Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home, countertops are the centerpiece of the kitchen. The decision as to which material to use to create these centrally located, highly-used areas is an important one whether you’re a homeowner, designer, or architect. When choosing the best and most appropriate material for the surface, it’s important to understand the functionality, durability, maintainability, longevity, costs, and appearance of each one.
No two pieces of natural stone are the same, nor are they perfect. In fact, it is the variation in each slab that gives the material its innate beauty. Because it can be overwhelming when shopping for and comparing one material to another, we have compiled this guide to help you through the decision-making process.
The question of whether to choose marble, other natural stone, or an engineered material for your kitchen or bathroom, comes down to this: How does marble stack up?
Calacatta Medici used by homeowner and designer Mia Conway
From the Lincoln Memorial to the Taj Mahal, marble has been the material of choice for the world’s most famous works of art and iconic structures for centuries. Elegant, dramatic, and lustrous, marble is a natural and unique material, a precious gift from the earth with colors and patterns that are completely singular, unpredictable, and non-repetitive.
Durable, beautiful, and incomparable are just some of the adjectives that describe this stately stone, so we believe it’s important to understand a little bit about its origins to fully appreciate its value.
The Origin of Marble
For marble to be created, many processes must align, and separate forces must occur. It is only at the end of a long process that marble can be harvested from the earth and enjoyed for its glorious texture, innate strength, and unparalleled beauty.
Classified as metamorphic stone, marble originates as limestone, a rock composed of calcite along with the remnants of shells, coral, fossils, and other sea debris. As these pieces settle and erode, they form layers of sediment that deepen after many years.
Limestone at this stage is a sedimentary rock that is frequently mined for construction uses of its own. If left untouched and subjected to the earth’s immense heat and pressure, over millions of years, the minerals within limestone will recrystallize and begin to form the structure of marble.
Monte Corchia quarry located in the Apuan Alps of Carrara, Italy
Composition
Marble is composed of approximately 99.5% pure calcium carbonate and a mix of other minerals. The combination and composition of these minerals during metamorphism give each marble its distinct veining and variations in color. It is during this formation process that the marble’s inherent physical properties such as hardness and durability are also determined.
Qualities
Marble is a naturally porous stone, which is one of the most common concerns when considering marble over other materials for kitchen countertops. When properly maintained, however, marble not only gets more beautiful with age, but is strong, durable, and resilient enough to last for generations.
This timeless maturation is one reason why there has been a resurgence of traditional Italian marbles, like Calacatta Viola and Calacatta Monet. Their brecciated movement—indicative of vivid pebble-like, circular veining—gives a classic touch to modern spaces.
Known for having a crisp backdrop, marbles are the most desired and in demand the whiter they are. Movement and veining are also hallmarks of marble that increase a slab’s value. As one of the most reputable of marbles, Calacatta is known for gray veining with gold tinges and a bright white background. More distinct veining indicative of a traditional Calacatta will have a higher price point compared to varieties with more clouded movement. Alternatively, Carrara marbles lean more gray but are still sought after as they’re considered to be an affordable variety within the white marble family.
Calacatta Monet used by RV Builders | Photography: Bess Friday
How Marble Compares
Granite
Whereas the movement within marble can resemble swirling veins, Granite contains color variations that appear as flecking throughout the stone. For decades it has acted as a durable and reliable natural stone for kitchen countertops.
Granite has a hardness score of 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, making it highly resistant to scratches and damage from heat. An ideal material for kitchen counters both inside and outside the home, granite countertops will not easily scuff or discolor from everyday household activities.
Quartz
Not to be confused with Quartzite, Quartz is a man-made stone that has gained popularity in recent years as a versatile and low-maintenance alternative to natural stone countertops.
Because quartz is manufactured in a factory, the slabs are more consistent and durable than marble or other natural stone slabs. Quartz is non-porous, making it stain resistant without the need to seal the surface. However, due to its resin content, quartz can be susceptible to heat damage at high temperatures and discoloration from the sun. If quartz is used on a table or kitchen countertop, protection from heated elements such as hot plates, pots, or bakeware is required. It is not recommended as a backsplash surface behind the stovetop or range.
