Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Royal Stone Care
Marble is made up mainly of recrystallised carbonate minerals, and geologists use the term to described metamorphosed limestone.
The different types of marble natural stone is usually classed in three different ways:
- Dolomite – if magnesium carbonate content is over 40%
- Magnesium – if magnesium content is between 5% and 40%
- Calcite – when magnesium carbonate content is below 5%
Marble stone is the preferred kind of this natural rock when used in sculpture and architecture, including in foyers, bars, tables, countertops, bathrooms, fireplaces and the like, since it looks incredibly elegant and is very easy to clean.
Not all marble is the same
Marble is a versatile, varied stone with dozens of different types available. What’s more, colours range from classic white to gold-flecked stone or bold blues and reds. Other changing characteristics include strength and patterns such as veining and swirls. So no two pieces of marble are ever the same.
It can have a glossy or non-glossy surface, as well as a non-reflective finish, recommended for outside uses.
Further marble stone can be further divided into pure white or coloured – with available shades including yellow, grey, green, pink and brown.
Many different countries produce their own kind of marble – some of which may or may not be classed as such by purist geologists. These include Egypt, India (whose white marble was used to build the Taj Mahal) much of Europe, North America, Australia and much of Europe.
In Britain and Ireland, types of marble include the Ashford black and Purbeck varieties (although the latter is no longer quarried), as well as those from Connemara, Iona and Sussex.
Popular marble types for kitchen worktops
When it comes to kitchen countertops, there are numerous options. But among the most popular marble varieties for worktops are Bianco Carrara, Calacatta Gold, and Arabescato Calacatta. Each one brings something different to this intimate space in your home, whether you are after drama, sophistication or anything else. Look forward to enjoying a heady dash of luxury and class, more affordably than you may have realised.
Two of the more popular types of marble are from Italy, Carrara and Calacatta, and they can look quite similar since both are white with grey veining. However, Carrara tends to be greyer with a softer, more linear veining, while Calacatta is a bolder white and its veining is more striking.
Another key difference is that Calacatta is the rarer kind of marble, and so is considered a luxury stone. Its heavy veining is in stark contrast with its crisp white background, and so can make for a striking appearance when it comes to showers and floor tiles.
At the same time, though, Carrara, the more readily available marble, is another beautiful and classic choice for bathrooms.
Decide which marble best suits your needs
Not all marble is created equal. Each type has unique pros and cons. Carrara for instance has a timeless charm. Meanwhile Onyx has an exotic feel. Research which sort would best suit your kitchen and personal tastes. You’ll need to consider factors including ease of maintenance, vulnerability to chipping and staining and whether you might want to fit backsplash protection to safeguard against water and other liquid splashes.
With so many different kinds of marble available on today’s market, make your choice carefully and seek professional advice about what looks best in your environment if you need to.
Consult a professional installer
Talking to an expert installer is the best way to pick the best marble and finish type for your budget and needs. This also ensures you fit it to perfection. A professional also takes care of all the details of installation, potentially saving you hours of research time.
And remember, whatever kind of marble you have, follow our marbleguide to keeping it in good shape in between professional cleans.
