CTX BasicAgglo® New Micro Carrara

The aggregate. “Carrara” stands for the light white-grey, fine- to medium-crystalline calcite marbles of the Apuan Alps in north-western Tuscany – the largest contiguous white marble deposit in Europe, with quarries in the city of Carrara, Massa, Levigliani and Colonnata among others. The range extends from “Bianco Carrara C/CD” (mid-grey marbled) via “Bianco Gioia” and “Calacatta” (lighter, with veining) to special grades such as “Statuario”. For the micro chippings, the industrial quarry output of the standard grades is typically used – the chip fragments show the finely crystalline calcite matrix with subtle grey mineral inclusions, whose range of colour tones produces the characteristic, clearly visible light-dark mosaic of dots in the micro format.

“New Micro”. Within the CTX BasicAgglo family, “Micro” designates the chip size class (micro = ≤ 2 mm, as against macro = 7–25 mm and standard ≈ 3–7 mm). The prefix “New” refers to a revised generation of the mix formula with adjusted resin colour and pigment balance. Compared with the older version, the New slab shows a cooler, slightly bluish-white ground tone and a more cleanly differentiated chip contrast – the Carrara character therefore comes across more clearly than with the rather brownish-toned predecessor mix.

Format and fabrication. Civet normally supplies the agglomerate slabs in large formats of around 305 × 144 cm or 320 × 160 cm in 2 and 3 cm thicknesses; individual lines are also available thinner for wall applications. The slabs can be cut, profiled, calibrated and drilled with diamond tooling like a dense marble engineered stone. Because of the polyester binder the following applies: heat resistance is considerably lower than with pure natural stone – do not set hot pans or hairdryers down directly on the surface, and avoid sustained temperatures above roughly 80–90 °C. Direct UV exposure can yellow the resin over the long term, which is why the material is clearly intended for interior applications.

Technical values. Civet data sheets give a bulk density of around 2,560 kg/m³ and a water absorption of about 0.04 % for the Micro Carrara line – a figure that clearly betters the natural micro-porosity of the marble thanks to the resin bond (natural marble is typically around 0.2 %). Flexural strength is about 18–19 MPa, well above the majority of naturally formed marbles. Frost resistance is not declared – the material is intended directly as an interior material.

ROSSITTIS range. The surface finishes available from stock are listed in the »Finishes« block further down. From these we produce, on request, window sills (including special lengths in one piece up to ~3 m), interior stair treads and risers, vanity units, wall and column claddings, skirtings, benches, interior fireplace surrounds and bespoke furniture tops. The high repeat accuracy is particularly valuable in the Carrara segment: natural Carrara marble varies considerably from one lot to the next, whereas the agglomerate delivers a uniform appearance across the entire project with no obligation to bookmatch.

Comparison. Natural Bianco Carrara marble looks more banded and livelier and shows the characteristic marbled play of veining; the agglomerate remains finely dotted, technical and more uniform. Anyone who needs a clean Carrara character and does not expect veining is economically better served by the engineered stone – anyone who wants the individual natural veining of a classic Carrara marble should stay with the natural material. Compared with engineered quartz (Caesarstone, Silestone) the marble agglomerate stays closer to natural marble in appearance and mineralogically warmer, but because of its polyester content is more sensitive to UV, high temperatures and strongly acidic cleaners. Compared with porcelain (Laminam, Geoluxe), the slab feels warmer to the touch and is less brittle, but is less resilient thermally and chemically.

An honest assessment. New Micro Carrara is no substitute for solid Carrara marble in prestige spaces with a classic veined effect. Its strengths lie in the calm, predictable Carrara character in large format, in high repeat accuracy across many components and in straightforward maintenance in interior fit-out. For clients to whom a light marble character matters more than individual veining, the material is often the more economical solution.