Are Authentic Calacatta Murano marble and engineered stone same?
Authentic Calacatta Murano marble and engineered stone are often compared, but are they really the same? Whether you’re an interior designer or a residential customer looking to give your surroundings an exceptional look, the choice can be particularly difficult.
And where does this come from?
Quite simply because, at first sight, both are attractive.
But since all that glitters isn’t necessarily gold, it’s particularly important to know the pros and cons of these two totally different products.
Is the comparison really possible?
Trying to compare a natural stone to an assembly of quartz, sand and resin is perhaps already an affront to the natural beauty that marble masons and sculptors have been using since the dawn of time.
However, when reconstituted stones invaded the market with, as their main argument, their self-proclaimed versatility, an undeniable form of aestheticism covered up a certain other side of the coin. Of course, we can say that there are differences on many levels, but the use and destination of the stone should already make an initial selection. The time has come to take a closer look at the essential elements of each of these offers!
Authentic Calacatta Murano marble is both… authentic and perfectly natural, extracted from prestigious quarries.
It’s a long history of craftsmanship that will accompany Calacatta Murano on its way to its next destination.
What’s more, its most elegant feature is that it has veins of subtle grey tones, dotted with a few golden lines, making it truly unique and instantly recognisable among the thousands of other marbles.
The vein pattern of the stone panels gives each environment an incomparable personality, offering a structure that is pleasant to the touch and that only real marble can provide.
This brilliant crystalline stone has come down to us from a very remote origin, as it was formed during the process of recrystallisation. In particular, when the rock was exposed for long periods to enormous pressure and intense heat. Today, at an altitude of 2,200 metres, this exceptional natural site offers this Calacatta marble, which, as well as its refined beauty, is impressively resistant.
Its velvety, sober appearance, with its warm, delicate greys, touches of gold, transforms any space into an unforgettable setting, given by its veins dans the delicate patterns, named the own charm, timeless and irreplaceable of this remarkable marble.
For all these technical aspects, this marble can be chosen to decorate spaces with particular constraints, thanks to its natural ability to resist oil and water. These aspects are very important, especially when it comes to maintaining high-traffic areas.
Some areas may simply be off-limits to other stones, while the presence of oily liquids or grease is part of everyday life. Choosing Calacatta can be a solution that offers beauty and long-term durability.
So it’s not just an aesthetic choice, but one that has positive long-term effects, for example by making cleaning sessions easier or reducing the amount of maintenance or polishing that is sometimes required.
So compared to this marble,what does engineered stones have to offer?
Versatility is the number one argument, given that this reconstituted stone is made from natural materials, in particular quartz sand, and synthetic materials in the form of the resins used.
While this combination seems perfectly feasible and gives a harmonious appearance to any creation of slabs, paving stones or flagstones, a first question nevertheless arises. We are dealing with elements of different origins, offering different degrees of resistance, and in use, many defects.
From an aesthetic point of view, although the range of colours is particularly impressive, this stone will never reach the depth of marble, and is in no way capable of reproducing what nature has done in the crystalline aspect so particular to Calacatta.
It has to be said, however, that some of these stones can be used in amusing ways, thanks to their colour, leaving plenty of room for overflowing creativity. But creativity often goes hand in hand with fashion, and what’s trendy quickly becomes… old-fashioned. This is what we might call the first ‘aesthetic limit’. There’s another…
Not least, its initial resistance, thanks to the skilful composition of the structure, does not seem to meet the expectations we have a right to have with marble. It’s all about durability, and when faced with knocks, scratches, liquids and oily components, well… reconstituted stone suffers.
The surface quickly becomes less smooth, leaves visible marks and, what’s more, becomes increasingly difficult to maintain. If the price to be paid for a reconstituted stone, with its surprising appearance, is an increase in maintenance difficulties, this raises a few questions about the appropriateness of installing it in a specific chosen location.
That’s when a certain lassitude sets in.
Are you torn between practicality, form, function and elegance?
The choice between Calacatta Murano and engineered stone must be guided by reason. It is above all the search for practicality and aesthetics in the stone’s intended function that should guide your steps, as discussed in the other paragraphs.
In another area, not related to aesthetics, but just as important, voices are being raised to point out the toxicity of resins when they are used.
If you want to enjoy a strong link with nature and exceptional aesthetics, with each piece of Calacatta Murano being truly unique, this is the choice for you.
As you can see, Calacatta Murano is not just a beautiful marble. It’s water and oil resistant, and ready to age beautifully by your side, offering you its natural distinction for many, many years to come.
The transformation and realisation of any project starts with a few lines and ends with a masterpiece. Don’t hesitate to tell us all about your project and ask for a free consultation, so you can discover Calacatta Murano and… like all the most beautiful stones, fall in love with it!