Quartzite
Another all-natural stone, quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone that has been subjected to high temperatures and pressure beneath the earth’s surface. Reaching a 7 to 8 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, quartzite is today’s go-to natural stone choice for kitchen countertops and other high-traffic spaces due to its durability over marble in addition to its soft, veined look.
Quartzite countertops are also resistant to scratches, acids, etching, heat, and sunlight, making them an excellent option for both indoor and outdoor surfaces. Though quartzites rarely rival the bright background of white marble, light quartzites featuring neutral tones of beige, tan, and gray are often used as marble alternatives. Although quartzite requires upkeep through sealing to ensure its longevity, well-maintained quartzite countertops will resist wear and tear and last for years, if not decades.
Porcelain
Made of the clay mineral kaolinite, porcelain is known for its delicate aesthetic and resistance to elements like acid, heat, water, and fire. Compared to other engineered materials like quartz, porcelain has a higher heat resistance and touts a particularly realistic replication of marble veining.
Unlike marble, however, the veining and patterns of porcelain are only surface-level, which is why chips, cuts, and abrasions must be professionally repaired to restore the surface’s original appearance. Porcelain is more difficult to cut and shape on a fabrication level, making edge details less customizable than marble, which holds its natural beauty.
Types of Finishes
To prolong the beauty of marble, it’s important to parse through finish options that best serve the needs of a space or installation. Polished marbles are ideal for enhancing a slab’s natural colors, vibrancy, and veining. Honed finishes give marble surfaces an organic feel with a matte appearance that adds depth, dimension, and texture. They’re also the most forgiving finishes as honed marbles will not show etch marks as noticeably when in contact with acidic ingredients.
Calacatta Viola used by Birch + Tailor | Photography: Thomas Kuoh
Care
Etching happens when acid stains or eats the material on marble surfaces. Although prone to etching, sealing marble can help prevent surface stains. Diligently sealing your marble countertops every year (or 5-10 years, depending on the type of sealer) will also help to maintain their luxurious qualities and condition. In addition to sealing marble slabs, you’ll also want to protect your surface by adhering to the following tips:
Blot up spills immediately.
Do not use acidic cleaners with lemon or vinegar.
Do not use acidic bathroom cleaners or oven cleaners.
Do not use abrasive cleaners or sponges.
Clean with a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, and non-abrasive or mild soap daily or as needed.
Use a pH-balanced cleaner specifically for marble and stone or a mild, phosphate-free, biodegradable dishwashing detergent such as Dawn mixed with water for regular cleaning.
Thoroughly rinse and dry marble surfaces with clean, clear water after washing dishes.
Keep acids like vinegar, tomato sauce, lemon juice, and harsh cleaners from coming into contact with the surface.
Place trivets, coasters, and other heat absorbents under hot or scratch-prone items
Sealing your selection can help protect and prolong its lifespan. There are various sealers available on the market.
Topical Sealers are coatings designed to protect the surface of the stone against water, oil, and other contaminants. They are formulated from natural wax, acrylic, and other plastic compounds.
Impregnators are water or solvent-based solutions that penetrate below the surface and become repellents. They are either hydrophobic (water-repelling) or oleophobic (oil-repelling). Impregnators keep contaminants out but do not stop the interior moisture from escaping. Considered “breathable, Impregnators have vapor transmission.
Making the decision about which natural material to use for your countertops is an important one, as you will likely be living with this choice for years—if not decades—to come. The largest in-stock provider of natural stone slabs in the Bay Area, carrying product lines that are unsurpassed in the industry, IRG is passionate about educating our customers. Contact or visit one of our showrooms to speak with a stone expert about your choices.
Carrying the largest selection of superior-grade, elegant, beautiful, and long-lasting natural stone available in the world today, including marble, granite, quartzite, and onyx, as well as an array of engineered surfaces, including quartz and porcelain slab, we welcome the opportunity to assist you throughout your decision-making process and design journey.
