Caesarstone® Quarz 5114 Calacatta Maximus

Material build-up. A classic Caesarstone quartz slab consists of around 90–93 % natural quartz (SiO₂), some 7–10 % polymer binder on a polyester resin basis, plus pigments and mineral additives. The vein pattern is created in the Bretonstone process by differentially pigmented mixes that are introduced into the mould in several layers and compacted under vacuum. Quartz has a Mohs hardness of 7 (compared with calcite marble at Mohs 3) – which makes engineered quartz slabs markedly more scratch-resistant, more acid-resistant and free of pores. In spring 2024, alongside the classic quartz line, Caesarstone brought the Mineral™ line to market, in which a large part of the crystalline quartz was replaced by other mineral aggregates – this change is a direct response to the global discourse on the risk of silicosis during fabrication; the grade documented here, 5114 Calacatta Maximus, corresponds to the historical quartz mix.

The 5114 Calacatta Maximus version. Maximus is one of the most expressive and most powerful Calacatta grades in the Caesarstone portfolio. The ground tone is a pale, slightly warm-tinted cream white – not clinically cool like a pure solid white, but with a subtle note of warmth. Distributed across the ground are generous, broadly flowing main veins in warm grey to taupe-beige tones that condense into framing bands and enclose a central white main area – a design statement picture that comes into its own with particular force on large island slabs. Fine gold and bronze accents in the vein lines give the slab additional depth and warmth. Stylistically, Maximus is markedly more dramatic than the calmer Calacatta grades (5141 Frosty Carrina, 5000 London Grey) and more powerful than 5151 Empira White – a premium choice for prestige architecture.

Format and fabrication. Caesarstone supplies the slabs in the standard format 306 × 144 cm and in the jumbo format 327 × 162 cm, in thicknesses of 2 and 3 cm; individual lines also in 1.2 cm and 0.6 cm (Caesarstone Slim) for wall claddings and furniture fronts. The slabs can be cut, profiled, drilled and edge-worked with diamond tooling. Standard edges are square, chamfered (V-chamfer, 45°), radiused (R3, R5) and executed profile edges such as bullnose or a mitred edge joint for 90° corner connections. With a powerfully veined slab such as Maximus, particular care in slab selection and in matching individual workpieces to one another pays off – the look lives on the deliberate alignment of the vein runs, above all with islands with a mitred edge or with multi-part wall accents. Bookmatched laying (two mirror-image matched slabs) produces a dramatic butterfly pattern.

Thermal and chemical properties. Engineered quartz is markedly more acid-resistant than marble, because the quartz aggregates themselves are inert to acids and the polyester accounts for only a small proportion by volume. Even so: highly concentrated acids (hydrochloric, sulphuric, nitric acid) and aggressive industrial chemicals attack the binder. Heat resistance extends to around 150 °C for short periods; hot pots, frying pans or baking trays must never be set down directly on the surface, because direct heat at individual points can cause discolouration or stress cracks. UV resistance is limited – the slab is clearly conceived as an interior material and should not be permanently installed in full-sun conservatories or open loggias.

ROSSITTIS range. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From them we produce kitchen worktops (standard and island), vanity tops, wall claddings (including kitchen splashbacks and bathroom walls), bar counters, reception desks, buffet and furniture tops, interior stairs with treads and risers, and window sills. The dramatic Calacatta character comes into its own most strongly as an island or bar element; combined with oak, brass, bronze and black sanitary fittings, the characteristic warm premium marble look of modern kitchen architecture emerges.

Comparison. Within the Caesarstone 5 series, Calacatta Maximus is one of the most expressive Calacatta-look grades with powerful, warm veining. Stylistically related are 5151 Empira White (higher-contrast white veins), 5810 Black Tempal (darker) and 6131 Bianco Drift (markedly calmer). Compared with genuine Calacatta marble from the Apuan Alps, the Caesarstone version remains predictable in its play of veining, more acid-resistant and more scratch-resistant – the natural marble looks more classical, livelier, more individual, but is care-intensive and acid-sensitive in kitchen use. Compared with porcelain with a Calacatta decor (Laminam Calacatta lines), the slab remains warmer to the touch and less brittle, but is somewhat less resilient overall thermally and chemically.

Warranty and brand. Caesarstone offers the “Caesarstone Forever” lifetime warranty on its slabs in residential applications, with clearly defined care and fabrication conditions. The brand is established Europe-wide among architects, interior fit-out firms and premium kitchen studios.

An honest assessment. 5114 Calacatta Maximus is a statement slab for clients and architects looking for the luxurious, dramatically veined Calacatta character with a warm setting, without accepting the care requirements of a natural marble. The slab comes into its own most strongly on large island slabs and in bookmatched laying – on small cut pieces it usually shows only parts of the veining. Anyone looking for a calmer Calacatta version is better served by 5141 Frosty Carrina or 5000 London Grey.