Marble

Arabescato Vagli

Arabescato Vagli is a classic Apuan premium white marble from the Vagli di Sotto quarry district (Garfagnana, province of Lucca, Tuscany) – petrographically a true metamorphic marble from the Apuan Alps with characteristically dramatic 'arabesque' veining. The slab shows a brilliant white ground tone with characteristic oval white clast-like fields enclosed by dramatic grey-green, occasionally delicately pink vein networks – the 'arabesque' pattern that gives it its name. At ROSSITTIS we fabricate Arabescato Vagli into prestige bathroom fit-outs with bookmatch mirroring, statement wall cladding, dining tables, furniture tops, stair arrangements and special accent elements with a dramatically elegant Italian marble effect.

Petrographisch ein echter metamorpher Marmor aus den Apuanischen Alpen – ein metamorph rekristallisiertes Karbonatgestein, entstanden aus ursprünglich sedimentären Trias-/Jura-Kalksteinen (vor etwa 200 Millionen Jahren) durch alpine Metamorphose während der alpidischen Gebirgsbildung. Die Lagerstätte befindet sich im Steinbruchgebiet Vagli di Sotto in der Garfagnana, in der Provinz Lucca (Toskana, Italien). Im Gegensatz zu vielen „Marmor"-Sortierungen im internationalen Steinhandel, die petrographisch Kalksteine sind, ist Arabescato Vagli ein echter geologischer Marmor. „Arabescato" verweist auf das ornamental-arabeske Adernetzwerk; „Vagli" markiert die hochwertige Steinbruch-Provenienz. Mineralogisch dominiert Calcit – damit voll säureempfindlich.

Marble Italy 2.714 kg/m³

Available as: Slabs · 3 of 26 reserved

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About Arabescato Vagli

Background. Arabescato Vagli is one of the most iconic and, in design terms, most dramatic white marbles of the world-famous Carrara marble family from the Apuan Alps in Tuscany – the historic centre of Italian marble production for over 2,000 years. Within the Apuan marble region, Arabescato Vagli positions itself as the highest-contrast, most dramatically veined grade – markedly more expressive than the restrained Bianco Carrara grades or the finely veined Statuario variants. The trade name 'Arabescato' refers to the ornamental, arabesque vein network that runs across the slab like a calligraphic composition – every slab is a one-off. The specific 'Vagli' provenance marks the quarry district of the same name near Vagli di Sotto in the Garfagnana, one of the highest-quality Apuan sub-districts.

Geology and occurrence. Petrographically, Arabescato Vagli is a true metamorphic marble – a metamorphically recrystallised carbonate rock formed from originally sedimentary Triassic/Liassic limestones (about 200 million years ago) by Alpine metamorphism during the Alpide orogeny. In this metamorphism the originally sedimentary calcite crystals were recrystallised at high temperatures and pressures into larger, interlocking calcite crystals – the end product is a compact crystalline marble structure. The characteristic grey-green vein networks arise from metamorphically concentrated remnants of the original sedimentary material (clay minerals, chlorite, organic substances, occasionally pyrite) along fracture and bedding planes. The deposit of Arabescato Vagli lies in the Vagli di Sotto quarry district in the Garfagnana, in the province of Lucca (Tuscany, Italy) – one of the significant sub-districts of the Apuan marble basin. Geologically, the grade is one of the few petrographically true marbles – in contrast to many 'marble' grades in international stone trading which are petrographically in fact limestones.

Appearance. The ground tone is a brilliant white to light grey and creamy Apuan marble with a subtle golden shimmer. Across the surface runs the defining design feature: characteristic oval white clast-like fields ('ovular fields') enclosed by powerful grey-green vein networks – like calligraphic characters or an arabesque wallpaper. The veins vary in width and intensity, some powerfully broad, others hair-fine. Occasionally delicate pink accents appear, giving the slab additional variation in depth. The composition varies strongly between individual slabs – every slab is a one-off. From a middle distance the surface appears dramatically animated with a high-contrast black-and-white effect; close up, one discovers the fine crystalline calcite structure and the geological complexity of the vein courses. Stylistically, Arabescato Vagli positions itself between the quieter Bianco Carrara family and the even more dramatic Calacatta Vagli grades.

