What is Calacatta Quartz? A Luxurious and Durable Alternative to Marble
Are you looking for a stunning and durable countertop material to elevate your kitchen or bathroom design? Calacatta quartz may be the perfect choice for you.
In this blog post, we'll explore the world of Calacatta quartz, comparing it to its natural counterpart, Calacatta marble. We'll also delve into the design options available and discuss how Calacatta quartz stacks up against other popular countertop materials. Click on each section to learn more.
If you would like help selecting the perfect countertops for your projects, talk with one of our experts.
Calacatta Quartz: A Luxurious Blend of Beauty and Durability
1. What Is Calacatta Quartz?
Calacatta quartz is made to look like the natural marble called Calacatta. - *Image by MSI Surfaces
Calacatta quartz is a man-made engineered stone that closely resembles the natural marble known as Calacatta. It's a popular choice for countertops and other surfaces due to its stunning appearance and exceptional durability.
The Making of Quartz
Quartz is a naturally occurring mineral, one of the most common on Earth. To create engineered quartz, natural quartz crystals are crushed and combined with a polymer binder. This mixture is then molded, vibrated, and cured under high pressure and temperature. The resulting material is incredibly strong, durable, and resistant to stains, scratches, and heat.
Achieving the Calacatta Look
To give Calacatta quartz its distinctive appearance, manufacturers add pigments and other materials to the quartz mixture. These additives mimic the natural veins and patterns found in Calacatta marble. The precise composition of the mixture and the curing process can vary between manufacturers, resulting in subtle differences in the final product.
Key Characteristics of Calacatta Quartz:
Stunning Appearance:
Calacatta quartz often features a white or off-white background with dramatic grey or gold veining. This striking pattern closely resembles the luxurious look of natural Calacatta marble.
Durability:
Engineered quartz is significantly more durable than natural stone. It's resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Low Maintenance:
Calacatta quartz is easy to clean and maintain. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is often sufficient to keep it looking its best.
Non-Porous:
Unlike natural stone, Calacatta quartz is non-porous, which means it doesn't absorb liquids or stains. This makes it a hygienic and low-maintenance choice.
Uniformity:
Engineered quartz offers a more consistent appearance than natural stone, with fewer variations in colour and pattern.
Eco-Friendly:
Many manufacturers use recycled materials in the production of engineered quartz, making it a more sustainable option compared to natural stone.
Calacatta quartz offers a luxurious and durable alternative to natural marble, making it a popular choice for homeowners and designers seeking a beautiful and functional countertop material.
2. What Is Calacatta Marble?
Calacatta marble is a luxurious natural stone renowned for its striking white or off-white background with dramatic grey or gold veining. It's a highly sought-after material for countertops, flooring, and other decorative elements due to its elegant appearance and timeless appeal.
Formation and Characteristics
Calacatta marble is formed over millions of years through a process called metamorphism. The process of metamorphism is essentially the transformation of one type of rock into another under extreme heat and pressure. In the case of Calacatta marble, limestone is the starting material.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the process:
Limestone Formation: Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which is formed from the accumulation of shells, coral, and other organic debris in marine environments.
Metamorphism: Over millions of years, layers of limestone can become buried deep beneath the Earth's surface. As these layers are subjected to intense heat and pressure from the Earth's interior, the limestone undergoes a series of physical and chemical changes.
Recrystallization: The heat and pressure cause the calcium carbonate crystals in the limestone to recrystallize, forming larger, interlocking crystals. This process transforms the limestone into a denser, more crystalline rock.
Marble Formation: The recrystallized limestone now has the characteristic properties of marble, including its smooth texture, high density, and often, its distinctive veining patterns.
The specific conditions of heat and pressure during metamorphism determine the exact characteristics of the resulting marble, including its colour, texture, and veining pattern. Calacatta marble's distinctive white or off-white background with dramatic gray or gold veining is a result of the unique combination of minerals and impurities present in the original limestone and the specific conditions under which it underwent metamorphism.
Key Characteristics of Calacatta Marble:
Stunning Appearance:
Calacatta marble's distinctive white or off-white background with dramatic veining creates a luxurious and sophisticated look.
Natural Variation:
Each piece of Calacatta marble is unique, with variations in colour, pattern, and texture.
Softness:
Marble is a relatively soft stone compared to engineered quartz, making it more susceptible to scratches and stains.
