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What's so great about Italian marble?

November 17, 2016

Statue of David for blog.jpg

Sculpted out of Italian marble between 1501-1504, marble statue by Michelangelo’s “David” is a testament to the longevity of marble.  Photo by Jörg Bittner Unna. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.

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Neolith Introduces New Products at KBIS

January 27, 2015

Last week, at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) in Las Vegas, Neolith introduced several new colors to the Classtone line of ultra compact surfacing material.

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White Marbles in the USA

December 11, 2014

 Q: My kitchen designer suggested a marble for my countertop that’s quarried in the USA. Should I even consider this? The best marble is from Italy, right?

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Calacatta and Carrara Marble: Aren’t They the Same?

October 09, 2014

 Q: I hope you can help settle a “debate” between my wife and I. We’re remodeling our master suite. We’ve been shopping for white marble for his and her vanity tops in the bath. We’ve been seeing Calacatta and Carrara marbles. I say they’re the same thing, but my wife insists that we go with Calacatta. Is there a difference?

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Price Wars: The Rising Cost of Calacatta Marble

April 09, 2013
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Why Marble Countertops?

January 24, 2013

The appreciation of the beauty of marble has been in evidence for centuries. From treasured marble sculptures to marble countertops, this material is one of the most prized for artisans and artists alike. Marble has lasted through the ages and has been associated with fine art, higher culture and as a lasting material. At Marble and Granite, Inc., we are pleased to include this in our inventory.   

Each marble has its own characteristic. Green marbles tend to be much harder and lacking pores; whereas the white is softer. But even amongst the whites, characteristics can be different, so each is truly unique. And though granite has its own rightful place, having been used a lot in the past fifty years, marble is the one that has stood the test of time. It is softer on the eyes, and even though it is stone, it is soft to the touch. It requires a more skilled craftsman to work with marble over granite, as it is a more delicate type of stone. Marble and Granite, Inc., can help you find yours.

Marble countertops are ideal for those who love to bake. It is a perfect surface on which to roll out dough for pastries or bread. Plus, it is resistant to scorching from hot items placed on the surface. However, because it is soft and porous, scratches and stains may occur rather easily. This is where maintenance makes all the difference. When cleaning, use a damp cloth that has a neutral pH and is specifically designed for sensitive stone. Use nothing that is abrasive - this will scratch and dimple the surface. Refrain from cutting acidic fruits on it, such as tomatoes, lemons, oranges and the like, or anything with vinegar. Follow the directions of the manufacturer and reseal the marble countertops on a specific timeline.

Marble countertops require specific care. However, properly maintained surfaces will only become more beautiful. Often during visits, folks end up in the kitchen for a cup of coffee or a snack. Marble lends a distinctive and rich character to the setting.

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Inspiration for Designing a Kitchen with Marble & Caesarstone

December 06, 2012
Who doesn't love marble? But even our stone technicians here at Marble and Granite will tell you - it's not the most practical surface for the kitchen. But there is a way to have the best of both worlds! Many homeowners and designers are now putting marble in the kitchen where it makes sense and then supplementing it with Caesarstone quartz surfaces. This way they still achieve the show-stopping focal point of dramatic marble while getting the practicality and high-performance where it is most needed with Caesarstone quartz surfaces. 
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Cabinetry and Color Palettes for Luxury Kitchen & Baths with Gold Calacatta Marble

September 25, 2012

More precious than carrara, gold calacatta marble has distinct veining with warm tones that make it elegant and inviting. As interior designer Eileen Segalman told House Beautiful referring to her transitional kitchen design featured in the magazine, the incredible beauty is certainly worth the extra maintenance. 

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Several Types of Calacatta for Marble Countertops

April 24, 2012

White on the Kitchen Countertop

If like most of you have been looking to renovate your kitchen, you will no doubt have found quite a range in material and pricing. Marble will have come to mind and just when you thought it was a clear choice, you just couldn't decide what color or shading you wanted to have. Have you noticed just how white marble looks just right on your kitchen counter top? White though feared for its obvious extra effort required to maintain and keep clean, provides an elegant look and feel that you just can’t pass up. So what choices do you have when it comes to white marble?

Among the choices in white marble you have Bianco Statuario, Calacatta, Bianco Carrara, Imperial Danby White, and others. The difference here will be in the veining. Different types will have either different color veins and a distinct distribution. A major market favorite is Calacatta, it is characterized by elegant and delicate grey veining. Compared to other types in the market, there are several types. Calacatta is the most exclusive and has more pronounced veining. Other similar colors are Imperial Danby white is recognized by its soft gray and gold veins. Its veins are also lighter. Statuario with a very white background. Carrara provides a white background and a subtle gray. 

Why would you choose Calacatta you ask, the reasons will vary depending on what tickles your fancy and what your pocket has to say about it. The gray on white on these tiles help to ease up on the all white without ever compromising on the overall white feel. So, are you going to keep chickening out or are you going to take elegance a bit further and choose this beautiful piece? 

Here you can compare different types of Calacatta:

Calacatta Bluette resized 600

Calacatta Bluette

Calacatta Carrara resized 600

Calacatta Carrara

Calacatta Gold resized 600

Calacatta Gold

Calacatta Ondulato resized 600

Calacatta Ondulato

Calacatta Original resized 600

Calacatta Original

Whether you are a home owner looking to renovate your kitchen, a dealer, architect, designer or shop owner, a strong source of information is essential. www.marbleandgranite.com provides the market with the relevant information and support when it comes to stone products. If you are looking for kitchen countertop products say marble, quartz, granite or ceramic slabs, you will find it here. The support team is here to ease your search and project along.

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