Technical properties (Payanini/MGS). Bulk density 2,714 kg/m³, compressive strength 144.3 MPa, flexural strength 10.0 MPa, abrasion group 0.44 cm³/50 cm² (very good by marble standards), Mohs hardness about 3 – 4 (calcite). The stone therefore lies in the more stable range of the marble family. Acid sensitivity: complete (calcitic) – vinegar, wine, lemon, tomato and cola leave immediate etch marks on polished surfaces. Frost resistance: not officially documented.

ROSSITTIS range. The surface finishes currently held in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From the slabs we fabricate prestige bathroom fit-outs (vanity tops, wall and floor applications, showers with proper tanking), statement wall cladding with bookmatch mirroring, dining tables, buffet and furniture tops, stair arrangements with treads and risers, interior floors in large format or tile format, bar counters, window sills and skirtings.

Comparison. Within the Carrara marble family, Arabescato Vagli positions itself as the highest-contrast arabesque-veined grade. Related grades with different degrees of movement are Arabescato Corchia (somewhat quieter, from the Corchia district), Arabescato Cervaiole (similarly high in contrast), Calacatta Vagli (the same Vagli provenance, with golden accents), Statuario (the classic premium statement with powerful black veins on a purer white) and Bianco Carrara CD (markedly quieter, without dramatic veining). Compared with Calacatta Vagli, Arabescato Vagli is cooler and greyer (without golden undertones); compared with Statuario, the veining is markedly more arabesque and more ornamental. Within the Apuan premium marble family, Arabescato Vagli is one of the most striking options in design terms.

Honest assessment. Arabescato Vagli is the ideal choice for any application wanting a dramatically arabesque Italian premium marble feel with high-contrast veining. The grade performs particularly strongly as statement wall cladding with bookmatch in luxurious master bathroom schemes or prestige living spaces, as a dining table or bar counter top, as a bathroom vanity top and as a high-quality furniture top in premium interiors. Anyone looking for a quietly elegant marble effect should reach for Bianco Carrara CD or Bianco Sivec; anyone wanting warmer, golden-yellow accented veining should switch to Calacatta Vagli; anyone who needs an acid-proof white stone for heavily used kitchen worktops or external applications should switch to a white quartzite (Cristallo, Mont Blanc), a porcelain (Calacatta look) or a pale granite/migmatite and forgo the geological authenticity of natural marble.

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 2.714 kg/m³

Druckfestigkeit 144,3 MPa

Biegezugfestigkeit 10,0 MPa

Suitability by application

Suitable with limitations

Bodenbelag △ Limited
Außenbereich △ Limited

Finishes

Arabescato Vagli 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 pH-neutral natural stone cleaner are sufficient. Mild all-purpose cleaners without any acid content and mild washing-up foam are suitable. Take up spills promptly – the material is acid-sensitive, and every drop of vinegar, wine, lemon, tomato or cola can leave an etch mark on the polished surface.

Do not use. Acidic cleaners of any kind – descalers (vinegar, citric acid, formic acid), bathroom cleaners with an acid content, WC cleaners, wheel cleaners, oven sprays. Even diluted acids etch calcite marble immediately and leave dull patches that can only be remedied by professional re-polishing. Aggressive scouring pads or abrasive pastes are likewise out of the question.

Sealing. Recommended for all applications with a risk of water or soiling – bathroom, kitchen, entrance area. A premium sealer with silane-/siloxane-based stone protection guards against grease, oil and water stains and reduces the visibility of drip marks on pale marble surfaces, but it cannot remove the acid sensitivity. The sealer should be refreshed regularly (every 2 – 5 years depending on exposure).

Bathroom. The classic application – the strength of this grade. Usable as a wall and floor surface, vanity top and shower – with proper tanking to DIN 18534 and a premium sealer. Note: anti-limescale sprays and bathroom cleaners with an acid content must be avoided at all costs, because they etch the calcite surface dull immediately.

Kitchen. Recommended with qualifications. Wine, vinegar, lemon, tomato juice and cola leave immediately visible etch marks on polished surfaces. Anyone wanting to minimise acid marks should choose a more matt surface finish with a premium sealer. For an acid-proof white kitchen worktop with a similar classic look we recommend switching to a white quartzite or a porcelain with a Calacatta look.

Floor and stairs. The classic Italian application – built into prestige interior fit-out schemes for centuries. With a compressive strength of 144.3 MPa and the low abrasion group (0.44 cm³/50 cm²), Arabescato Vagli is structurally fully capable for heavily used entrance areas and stair arrangements. For heavily used floors we recommend a more matt surface finish with a premium sealer.

Outdoors. Suitable with qualifications. The surface finishes currently held in stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. A polished external application loses its gloss in a central European climate within a few years through precipitation and freeze-thaw cycling. Frost resistance is not officially documented – where there is direct exposure to weathering we recommend a trial installation in the first winter.

Scratches and repair. Where there are dull patches, etch marks or light scratches on the polished surface, a specialist stonemasonry or joint-technology firm can locally re-polish the slab with diamond pastes. Deeper mechanical damage can to some extent be disguised with pigmented calcite-based repair mortars.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of material is Arabescato Vagli?

Petrographically a true metamorphic marble – a metamorphically recrystallised carbonate rock from the Apuan Alps, formed from originally sedimentary Triassic/Jurassic limestones during the Alpide orogeny. The deposit lies in the Vagli di Sotto quarry district in the Garfagnana, in the province of Lucca (Tuscany, Italy). In contrast to many 'marble' grades in international stone trading which are petrographically limestones, Arabescato Vagli is a true geological marble.

What does the designation 'Arabescato Vagli' mean?

'Arabescato' refers to the ornamental, arabesque vein network that runs across the slab like a calligraphic composition – the characteristic oval white clast-like fields enclosed by powerful grey-green veins. 'Vagli' marks the specific quarry district near Vagli di Sotto in the Garfagnana, one of the highest-quality sub-districts of the Apuan marble basin.

What exactly does Arabescato Vagli look like?

A brilliant white to light grey and creamy Apuan marble as the ground tone, crossed by characteristic oval white clast-like fields enclosed by powerful grey-green vein networks – like calligraphic characters or an arabesque wallpaper. Occasionally delicate pink accents appear. Every slab is a one-off – the composition varies strongly between individual slabs.

What technical values does Arabescato Vagli have?

Bulk density 2,714 kg/m³, compressive strength 144.3 MPa, flexural strength 10.0 MPa, abrasion group 0.44 cm³/50 cm² (very good by marble standards), Mohs hardness about 3 – 4 (calcite). The stone therefore lies in the more stable range of the marble family. Acid-sensitive (calcitic). Frost resistance not officially documented.

Is Arabescato Vagli suitable for bookmatch installation?

Yes, outstandingly so. The directional dramatic veining can be composed by mirroring adjacent slab pieces into impressive V, X or quad bookmatch patterns – on large wall surfaces in particular this produces dramatic symmetrical mirrorings with a calligraphic effect. We recommend planning the slab layout before installation with our stone technology service.

Is Arabescato Vagli suitable for kitchen worktops?

With qualifications. Wine, vinegar, lemon, tomato juice and cola leave immediately visible etch marks on polished surfaces — patina is therefore part of the material expectation with this grade. For an acid-proof white kitchen worktop we recommend switching to a white quartzite (Cristallo, Mont Blanc) or a porcelain with a Calacatta look.

Which cleaners may I use?

Permitted are warm water, all pH-neutral stone and all-purpose cleaners and mild washing-up foam. Out of the question are all acidic cleaners – descalers, anti-limescale sprays with an acid content, WC cleaners, wheel cleaners, oven sprays. Even diluted vinegar or lemon juice leaves immediate dull etched patches that can only be remedied by professional re-polishing.

Arabescato Vagli or Calacatta Vagli?

Both are high-quality Italian premium marbles from the same Vagli quarry district (Garfagnana, province of Lucca). Arabescato Vagli shows cooler grey-green veins in arabesque patterns on a brilliant white ground tone; Calacatta Vagli is warmer, with characteristic golden-yellow and brown accent veins. Both are acid-sensitive true marbles with an identical maintenance profile. The choice is a stylistic decision between a cool arabesque effect (Arabescato Vagli) and a warm golden effect (Calacatta Vagli).