When it comes time to choose a natural stone countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, it’s no wonder that marble is at the top of many homeowners’ wish lists.

The timeless beauty of marble has been displayed for centuries in some of the world’s most famous buildings, the Parthenon, and sculptures, Michelangelo’s David. In modern homes, marble remains the natural stone standard for all kitchen and bathroom countertops, and granite is the second most popular choice.

There are so many types and colors of marble to choose from, your first order of business should be to find an experienced and well-qualified natural stone dealer to help you decide. The most important thing to remember about marble is this: no two slabs are the same. So you are guaranteed to have a unique marble kitchen or bathroom countertop that is one of a kind.

While there are many types of marble to choose from, there are five popular options that stand out above the rest. They are mined in Italy, home of the finest and most popular marble in the world, and in Spain.

Let’s look at each of the five:

Calacatta marble

Simply, this is the jewel of marble. Mined in the Italian region of Carrara, the stone is somewhat rare and makes it more precious and expensive. This is usually a white marble with dark gray veins running through the natural stone and a hint of gold.

Its popularity is partly due to its historical importance: the stone was Michelangelo’s favorite. But its stunning beauty is unparalleled in the world of natural stone and is hard to resist.

Carrara marble

This could be considered the poorer sister of Calacatta marble, not because it is less beautiful or functional, but because it is found in greater quantities, making it less expensive than the rarer Calcutta.

Still, it is a precious stone. While it is also white like Calacatta, it is not as bright. In addition, its streaks are not gray but of another shade of white.

Milan gray

This marble, mined in Milan, is nothing like Calacatta or Carrara marble. It has a dark gray color with light gray veining. Homeowners with a contemporary design often prefer Milan gray for its fresher, more uniform appearance. Although it can be used for bathroom and kitchen countertops and as flooring, one of its most popular uses is as a shower wall or tile backsplash.

Dark emperor

Emperador marble is found in various regions of Spain and comes in a variety of colors. The most popular among them is known as the Dark Emperor. Its coloration, an intense chocolate brown with irregular veins, gives the stone a warm feeling that translates into a cozy feeling in any kitchen or bathroom where it is used. A popular choice among homeowners, Dark Emperador is especially popular as adjoining flooring or fireplaces, but is also a good choice for kitchen and bathroom vanity countertops, depending on the color schemes in play.

Ivory Cream

Although this Spanish marble comes in a variety of colors, the most popular, and widely known, is a creamy yellow with many variations of grain. Like Emperado, Crema Marfil is a warm natural stone and adds a homely touch to any home.

Crema Marfil is a popular choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops where its color blends very well with the right color scheme. It is also a popular choice for backsplashes, flooring, and wallcovering.

Since marble is a natural porous stone, oils and stains can seep onto its surface. It is also softer than granite or quartz. This means it can easily chip or scratch if you’re not careful. Therefore, care is required when you have marble in your home. Many homeowners choose to seal their marble countertops to remove any stain problems.

As mentioned above, your first step in deciding what type of marble you would like to use for your kitchen or bathroom vanity is selecting the right distributor. When you work with an established and reputable cultured marble dealer, you can be sure that you will find the right natural stone for the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams.