Marble

Arabescato Cervaiole

Arabescato Cervaiole is one of the most prestigious white marbles of Italy – a calcite marble from the famous Cervaiole quarry above Seravezza in the Apuan Alps (province of Lucca, Tuscany). The polished slab shows a clear pure white ground tone crossed by powerful, organically branching dark grey to black veins that read like an arabesque mosaic of white marble fragments and dark fissures – hence the name 'Arabescato'. At ROSSITTIS we fabricate the slabs into prestige wall compositions, classic bathrooms, stairs, vanity tops, window sills and exclusive interior fit-out components with the highest premium feel.

Marble Italy 2.724 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs, Tiles and flooring slabs

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About Arabescato Cervaiole

Background. Arabescato Cervaiole is one of the most prestigious white marbles in the world. The deposits lie on Monte Altissimo above Seravezza in the Apuan Alps, in the Cervaiole quarry (Provincia di Lucca, north-western Tuscany) – one of the oldest and most renowned marble quarrying districts of Italy. The Cervaiole quarry has been active since the late Renaissance and was visited by Michelangelo in person and considered by him as a source of sculpture material. Today the quarry is operated by Henraux S.p.A., a marble company founded in 1821 that ranks among the most historically significant and quality-conscious marble suppliers worldwide. The Henraux quarries shaped many classic buildings, among them Parisian opera houses and numerous Italian sacred buildings.

Geology. Petrographically, Arabescato Cervaiole is a calcite marble from the Apuan Alps, the same mountain district as Bianco Carrara, Calacatta, Statuario and Bianco Gioia. The marble is a metamorphosed marine limestone from Triassic-Liassic sedimentary stages, recrystallised by Alpine orogeny. The grain fabric is medium- to coarse-crystalline, the mineralogy predominantly calcite (about 95–98 %) with small proportions of dolomite and quartz. The characteristic dark grey veins are tectonically formed fissures filled with more darkly pigmented mineral material (often anthracite-grey calcite, occasionally traces of mica and pyrite). The veining is organic and irregular – every slab shows its own 'arabesque' pattern, which gave the marble its name ('arabescato' = arabesque-like).

Origin of the name. 'Arabescato' comes from the Italian word for 'arabesque' – the powerful, organically branching veins recall the filigree ornamentation of Islamic decoration (the arabesque). In the Italian marble trade, several grades are carried under the name 'Arabescato', among them Arabescato Carrara, Arabescato Vagli and the Arabescato Cervaiole documented here – each with its own, slightly different play of veins and tone.

Appearance. The ground tone is a clear, cool pure white without a cream note – comparable with Bianco Statuario from the same mountain district. Across the ground run powerful, organically branching dark grey to anthracite main veins and finer secondary veins. The vein figuring is markedly higher in contrast and more 'arabesquely' branched than in a classic Bianco Carrara, somewhat darker and more angular than in a Calacatta with golden veining. In its movement the slab recalls a composed mosaic of white marble fragments and dark veins – very dramatic, very expressive.

Technical values. Arabescato Cervaiole reaches a bulk density of around 2,724 kg/m³, a water absorption of about 0.40 %, a compressive strength of approximately 132 MPa and a remarkably high flexural strength of around 20.7 MPa. Mohs hardness 3–4. The flexural strength of 20.7 MPa is outstandingly strong for a calcite marble and makes the marble mechanically more resilient than many softer marbles. Frost resistance is given, but the polish does not last permanently under open weathering – the acid sensitivity of the calcite remains.

ROSSITTIS range. The surface finishes currently held in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From these we fabricate prestige wall cladding (including bathroom walls and columns), interior floors in large format or tile format, stairs with treads and risers, window sills, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds, sculpture plinths and carefully planned kitchen components (islands, bar counters). On large wall surfaces the arabesque play of veins comes into its own particularly powerfully with bookmatch installation – two slabs mirrored against one another produce a symmetrical butterfly pattern that becomes the design high point in prestige bathrooms and foyers.

Comparison. Within the Apuan marble family, Arabescato Cervaiole is among the most prestigious grades alongside Bianco Statuario (powerfully veined) and Calacatta Oro (with golden veining). Compared with Bianco Carrara, Arabescato appears more dramatic and higher in contrast; compared with Calacatta, more linear and more angular; compared with Statuario, with somewhat more branching of the veins. In the premium marble segment, Arabescato Cervaiole is one of the most sought-after grades.

Honest assessment. Arabescato Cervaiole is a statement marble for clients and architects looking for a prestigious premium building stone with powerful arabesque vein figuring. It is not the stone for quiet, restrained interiors – its strength lies in the dramatic veining, which unfolds its full effect in prestige foyers, bathrooms and wall compositions. As a calcite marble it remains acid-sensitive; with good sealing, careful maintenance and realistic expectations it is one of the most beautiful white marbles of Italy.

Technical data

Guide values for the stone type, taken from manufacturer and test reports. Natural stone is a natural product — individual batches and slabs can differ. For critical applications, request slab-specific test data.

Rohdichte 2.724 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 132,0 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 20,7 MPa

Wasseraufnahme 0,40 %

Säurebeständig Nein

Suitability by application

Suitable with limitations

Küche & Arbeitsplatten △ Limited
Bodenbelag △ Limited

Finishes

Arabescato Cervaiole is available in a range of finishes. The finish affects appearance, feel and the care it needs.