Porous:
Marble is porous, which means it can absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed.
Maintenance:
Marble requires regular sealing and cleaning to maintain its appearance and protect against stains.
Eco-Friendly:
As a natural material, marble is considered an eco-friendly choice for countertops and other surfaces.
While Calacatta marble offers unparalleled natural beauty, its softness and porosity require more maintenance than engineered quartz. If you're seeking a more durable and low-maintenance option, Calacatta quartz may be a better fit for your needs.
3. Calacatta Quartz vs Calacatta Marble: Pros and Cons
Calacatta quartz and Calacatta marble both offer stunning beauty and elegance, but they have distinct advantages and disadvantages. Here's a comparison of their pros and cons:
Calacatta Quartz
Pros:
Durability: Highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.
Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain, with no need for regular sealing.
Non-porous: Doesn't absorb liquids or stains.
Uniform Appearance: Consistent colour and pattern.
Eco-Friendly: Often made with recycled materials.
Cons:
Man-Made: Lacks the natural character and uniqueness of marble.
Calacatta Marble
Pros:
Natural Beauty: Unique patterns and variations.
Timeless Appeal: A classic and elegant material.
Eco-Friendly: A natural resource.
Cons:
Softness: Susceptible to scratches and stains.
Porous: Requires regular sealing to prevent stains.
High Maintenance: Marble is often more difficult to clean and maintain than quartz.
Ultimately, the best choice between Calacatta quartz and Calacatta marble depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. If you prioritize durability, low maintenance, and a consistent appearance, Calacatta quartz may be the ideal option.
However, if you're drawn to the natural beauty and unique character of marble, despite its higher maintenance requirements, Calacatta marble could be the perfect choice for your project.
4.Calacatta Quartz vs. Other Quartz Patterns
Calacatta quartz is often compared to other popular quartz patterns, such as Carrara, Statuario Classique, and Bianco. Let's explore the similarities and differences between these materials:
Calacatta Quartz vs. Carrara Quartz
Colour: Both Calacatta and Carrara quartz typically feature a white or off-white background.
Veining: Calacatta quartz often has more prominent veins that are often thick and dramatic, while Carrara quartz will have a much more subtle or even veined pattern.
Durability: Both materials are highly durable and resistant to stains, scratches, and heat.
Carrara quartz has more subtle veins than Calacatta.
Calacatta Quartz vs. Statuario Classique
Colour: Statuario Classique is known for its pure white background with delicate grey veining. Calacatta quartz may have a slightly off-white background and more prominent veining.
Veining: Statuario Classique often has a more subtle and elegant veining pattern compared to Calacatta quartz.
Durability: Both materials offer excellent durability and low maintenance.
Calacatta quartz has more prominent veining than Statuario.
Calacatta Quartz vs. Arctic White Quartz
Colour: Artic white quartz typically has a brighter white background compared to Calacatta quartz, which may have a slightly off-white hue.
Veining: Artic white quartz is a pure white quartz with no veining. Calacatta quartz is known for its prominent veining.
Durability: Both materials are equally durable and resistant to stains, scratches, and heat.
Arctic White quartz is a solid white with no veins.
Ultimately, the best choice between Calacatta quartz and other quartz patterns depends on your personal preferences and design aesthetic. Consider the desired colour, veining pattern, and overall look you want to achieve in your space.
5. Calacatta Quartz Design Options
Calacatta quartz can look great in both a modern or more traditional kitchen design. Image by MSI Surfaces.
Calacatta quartz is a versatile material that complements a wide range of design styles. Here are some popular design options that pair well with Calacatta quartz:
Modern and Contemporary
Sleek and Minimalist:
Calacatta quartz's clean lines and elegant veining make it a perfect choice for modern and contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. Pair it with stainless steel appliances, dark cabinetry, and bold accents for a chic and sophisticated look.
Industrial Chic:
Combine Calacatta quartz countertops with exposed brick walls, metal accents, and Edison bulb lighting for a trendy industrial-inspired aesthetic.
Traditional and Classic
Elegant and Sophisticated:
Calacatta quartz's luxurious appearance adds a touch of elegance to traditional and classic design styles. Pair it with crown molding, ornate cabinetry, and crystal chandeliers for a timeless and refined look.
Country Chic:
Create a warm and inviting country kitchen by combining Calacatta quartz countertops with rustic wood cabinetry, farmhouse sinks, and vintage lighting.
