range between $300/m2 and $500/m2 + GST
Another option is to purchase reconstituted limestone block. These can be a good solution for the garden, where you might want to build a retaining wall. If you are looking to use natural stone as your wall cladding, we do not recommend using reconstituted limestone. As you can not get the same finish quality, or desired shaped.
We do not recommend going down to your local Bunnings, as the quality of their natural stone is low, and the product range is generally only suited to DIY (rather than construction professionals).
We ship stone products from Sydney to all around Australia, so if you would like to buy online, or over the phone, we can arrange freight to most places.
Characteristics
- Beveled: Limestone pavers can be customised to have beveled edges.
- Sizes: Stone blocks range from small to large in size, we customise everything according to our customers needs.
- Weight: Limestone is a heavy material, so for flooring paver size, they can range from a weight of 60-70kg per m2 assuming the use of 20mm thick stone
Building With Limestone Blocks
- Cutting: When you want to cut natural limestone, there are a few different options. The first, is cutting by hand (not recommended for DIY). For a more precise split, use a cutting machine.
- Sealing: The end use of your limestone will determine what sealing needs to take place. If it’s only used in the garden, then you should be fine. But if you are trying to create a moisture membrane / wall cladding, we recommend sealing natural limestone.
- Mortaring: The mortar mix should contain an adequate mix of water, sand and cement
- Rendering: For a smoother finish, you can render over wall blocks with a cement mix. Although you will loose the often desired stone cladding look.
- Landscaping: Bricks can be used to build retainer walls and as paving around the garden – along with other projects around the house.
How to clean limestone?
The most common cleaning method for limestone is to use a PH neutral detergent which will be the least abrasive for the stone. Any products with citric properties or containing acids such as bleach should be heavily avoided s these will leave the stone with a white or dull hazing commonly referred to as “etching”.
Black Marble Tiles
