Italian Marble vs Indian Marble: A Detailed Comparison

If you want to learn about the differences between Italian marble vs Indian marble, this article is for you. From varieties to costs, we have everything covered.

Aside from their places of origin, the fundamental distinction between Italian and Indian marble is the hardness and shine of each. Italian marble has a high luster and a soft, crystal-like look, but Indian marble has a medium luster and is comparably harder.

To help you make a better-informed decision, we will walk you through some critical distinctions between Indian and Italian marble in this extensive post.

Italian Marble Vs Indian Marble

Here are the eleven differences between Italian and Indian marble:

Geographic Origin

Indian marble is, as its name suggests, a product of India. Natural stone quarries exist in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujrat, and Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, Italian marble originates in quarries in northern Italy.

The two marble surfaces’ sources and origins differ. It is necessary to import Italian marble from outside of Italy. Therefore, Italian marble is more challenging to work with than Indian marble because of its place of origin.

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Lustre

When choosing between Italian and Indian marble based on luster and gloss, Italian marble comes out on top. It has a shine of the highest caliber, giving it a glossy, glowing appearance. The medium luster of Indian marble, however, may not be as glossy as that of its Italian cousin.

While utilizing marble in residences, this luster may be less crucial; it unquestionably has a significant effect when used in public or commercial spaces. Italian marble’s high shine and distinctive organic veins are unlike any other stone’s surface. Italian marble flooring enhances interiors’ grandeur and is sure to turn heads.

Colors

Indian and Italian marbles come in various colors, which is astonishing. Italian Marble colours have an exquisite selection of colors like white, grey, blue-grey, pink, green, and more. Indian marble, on the other hand, comes in a wide range of colors, including green, black, grey, deep yellow, red, and white.

The colors of Indian and Italian marbles both exhibit unusual variety. Moreover, these colors give a wide range of tones and sub-shades inside a single head. With these stunning natural stones, you will undoubtedly find something to stand out.

Softness

Italian marble is far more fragile and soft than Indian marble. Even regular, light use may eventually acquire tiny hairline cracks. In addition to being tougher, its Indian counterpart is less prone to accidental harm. It is a glaring distinction between Indian and Italian marble and serves as a criterion for selecting which to use when.

The Italian marble should be in use in something other than flooring in areas that may experience heavy foot traffic or moving objects, like shopping malls or theatres. If you are sure you want to use marble alone, Indian marble would be a preferable option.

Italian marble might be an excellent option for not-very-durable counters, flooring, or wall accents. Yet, if you want maximum life with minimal maintenance and care in comparison, Indian marble may prove to be the better choice.

See Also: How To Do Proper Care For Marble Countertops?

Thickness

Italian marble vs Indian marble? Marbles from India and Italy come in a variety of thicknesses. Italian marble ranges from 18 to 20 mm, whereas Indian marble typically measures 15 to 20 mm thick. The variation in thickness also determines the application of the stone.

Indian and Italian marble size and thickness vary, impacting both the cost and mode of transportation. Italian marble is a little more delicate and requires extra attention. In addition, it needs exterior protection to stay safe, unlike Indian marble, which doesn’t need such minute details.

Durability

Italian marble is far softer than Indian marble and, as a result, less durable. For added durability against everyday wear and tear, this type of marble needs additional support, such as thin nylon sheets or nets on the back.

Italian marble must be treated with epoxy resins and extra pigments in complementary colors to strengthen it further. Hard stones might have the edges coated or bonded to prevent stone slabs from chipping or disintegrating during shipping or rough handling.

Types

Although both Indian and Italian marble come in various variations, only a few are the most well-liked. Indian marble is available in varieties, including the gleaming white Makrana marble, famously used in the Taj Mahal, or the premium Ambaji marble with Gujarati origins.

Similar to the numerous variations of Indian marble types in India, you should be aware of the extensively used Indian green marble, White Indian Statuario marble, Jodhpur pink marble, and Onyx marble. All the types of marble in India are listed above.

Italian counterparts include the highly prized Statuario marble, the golden Botticino, and the light grey Carrara kind, which we can distinguish by its distinctive veining. Other stunning example is the Rossa Verona, Crema Marfil, Nero (black) Marquina, and Perlato Sicilia.

See Also: What is Marble Veneer | And Is It Right For You?

Polishing

Indian marble is available in polished and unpolished forms, meeting various requirements for various settings. However, Italian marble has a nylon backing for further durability and is only available as one-sided polished slabs.

The significant difference between Italian marble and Indian marble typically makes it necessary to choose one over the other for varied purposes. As Indian marble, for example, is available in both polished and unpolished slabs, one can install them first and polish them later, once they have ultimately settled, without worrying about scratches or inconsistencies.

Yet, if you need professional assistance, laying down the marble slabs with the previously polished Italian marble can be challenging.

Laying

Italian marble vs Indian marble? Italian marble necessitates highly skilled and knowledgeable artisans for flawless stone laying. Its laying method is also more laborious and time-consuming. In addition to being thinner in comparison and significantly more prone to damage during installation due to inherent softness, the slabs are typically not polished on one side.

Conversely, Indian marble requires less technical knowledge. Its marble surface is more robust and less prone to scratches and abrasion than its Italian counterpart. Because of this, it requires less skilled oversight than Italian marble. Finding the correct person to handle the stone or paying exorbitant labor charges is fine.

Environmental concerns

Italian marble is more fragile and brittle than Indian marble. It calls for treating it with epoxy resins, complementary colors, and chemical resin sealers and strengthening it with a nylon backing. These dangerous substances have the potential to harm the environment.

The extraction, reinforcing, or application of Indian marble, on the other hand, does not involve the use of any poisons or chemicals. Another justification for why people choose Indian marble over Italian marble is because it is more affordable.

Costing

Regarding price per foot, Italian marble is slightly more expensive than its Indian counterpart. Indian marble costs INR 80 per square foot, compared to Italian marble’s starting price of INR 350.

Both flooring installations cost around the same—INR 10 to 300 per square foot.

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FAQs

Conclusion

We think you now fully understand the distinctions between Italian marble vs Indian marble after reading this article. Ultimately, marble flooring surfaces made of either Indian or Italian marble are considered more wealthy and beautiful.