Paonazzo marble is a prestigious and rare natural stone from the Carrara region of Italy, prized for its dramatic, high-contrast appearance featuring a white base with bold, multi-coloured veining. The stone typically has a creamy-white or ivory base colour that provides a serene backdrop. The most distinctive feature is its intricate and dramatic veining, which can include shades of deep purple, violet, gold, orange, black, blue, and occasionally green. The name “Paonazzo” actually means “purple” in Italian, alluding to these prominent hues. The patterns vary from block to block and are often used in book-matching applications to create stunning, mirrored designs for feature walls or large surfaces.
Origin & Properties
Source: Paonazzo marble is quarried in the Apuan Alps of Tuscany, Italy, in the same exclusive region as other high-end marbles like Calacatta and Statuario.
Durability: It is a durable stone suitable for most indoor applications, with good wear resistance (class 4) for domestic use.
Maintenance: As a natural marble, it is porous and susceptible to etching from acidic substances and scratches, so it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance, especially when used for kitchen worktops.
Common Applications
Statement Pieces: Due to its bold aesthetic, Paonazzo is often the focal point of a room, used for grand kitchen islands, fireplace surrounds, and prominent feature walls.
Interior Design: It is widely used in high-end residential and commercial projects, from luxury hotel lobbies to private residences.
Versatility: The material is versatile and available in various finishes (polished, honed, sandblasted, leathered) and formats, including large slabs and custom cut-to-size pieces, for use in flooring, wall cladding, countertops, and decorative elements.