Dedicated to helping you create the kitchen of your dreams; we invite you to visit our showroom and allow our experts and creative consultants to help you choose the perfect surface for your home. As unique as the individual, we treat every project with the utmost care, paying special attention to each client’s specific needs, budget, lifestyle, and style preferences. Call IRG at (415) 657-0280 or visit us at a showroom convenient to you in Brisbane, Dublin, or Sacramento.
Synonymous with the serenity of nature, blue natural stones are a great way to invite more peace and stillness into your home design. If you’re thinking of adding the calming color of blue into your space, you’re not alone. Designers have turned to blue textiles and accents for their many qualities, but blue is finding its way to center stage in cabinetry and surfaces, too. It can be hard to parse through stunning blue surface options to find the right one that’ll elevate your decor scheme, but let’s dive into the case for incorporating blue stone into your space.
Azul Do Mar Quartzite mirrors the calming, wave-like patterns of the ocean in this waterfront kitchen.
1. Blue Stone Brings Nature’s Serenity Indoors
For those typically averse to color, the color blue is historically associated with the waters of the oceans, evoking a soothing calm that comes naturally with its use in home decor. It can provide a pleasant sensation of freshness, cleanliness, and relaxation, so it has been a perfect choice for coastal bedrooms or powder bathrooms for decades. But today’s on-trend designers are installing blue surfaces in any room of the house.
Azul Do Mar is a peacefully-hued quartzite with wave patterns that bring quiet serenity indoors. Quarried in Brazil, this exclusive stone is a brilliant choice for those who love uniqueness, sophistication, and the sea. It’s not just the blue colorations and creamy white waves that make Azul Do Mar a designer’s choice. Homeowners will appreciate the benefits of choosing quartzite: beautiful, durable, stain-resistant, and low maintenance.
2. The Uniqueness of Blue Stone Elevates Traditional Spaces
Not normally used as a backdrop for food, blue stone countertops, islands, and back-and-counter splashes have now taken their well-deserved place in the kitchen. As eating areas have evolved into living-working-entertaining spaces as well as traditional cooking spaces, homeowners are enjoying the comforts of designing a kitchen that incorporates lifelike elements like paintings, books, and lamps. Likewise, color choices have evolved to bring a sense of “home” into all areas of the house.
Ijen Blue is an affordable blue quartzite that best serves as a reliable and stain-forgiving countertop option for spill-proof, high-use areas. With warm tones woven throughout the stone’s rare mix of white and purple-hued angular veins, Ijen Blue can be used to infuse that sense of eclectic tranquility into a home, especially when featured as the main focal point on kitchen islands and in primary bathrooms.
Beverly Blue Quartzite used by Jennifer Robin Interiors | Photography: Paul Dyer
3. Soft Blues Can Balance Out Bold Designs
Hybrid design styles are proving just how popular balancing out striking architecture, cabinetry, and flooring with gentle surfaces and accessories can be. The soft and soothing nature of earth’s highly sought-after blue tones can balance out decor and design schemes featuring prominent lines, gritty textures, and masculine hardware. For example, light blues are often recommended for those who want to experiment with color but want something that’s easy on the eyes and as consoling as ocean waves. And so it goes: sometimes all it takes is a touch of blue to bring balance and harmony into your home.
IRG’s Macauba Fantasy is a stunning gray-blue quartzite with hints of deep tiffany blue veining. Mimicking the whispy and relaxed movement of the earth’s skies, this stone can help ground gold, black, rust, and navy accents with its cloud-like, airy qualities. Macauba Fantasy and Beverly Blue Quartzite are just a couple of family-friendly stone options for those wanting to take the edge off of opulent entertainment spaces, or those wanting to identify their own version of organic luxury with blue-laced peninsulas and spa-like bathtubs.
Azul Bahia Granite adds playfulness and movement to break up the otherwise clean lines of this modern kitchen.
4. A Pop of Blue Can Anchor a Space
Just like blue stone surfaces can nurture a space, they can also be used to anchor forward designs. Beautiful blue stones are a luxurious choice with cherry woods or dark walnuts. Clean white walls and cabinets matched with blue granite surfaces make for a happy, welcoming, youthful space. Yellow and blue combinations can evoke everything from country cheery to elegant traditional designs. One thing is for sure: rich-toned blue surfaces can elevate bold designs when paired nicely with other colors—whether contrasting, complimentary, or within the same family.
