White marble is one of the most sought-after materials on the natural stone market.
The most popular choices are Bianco Carrara Marble and Turkish White Marble, two exquisite types of marble that, although similar in appearance, differ in origin, composition, and characteristics.
Unfortunately, some companies may label Turkish White Marble as Authentic Italian Bianco Carrara due to its lower cost, leading to confusion among buyers.
In this post, we’ll look at the differences between these two beautiful stones so you can make an informed decision when purchasing.
1. Origin and Manufacturing Process
- Bianco Carrara from Italy: This beautiful type of marble comes from the city of Carrara in Tuscany, Italy. This area has a reputation for making some of the finest marble in the world. Quarried and manufactured exclusively in Italy, Bianco Carrara marble is known for its uniform, white background and soft grey veining.
- White Marble from Turkey: This marble is quarried from the Muğla region in Turkey and is also manufactured locally. It features a white background similar to Bianco Carrara Marble but is known for stronger, more pronounced grey veining.
2. Appearance: Veining and Texture
- Bianco Carrara: Italian Bianco Carrara marble has a softer and subtler look, with gentle grey veins. The background is generally more consistent, giving the marble a subtle aesthetic that works well in both classic and modern designs.
- Turkish White Marble: Turkish white marble is equally striking, just in a different way. The veining is bolder and the stone has a more crystalline texture, giving it a brighter and more reflective surface. This type of marble may appeal to those looking for a more dramatic or eye-catching design.
3. Durability and Maintenance
- Bianco Carrara: One of the advantages of Bianco Carrara is its density, which makes it more durable. It is well-suited for high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops or flooring. Marble, in general, requires sealing and regular maintenance, but out of the options, Bianco Carrara is less prone to etching and staining compared to softer varieties.
- Turkish White Marble: Turkish White Marble, is softer and less dense than Bianco Carrara marble. This makes it more prone to scratching, chipping and etching over time. Because of its crystalline structure, it is more vulnerable to damage if not properly maintained.
4. Price and Mislabeling Issues
- Bianco Carrara: As an Italian product, Bianco Carrara comes with a premium price tag. Its reputation for quality, elegance and durability makes it a great choice for high-end projects.
- Turkish White Marble: Turkish white marble is a more affordable alternative, largely due to the cost of production and material availability. However, some companies take advantage of its similarity to Bianco Carrara and market it as such to offer a lower-priced product. Customers need to be aware of this practice to avoid purchasing Turkish White Marble under the misconception that it is Italian Bianco Carrara.
How to Ensure You Are Buying Authentic Bianco Carrara Marble Tiles
- Check the Source: Bianco Carrara Marble Tiles should always be sourced from Italy. When purchasing, ask for documentation or certificates of origin to ensure that the marble was quarried in Carrara, Italy.
- Visual Inspection: Look for the fine, soft veining that is characteristic of Bianco Carrara. If the veining is bold or the marble has a crystal-like texture, it is more likely to be Turkish White Marble tiles.
- Consult an Expert: Working with a reputable stone supplier, like Authentic Stone, will ensure you receive the highest quality marble for your project. We provide detailed information on the origin and characteristics of all our marble, so you can be confident in your choice.
Before You Go..
Both Bianco Carrara and Turkish White Marble are beautiful stone choices that will complement a range of projects.
If you are looking for a classic, elegant look, make sure you buy authentic Bianco Carrara and not a misrepresented alternative.
If you are looking for Bianco Carrara marble, contact us at Authentic Stone to learn more about our wide range of natural stone products and how we can help you select the perfect marble for your next project.
