find the white marble that hits your sweet spot

good enough to eat

ssoft white, bright white, speckled white, veined, and so on—when it comes to choosing a marble or stone, the selection of whites can be overwhelming. but each has distinct qualities that suit some tastes more than others. we liken white marble to ice cream: while they may all be equally rich, creamy, and decadent, it comes down to their unique features (some more subtle, others more intense)—and the flavor you choose says a lot about you. 

our marvelous marble menu

dramatic and high contrast? minimalist and pure? whatever you’re craving, we’ve got it, and in all the shapes you need to achieve the look you’re going for (square, subway, hex, plank, field, herringbone, and penny rounds, just for starters!). below, get the scoop on each of our sumptuous white marbles, plus the key considerations you should keep in mind when making your selections.

carrara

streaked and sublime like stracciatella, carrara is arguably the best known of the bunch. its approachability in both presentation and in price means it’s also likely to please most palates, with a mixed fleuri and vein cut that creates the subtle pattern it’s known for. once used in the Pantheon and other legendary examples of great Roman architecture, contemporary carrara is ideal as an elegant surface material for bathrooms, kitchens, backsplashes, and floors.

why we love it: carrara is majestic but not overpowering, and perfectly balanced—just like its gelato counterpart.

thassos 

crystalline white with a crisp iciness—thassos is the coconut sorbetto for palate purists. this lesser-known marble has no veining in sight, with a minerality that sparkles like newly fallen snow. and at clé, our thassos is honed for a softer, matte feel which modernizes this historic stone. the most reflective of the white marbles, thassos is also durable and endlessly versatile—perfect for floors and walls in most interior rooms.

why we love it: thassos is bracing and pure with a touch of liveliness and light—the only choice for designs that call for uninterrupted expanses of bright white.

dolomite

rich and creamy, with a hint of warmth and color—like earl grey ice cream, dolomite’s appeal is that it whispers, not shouts. it’s the classic cashmere sweater of stone: elegant, timeless, practical, and blendable with other tiles and surfaces. our honed dolomite has a softer, matte feel making it uniquely versatile for any space. it’s also more durable than classic marble, perfect for higher traffic areas such as entryways and kitchens.

why we love it: it’s a real goldilocks moment—a tile that’s just right. less heavily veined than carrara, but not as reflective as thassos, clé white dolomite clads any space in quiet elegance.

calacatta viola

it’s decadent, boldly streaked, purply perfection. just like lemon blueberry ice cream, calacatta viola may not be for everyone, but tickles the taste buds of those that love it. it’s highly expressive, with veins of magenta, green, purple, and gold careening wildly through lush white marble that’s honed to a satiny finish, making for an opulent surface for bathrooms, kitchens, and floors. (do take note: calacatta viola will develop a soft patina over time.)

why we love it: we bucked calacatta viola’s typical large slab format to offer it in various tile shapes, unlocking greater installation potential and making the maximalist’s dream come true.

calacatta gold

luscious and velvety with ribbons of gold, calacatta gold is an enduring classic, the gold standard, a timeless treat—much like tiramisu ice cream. it’s the stone by which all other marble is gauged, coveted since ancient times. with deep veins of grey and gold streaking white stone, our calacatta gold—honed to a satiny finish—is high on drama without being over the top. similarly to its cousin calacatta viola, it’s well-suited to be a deluxe surface in bathrooms, kitchens, and floors, but keep in mind it will patina.

why we love it: just as with calacatta viola, we’ve shunned the typical slab form of this most-prized marble variety and instead offer it in a panoply of shapes and sizes—the better with which to install in more creative ways.

for your tasting notes

now that you understand the nuances of our white tile “flavors,” take a look at them anew and remember these key considerations:

• color: the unique coloring of each type of white marble gives them different personalities. grand and enduring, wild and bold, calm and quiet—make sure these qualities work with your vision, your space, and your personal taste. 
• variation: there is greater variation within some stones than others—more veining, less color, differences in tone—which you can learn about in the “product specifications” portion of their respective product pages (hint: scroll to the bottom). after all, one spoonful of stracciatella may have more chocolate than another. come to terms with how much variation you desire, and how much you can tolerate. 
• usage and care: for all marble, we encourage you to understand how each type wears over time, the importance of proper blending for tiles with bold streaking, and general best practices for maintenance. these details are also in the “product specifications” portion of their product pages.

our best advice? go with your gut and choose what you love—no one ever regrets ordering their favorite flavor.