Azul Bahia Granite is a vibrant blue stone that adds playfulness and movement to any design it’s privy to. Along with the exotic blue quartzite Azul Macauba, Azul Bahia Granite lends a feeling of opulence and exclusivity with its lake-like landscape and nature-driven silhouette that’s reminiscent of mountainous aesthetics.
“SEA” WHAT WE MEAN
Nothing takes the place of seeing, touching, and choosing the surface of stone in person. That’s why we invite you to browse the immense selection of IRG slabs online and then contact us to visit one of our showrooms: Brisbane, Dublin, and Sacramento. Our staff has the experience, training—and in-stock inventory– to give you all the guidance you need to make a blue-tiful decision!
Slabs of this dreamy Aqua Green Polished Quartzite are perfect for a calming, natural space.
The color green has many positive aspects associated with it: nature, youth, safety, life, and hope being the most common. It is the most healing and soothing color for the eye to process, and has been proven to enhance vision, stability, and endurance in viewers.
Green often signifies cleanliness and healthy living, which is why packaging designers use green on environmental or health products. Green has an association with healing and has been proven to also help alleviate anxiety and depression, which is why hospitals often use the color.
Today, these healthful, restful connections make it an extremely popular and naturally beautiful color to use in interior design.
Fun Facts About Green.
Green is the color used for night vision goggles because the human eye is most sensitive and able to distinguish the most shades in that color.
You might not know that green is many people’s second most favorite color; blue being the first.
Green was a sacred color to the Egyptians representing the hope and joy of spring. The floors of their temples were often made from green natural stone.
Green has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding gowns in the 1400’s.
Jade green—created by a chemical reaction—was considered so beautiful in China that only the eyes of royalty could behold it, and it was known as mi se, meaning “mysterious color.”
The French “celadon” name was later given to this elegant color. The name is based on the literary character of a French shepherd who wore pale green ribbons.
So Many Greens. So Little Time.
Choosing which shade of green is right for you can be daunting to say the least. Because from emerald to olive to aqua, green comes in a huge range of jewel-like, leafy, or blue-infused shades. Each one also has its own distinct symbolism and associations.
Here are some examples: Inspired by the famous gemstone of the same name, emerald green is particularly recognized for deep color, rarity, and beauty. Hunter green has a rich, melancholic feel reminiscent of evergreen forests, while jungle green with its cooler blue undertone mimics the green tint of tropical plants. Both are now popular for modern kitchen designs.
Green can vary in shade (mixed with black) and tint (mixed with white). But there are also a broad range of green varieties that are mixed with other colors, such as yellow, blue, gray, and brown.
Yellow-greens like chartreuse (named after the French liquor which shares the distinctive color) or lime green have a lively, energetic feel and are often seen in children’s areas or work out rooms . Blue-greens such as aqua, sea green, and teal have a more subtle energy so those interior uses feel more calm and subtle, and are often used in bathrooms or meditation areas.
Gray greens like seafoam and sage are wintery and more somber than their yellow- and blue-green relations. A cozy library can benefit from the tone. Brown-greens like dark olive have a formal and dignified air, which explains why they are often selected for dining rooms and more elegant spaces.
Start With Your Style.
The cool emerald swaths of this Maestro Quartzite bring glamour and luxury to any setting.
Let’s say you fell in love with a particular shade of green that first saw on a restaurant placemat. You can’t stop thinking about the shade, but will it work on your shower wall or your kitchen counter?
The good news is that green is a very versatile color. It can be cool or warm, energetic, or soothing, subtle or strong. So, the place to begin your decision making is to consider not just the room but the design style where you want your green to go.
Nature Inspired
A nature-inspired theme gives off a more earthy and muted vibe. To achieve this look, focus on natural textures and shades that you would find outdoors, such as beiges, browns, and greens. You could consider a hardwood brown floor with a jade green sofa and tan cushions, or think about emerald green natural stone walls with beige sofas, brown woven baskets and plenty of plants.
