That has to be the real deal - looks like a honed carrera marble or something close to it. note the soft reflection of the honed surface... very cool.

Quartz products are trying to give you the feel of Carrera Marble without the worry... But they just haven't matched the singular beauty of natural stone... Both Silestone and Cambria have their efforts.
Visit www.DesingingRichmond.com for a complete rundown on different countertop materials on the market!
Good Luck! IF you run across a great substitute... Email me! Everyday something new comes along!

Linda Berg

Amazing! Thank you both for the feedback. My kitchen is super small, but I need something durable! I just LOVE the way the calcutta marble looks!

I am in love with marble, but also needed something durable. I just purchased a "white macubaus" granite. It is white with grey streaks and mimics marble, but with all the durability of granite! Good luck!

I found an excellent substitute for our new home called "Dolcetto), it;s a quartzite from australia. Beautiful, but as expensive as Calacutta.

Thank you so much!! I am excited to look at these options!

Thank you so much for all these ideas. I too adore this marble. I am redoing my kitchenand need to pick a counter top. I have always been concerned about the durability of it.... from the sounds of it, it seems to be holding up well. Now I'm more confused than ever about which to choose!!

...etching from lemon juice? Did you have the marble sealed or is there other way to prevent that?

Our marble was sealed (3 years ago), but sealing can't protect against etching from lemon juice, etc. The calcium in the marble reacts instantly with acids, leaving an etch. We're just embracing the natural "patina" that's developing over time. ClearstoneUSA.com claims their special top-coating process can protect marble from etching as well as stains. I don't think we're going to go that way b/c I'd be worried about changing the natural feel of the marble; have never seen/touched a Clearstone-coated marble top.

I also ADORE Calcutta gold and Carrera gold marbles. when i am in my absolute forever house, i will definitely get it. we've been in our house 7 yrs now and are going to redo our kitchen (its about time!) . I was concerned about getting it knowing at some point we'll be selling our house and didn't know if everyone else would appreciate the marble, etchings and all, as much as I do. Needless to say, I have chosen my countertops. Treesco, I also picked out White Macabus granite. My slab place got in a whole bunch of it and it sort of had 3 separate color groups...about 1/3 of them were really white with the slightest bit of grey, the next 1/3 was mostly white but with really nice grey veining, the last 1/3 had a good bit less white and lots of grey with darker grey going through. The slabs were getting picked REALLY fast and was thrilled I was able to get there a day and a half after they got it in so I was able to get the ones I wanted ( the second group..it has the grey veining that mostly resembled the marble. Haven't had it put in yet, but I'm happy with my choice. My next house WILL be Marble!

Take a look at Cambria Torquay. It's a durable quartz that requires no sealing. Looks similar to marble.

I love this kitchen! Bright, airy and beautiful! Similar colors to what I'm planning, cabs, counters...now rethinking the darker island cabinet. The Calcutta Gold would be my dream island countertop either way, but am afraid for resale going with the marble. Thank you for all the answers and comments, Subee, I've been reading everything. Thanks everyone for the other counter top suggestions.

Do you mind sharing the resource for the table?

Take a look at the natural stonesTaj Mahal Quartzite or Perla Venata Quartize, I'm told they're as hard or harder than granite.

Can you tell me what surface you used on the countertops to complement the calcutta gold?

The perimeter countertops are pietra di cardosa -- which is kind of like a combination of slate and soapstone.

Your kitchen is spectacular but even more so is your good humour, generosity of spirit, and sheer kindness in sharing all your great ideas and learning with the rest of us. Thank you so much!

What finish is the floor?

Can you tell me what type of stove that is?

The fir floors are stained Puritan Pine, and the range is an 8-burner, all-gass BlueStar.

Do you like the Bluestar? In comparison did you look at any others?

Yes - I like it a lot. Wanted something high-powered/close to professional. Not a lot of bells and whistles (digital controls, etc.) -- which some people will appreciate but others may not. The infrared broiler is great.

I really wanted to use marble but was just too scared about etching etc. So I chose a granite called Andromeda White also known as White Sri Lanka. It is basically white with gray swirling and small dark purple spots. I can't wait to get it installed!

I heard that Granite Shield will prevent 80% etching on marble. has anyone used it?

Wall color: Is the Edgecomb gray at 50% strength?

100%, but the room had a ton of natural light.

Thank you so much, subeeskitchen, for all of this valuable and helpful design information- offered so generously. You have created one of the most beautiful kitchens I have ever seen! An inspiration!

I love the corbels on your kitchen island. I am trying to find something similar. Do you know the manufacturer? Thank you!

Thanks - they were custom made by our cabinetmaker.

Can you tell me where the lights are from?

Haverhill by Hudson Valley

Hi! I'm wondering how thick the countertops are? Thank you for the awesome answers!

The countertops here are 1 1/4" (standard).