If you’re researching kitchen worktops, you’ve probably come across an array of new terminology describing veined quartz such as Statuario and Calacatta without really knowing what they all mean. In this latest Blog, we’ll attempt to demystify some of these descriptions.
Captivating Calacatta
If a stone can be described as having charisma, then Calacatta has it in bucket-loads. Marble originating from the Apuan Mountain range has inspired quartz suppliers striving to emulate this naturally occurring pattern.
The main characteristics that all Calacatta type stones share is a bright white background with a combination of broad veins & narrow streaks. Veins tend to be pale grey whereas the narrow streaks are a darker more intense shade. Occasionally the streaks have flashes of yellow-ochre tones providing additional interest.
The breadth of colour means these stones co-ordinate with numerous painted cabinet schemes as well as natural wood, especially oak. Popular choices include Silestone Eternal Calacatta Gold, CRL Calacatta Dorado, Eterno Calacatta Gold, Nile Venatino, Nile Calacatta Black Fusion and Cimstone Calacatta Magnificio.
Taking colour to a new level CRL Palermo and Nile Quartz Calacatta Oro have striking auburn-toned veins.
Arresting Arabescato
Arabescato marbles are sourced from the same Italian region as calacattas. When transformed into quartz, they have a soft white background, but the veining is subtly different. Irregular circles throughout the broad grey veins add detail due to variations in the strength of colour and tone. Suited to monochrome colour schemes, examples include Eterno Arabescato, Caesarstone Arabetto and Quartz Forms Ocean Arctic.
Marvellous Misterio
Moving away from the broad veined look, brings Eterno Calacatta Misterio, Cimstone Cortina and Cimstone Britannica into the mix. These have the lightest distribution of irregular streaked grey veins and create an elegant, timeless look.
Adding wisps of gold widens the choice to Eterno Calacatta Glow and Caesarstone Layalite, while the simplicity of Cimstone Misterio Oro is due to purely gold veins.
Stunning Statuario
In terms of marble, Statuario has a cooler grey-tone background with free-flowing diagonal veins. When translated into quartz, it is the background that sets these apart. With more background pigment, the effect is less stark producing a refined, harmonious scheme. Choice is wide and the amount of veining varies considerably, occasionally straying into greige tones. Lightly veined options are Silestone Eternal Pearl Jasmine, CRL Antonella and CRL Milano. More obvious named selections include Caesarstone Statuario Nuvo, Caesarstone Statuario Maximus and Eterno Noble Venatino.
Without doubt, choosing a calacatta or statuario will definitely add a touch of luxury to your project. But don’t take our word for it – scroll through our materials catalogue or see them for yourself at our Bicester showroom.