The calming deep greens of Aquabella Quartzite are calming and blend well with earthy whites, creams and browns.
Modern Industrial
Imagine a dark gray credenza, metal tables and lusciously veined jade green marble walls. Green can bring a sense of peace and neutrality to an industrial-style space. Just remember to balance the hard surfaces with a soft textured sofa or textiles in contrasting colors.
Mid Century Modern
Here’s where chartreuse is reborn. This mischievous color harkens back to a carefree era. Use it on attention-grabbing kitchen cabinets paired with white engineered stone countertops and red dinettes with graphic patterned seats. Or for those less adventurous, think yellow-green tea kettles and towels!
Sodalite Fantasy Quartzite highlights greens, blues, browns and absolutely stuns when bookmatched as a wall accent.
Tropical
Jade green is often said to be the same color as deep tropical bodies of water, and as such, it is a color that appears throughout tropical-themed interior design. This is a unusual look that works especially well in dining spaces and living rooms. The tropical decor style is about making bold statements, so don’t be afraid to combine several shades of green over several surfaces, textures, and furniture pieces.
Botanic Wave Quartzite is a stunning natural stone surface that creates a statement in any room it graces.
Botanical Bohemian
Botanical style interior decor themes center around flowers and foliage, which of course, have green features. Botanical Bohemian is a timeless design style that has gained a new popularity in the past decade.
If you want to create a quirkier bohemian style, try fuchsia next to green. Use this pinkish red color in small splashes against a strong green background, such as a green tile wall juxtaposed against small floral details or a leaf print wallpaper set behind a rose-colored chaise. Think roses and camellias against white marble for a feminine feel or wildflowers against ceramic tile to evoke a more free-spirited emotion.
Fresh Farmhouse
Green can have a very fresh, new-country appeal when paired with the right colors. This type of style works well in a kitchen, a casual dining room, or anywhere where you want the space to feel clean and crisp. Green/white/navy is a more sophisticated combination—achieving a refreshing and invigorating atmosphere while also lending an air of relaxation and comfort.
Color Suggestions to Use with Green
This slab of Emerald Green Quartzite is perfectly accented with salmon bolsters and turquoise upholstery, giving a calm, welcoming appeal to the environment.
Salmon – goes swimmingly with green because the contrast makes both colors appear more vivid.
Millennial Pink – this dusky pink shade has become hugely popular because of its soft, subtle tone. In a bathroom, choose green subway tiles set against dusky pink walls and add in hanging chandelier. In a bedroom, achieve a more formal look by opting for green semi-precious stone fireplace surrounds and gold metal-framed chairs upholstered in velvet.
Navy — In a predominantly green room, choose navy accents to help ground the space and add a dark contrast, such as a navy rug or a navy sofa.
Brown — works well with green because these are two colors that are often seen side by side in nature. This is a relatively “safe” choice to pair with green. Brown sofas will always be in style, as will brown upholstered bed frames, and brown ottomans.
Biscuit Beige — Biscuit is a dark shade of beige that is a warm neutral. Like brown, it works particularly well with green because it is a naturally occurring color. Biscuit Beige can represent sandy beaches, mountains, or desert landscapes, which are popular themes in today’s design world.
Fuchsia – Fuchsia adds fun! Use it to add small colorful details to the weight and depth of a green background starting point. Warning: overdoing it with fuchsia and green can make for an over-stimulating and slightly dated room.
We’re Seeing Green at IRG.
IRG’s in-stock selection of natural and engineered surfacing materials offers you the perfect opportunity to see all the green choices you have (granites, marbles, onyx, quartzites and tiles) all in one place! Choose the location nearest you and let the IRG stone experts guide you through your decision-making process to find the perfect green shade for your life and your lifestyle. Call or come in today.
As the name implies, Maestro Quartzite is a leader in beauty and glamour. Its unusual and mystical strong blue-green toned veining makes this mesmerizing natural stone a gorgeous choice for walls and countertops. You won’t be able to resist the strong wavelike pattern that draws you in to a dreamy dramatic state.