Poliert

Politur ist die klassischste Veredelung für Marmor und Kalkstein — eine glänzende Oberfläche mit höchstmöglicher Farbintensität und ausgeprägter Tiefenwirkung der Aderung. Je nach mineralischer Zusammensetzung kann die Wirkung stellenweise mattglänzend sein. Säureempfindlich — Wein, Zitrone und Essig hinterlassen Ätzspuren bei längerer Einwirkung.

Care & fabrication

Cleaning. For everyday use, warm water, a soft cloth or a clean mop and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH stone cleaner are sufficient. Soapy marble care products and mild all-purpose cleaners without acid are suitable. Take up spilled acidic liquids – wine, citrus juice, vinegar, cola, tomato – immediately, because on calcite marble they leave dull etch marks that can only be removed by re-polishing. On the bright white surface such changes are visually particularly conspicuous, above all in contrast with the dark veins.

Do not use. Vinegar and citric acid, limescale and bathroom cleaners, anti-limescale sprays, descalers, WC cleaners, concrete and rust removers, highly concentrated all-purpose cleaners and chlorine-based bleaches are out of the question. On white marble with high-contrast veins, acid damage is particularly clearly visible. Abrasive pads scratch the polished surface.

Sealing. A silane-polysiloxane-based sealer is mandatory in all applications. It protects the surface against grease, oil and water stains. We recommend the first sealing directly after installation and a refresh every two to three years, annually in heavily used areas.

Kitchen. On kitchen worktops, Arabescato Cervaiole is usable only with qualifications. Acidic foods leave dull patches without protection. For the actual kitchen work surface with daily acid exposure we recommend more acid-proof alternatives. Anyone who absolutely wants the exclusive marble character should use the slab as an island or buffet accent and not as a pure work surface.

Bathroom. In the bathroom, Arabescato Cervaiole is a classic premium choice – vanity tops, wall cladding, bath surrounds. Consistently avoid anti-limescale sprays and limescale-dissolving bathroom cleaners. Wipe off water drops and soap residues with a soft cloth.

Floor. The surface finishes currently held in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. For heavily loaded floors, materials such as granite or porcelain are more practical.

Outdoors. Frost resistance is given, but under open weathering the polish changes over the long term into a matt surface. Consistently avoid de-icing salt in winter. Indoors the material unfolds its real strength.

Repair. Dull acid marks or scratches can be locally re-polished by a stonemason. Deeper damage can be filled with pigmented marble filler and matched precisely in colour.

Frequently asked questions

What is Arabescato Cervaiole geologically?

A metamorphosed marine limestone from the Apuan Alps (Provincia di Lucca, Tuscany) – the most prestigious white marble mountain district of Italy. The deposits lie on Monte Altissimo in the Cervaiole quarry above Seravezza. Mineralogically around 95–98 % calcite, with small proportions of dolomite and quartz. The veining arose from tectonically formed fissures filled with more darkly pigmented mineral material.

What does the name 'Arabescato' mean?

'Arabescato' comes from the Italian word for 'arabesque' – the powerful, organically branching veins recall the filigree ornamentation of Islamic decoration (the arabesque). In the Italian marble trade, several grades are carried under 'Arabescato': Arabescato Carrara, Arabescato Vagli and Arabescato Cervaiole – each with its own play of veins.

What is the history of the Cervaiole quarry?

The Cervaiole quarry on Monte Altissimo near Seravezza has been active since the late Renaissance and was visited by Michelangelo in person and considered by him as a source of sculpture material. Today it is operated by Henraux S.p.A. (founded in 1821) – one of the most historically significant marble companies worldwide, which shaped many classic buildings such as Parisian opera houses and Italian sacred buildings.

What technical values does Arabescato Cervaiole have?

Bulk density around 2,724 kg/m³, water absorption 0.40 %, compressive strength about 132 MPa, flexural strength a remarkable 20.7 MPa (outstandingly strong for a calcite marble). Mohs hardness 3–4. Frost resistance is given; under open weathering the polish turns matt over the long term.

Is Arabescato Cervaiole suitable for kitchen worktops?

With qualifications. Like all calcite marbles, Arabescato reacts to acids (wine, lemon, vinegar, tomato, cola) with dull etch marks. With good silane sealing, use on bar counters and island tops is practicable if the patina that develops over time is accepted as material character; for heavily loaded work surfaces with daily acid exposure, an acid-proof alternative (a pale quartzite, engineered quartz, porcelain) makes more sense.

Which finishes does ROSSITTIS supply?

The surface finishes currently held in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block on this page.

Which cleaners may I use?

Permitted are warm water, neutral to slightly alkaline stone care products and mild all-purpose cleaners without acid. Out of the question are acetic, citric and hydrochloric acid, limescale cleaners, anti-limescale sprays, concrete and rust removers, chlorine-based bleaches and solvents.

Arabescato Cervaiole or Calacatta Oro?

Both are prestigious white Apuan marbles. Arabescato Cervaiole shows powerfully branched arabesque dark grey to anthracite veins (often very high in contrast); Calacatta Oro, by contrast, a white ground surface with warm golden vein flows (a markedly warmer impression). The choice is a stylistic decision between cool and arabesque (Cervaiole) and warm and luxurious (Calacatta Oro).