For what application ? I never really liked Zellige tile and I do not think a cararra look alike would be my choice .But context is everything As for shipping damage it can happen and of course when ordering tile on line you add the issue of the real thing versus a picture. If you go pick it out in a good tile shop they have it shipped to them so usually they have a good shipper . You always need to order more than you need no matter what tile . The lead issue I have no idea about. Your good tile setter can answer the grout question with showing you samples .

@Patricia Colwell Consulting- for kitchen backsplash i was referring to their zellige color ”white carrera”, not marble :)

thanks for your feedback!

You can do Daltile Mesmerist for less than half the cost of that, and it's a much better North American made tile. https://www.daltile.com/products/wall/mesmerist/spirit

Or Zellige Neo by Marazzi is US manufactured. https://www.marazziusa.com/products/wall/zellige-neo/gesso

@Minardi thank you! will look them up and appreciate alternatives (especially lead-free ones) because Ann Sacks is quite pricey!

@eam44 any reason why not ann sacks for zellige? You all have inspired me to continue my search for other options. Thanks!

Ann Sacks has amazing tile, you choose them for the posh arty stuff you can’t get anywhere else. There is nothing posh about zellige - it’s peasant tile. It’s like ordering a burger at The French Laundry. It’ll be good, possibly great, but it will probably be a little less irregular or interesting than the real thing.

Buy whatever you like. If you’ve found your tile, you’ve found your tile, but people’s fascination with zellige lies somewhere between cultural appropriation and the absurd. It’s handmade ceramic tile that was crafted without the elimination of imperfections. It’s also a matter of taste. I would not want a Tuscan kitchen, or a French country kitchen in an American Foursquare or a Cape or Colonial. But many, many others do. Whatever you choose I hope it brings you joy every time you look at it.

@eam44 Thank you--totally makes sense! I got a quote on it (which I should have done earlier), and I can buy a slab of Marble with that...so back to the drawing board. sigh.

I like the look of zellige tile - however, I decided to do a zellige look tile instead. I just was worried about it being used so much in so many kitchens - and worried that it shouldn't be in my traditional home. While my new tile wasn't cheap - it won't make me cry whenever I decide I'd like to change it to something else.

@dani_m08 would you pls share what you used instead?

If you show us your space and materials, we can help find options for you. Ideally you want your counter tops to be installed before you choose your tile so you can see samples in your own space and light.