2. Where can Maestro Quartzite be used?
IRG’s Maestro Quartzite is as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing, so let your imagination flow and use it in a variety of ways in any room. For a truly spectacular statement, book match slabs to make a dominate – and dramatic – focal point.
3. How do I care for Maestro Quartzite?
Quartzite is heat- and stain-resistant, making it both durable and practical for kitchen and bath counters. If choosing Maestro for your kitchen counter, think about adding more drama by incorporating it on a spectacular waterfall. Or, when less is more, draw attention to its beauty with a minimalist installation. Remember, for all applications, proper sealing will help keep out the moisture and bacteria while retaining its magnificent appearance.
4. Where can I find Maestro Quartzite?
No one has a better selection of in-stock Quartzite slabs that IRG. Visit an IRG showroom near you—conveniently located in Brisbane, Dublin, and Sacramento—and let IRG’s staff of surface experts help guide you through your selection process. Schedule an appointment today.
1. Calacatta Vagli Marble is a standout among marbles.
Many Italian marbles have white-toned backgrounds, and most are very valuable and easily recognizable. But it’s the coloration of IRG’s luxurious Calacatta Vagli Marble that sets it apart from others in its class. Rich veins of taupe and grey-blue weave across a creamy white backdrop, then splashes of gold are shot throughout making it a truly glamorous choice for your home.
2. Calacatta Vagli Marble is timeless and elegant.
Ornate and not ordinary, IRG’s Calacatta Vagli is a perfect choice for use in sophisticated kitchen design or for an impressive primary bathroom. Just remember that any marble will show the signs of use and wear over time. Patina is inevitable but many homeowners consider it a plus and enjoy the additional beauty of a natural stone surface as it changes through generations (read more about patina on stone here).
3. Marble is more porous than other stone choices.
If you love strong veining and classic upscale looks, go ahead, and go for marble. Be aware that acidic ingredients can leave etch marks; so, wipe any spills away quickly. Be sure to properly seal your surfaces at installation and regularly reseal as part of your maintenance upkeep.
Interior Design: Innen Studio & Gallois Interiors | Photography: Gallois Photo
4. Calacatta Vagli Marble is in stock now at IRG.
No one has a better selection of in-stock Calacatta marble slabs that IRG. To find out more about one home renovator’s experience with choosing marble slabs, click here. Visit an IRG showroom near you—conveniently located in Brisbane, Dublin, and Sacramento—and IRG’s staff of marble experts can guide you through your selection.
Interior Design: Innen Studio & Gallois Interiors | Photography: Gallois Photo
The Medici Family hailed from Florence, Italy in the first half of the 15th century. Their sponsorships in art and architecture during the Renaissance helped to create many of the world’s finest paintings, sculpture, and architecture. IRG’s Calacatta Medici Marble derives its name from the Medici family. As the name implies, it is an Italian beauty embodying the look and feel of traditional luxury. Even today, the classic Italian white marble enjoys vast popularity for its elegant, understated design in all forms.
2. Where can Calacatta Medici marble be used?
Desire for white marble bathrooms and kitchen countertops made of Calacatta has endured for centuries, yet Calacatta Medici is by no means an ordinary choice. Its crisp, elegant look complements a variety of interior styles and applications. More contemporary kitchen designs, for example, might pair this Calacatta with complimentary elements like black or brass fixtures.
Marble slabs require sealing. And because marble is sensitive to acids, you’ll need to use a cutting board religiously and wipe away tomato sauce and lemon juice quickly. But over the years, marble develops a patina—which is part of its charm and beauty. Despite requiring some attention, maintaining and sealing your marble is a DIY project that doesn’t take much time.
No one has a better selection of in-stock marble slabs that IRG. Visit an IRG showroom near you (in Brisbane, Dublin, and Sacramento) to see this spectacular stone in person. Then let the IRG staff help you create your own Italian masterpiece as you set the stage for the personal masterpiece you call home.
The IRG Blog is your resource for stone product information, ideas and inspiration. Use our informational articles, project features, and product spotlights to help create your vision, then come into one of our showrooms to bring your ideas to life!