Transitional
Blending Styles:
Calacatta quartz's versatility allows it to seamlessly blend modern and traditional elements. Pair it with clean lines and contemporary furnishings for a transitional style that is both stylish and functional.
Rooms and Applications
Calacatta quartz can be used in various rooms and applications throughout your home. Here are some popular choices:
Kitchens: Countertops, backsplashes, and islands
Bathrooms: Countertops, vanities, and shower surrounds
Flooring: Tiles or slabs for flooring in high-traffic areas
Accent Pieces: Fireplace surrounds, wall cladding, and decorative accents
With its stunning appearance, durability, and versatility, Calacatta quartz is a versatile material that can enhance the beauty and functionality of any space.
6. Calacatta Quartz vs. Other Countertop Materials
Calacatta quartz is a great choice for your bathroom. - Image by MSI Surfaces
Calacatta quartz is a popular choice for countertops, but it's not the only option available. Let's compare it to some other popular countertop materials:
Calacatta Quartz vs. Granite
Durability: Both quartz and granite are highly durable and resistant to scratches and stains.
Appearance: Granite offers a wider range of colours and patterns than quartz, but Calacatta quartz can closely resemble the look of natural marble.
Maintenance: Both materials require minimal maintenance, but granite may require periodic sealing to prevent stains.
Calacatta Quartz vs. Marble
Durability: Quartz is generally more durable than marble, which is more susceptible to scratches and stains.
Maintenance: Quartz requires less maintenance than marble, which needs regular sealing.
Appearance: Calacatta quartz can mimic the look of natural marble, but marble offers a more unique and natural appearance.
Calacatta Quartz vs. Porcelain
Durability: Both quartz and porcelain are highly durable and resistant to stains and scratches.
Appearance: Porcelain offers a wide range of colours and patterns, but may lack the natural veining and depth of colour found in Calacatta quartz.
Maintenance: Both materials are low-maintenance and easy to clean.
Calacatta Quartz vs. Sintered Stone
Durability: Both Calacatta quartz and sintered stone are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat. However, sintered stone is often considered slightly harder than quartz, making it even more resistant to scratches.
Appearance: Sintered stone offers a more natural stone appearance with variations in colour and texture, often resembling natural materials like marble or granite. Calacatta quartz, while highly realistic, may have a slightly more polished or manufactured look.
Maintenance: Both materials require minimal maintenance and are easy to clean. However, sintered stone may be slightly more resistant to stains due to its denser composition.
Calacatta Quartz vs. Quartzite
Durability: Quartzite is slightly harder than quartz, making it even more resistant to scratches.
Appearance: Quartzite offers a more natural stone appearance with variations in colour and texture.
Maintenance: Both materials require minimal maintenance.
Ultimately, the best choice for your countertop material depends on your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle. Consider factors such as durability, appearance, maintenance requirements, and cost when making your decision.
Natural Stone City Has the Best Selection of Calacatta Quartz You Can Imagine
If you are searching for the perfect Calacatta quartz countertops, come to Natural Stone City. We have the largest selection of Granite, Marble, and Quartz in Southern Ontario, with over 1,000 slabs of different colour options.
You can choose from standard colours to super exotic options, shipped directly from Italy, Brazil and around the world. We carefully select each one, keeping the satisfaction of our customers in mind.
When you buy from Natural Stone City you’ll get:
Installations in as little as 1 week
Any colour you want and more
Help from our knowledgeable and friendly staff who are experienced stone countertop specialists
Contact us today and we will help you choose the perfect countertop for your home.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“I went to Natural Stone City after having gone to a couple different countertop places. I met Gia, and explained my project. I really didn’t want to pay the $90+/square foot prices for quartz & granite. I said to Gia that I wanted the nicest possible countertop for the lowest possible price. She took me to their “discount” rack of stone slabs, that had been discontinued. I found the perfect slab there, London Sky by Corian Quartz. She even put it on hold for me without me asking. I felt like she really understood my mission and was genuinely trying to help me. The team installed the countertops about a week later.
I am so thankful for Natural Stone City, and especially Gia, for finding an affordable solution for us. We are so proud of our new countertops, neutral but with a bit of interest and with the on-trend veining. And we didn’t have to break the bank. Thank you, Gia!”
— Emily Shelton
