Apuan Alps Heritage Collection
BARDIGLIO
Bardiglio is a fine-grained, lithotype variety of Carrara marble, distinguished by its deep grey
tones and cloudy or vein-like textures. It offers a masculine and contemporary alternative
to white marbles, highly appreciated for its density, low porosity, and timeless elegance.
01. ORIGIN
Quarrying in the Grey Basin
Extracted from the lower sedimentary layers of the Carrara basins, Bardiglio owes its
characteristic grey color to the presence of fine-grained organic matter and minerals.
Unlike the upper white layers, these basins yield a more compact and durable stone.
ORIGIN - Depth of the Apuan Alps
02. MATERIAL
Nuvolato & Imperiale Varieties
Bardiglio comes in two primary aesthetic grades: **Nuvolato**, which features white and grey
swirls mimicking a cloudy sky, and **Imperiale**, which is more uniform and deep,
ideal for monochromatic designs and large-scale architectural flooring.
MATERIAL - Compact Grey Texture
03. DESIGN
Modern Contrast
In modern interior design, Bardiglio is used to create sophisticated contrasts with
white marbles like Statuario. It is particularly popular for executive offices,
high-end residential bathrooms, and areas requiring a "sober luxury" aesthetic.
DESIGN - Sobriety & Luxury
04. ART
Solid Sculptures
Because of its high density and structural integrity, Bardiglio is an exceptional
material for monolithic works. We produce heavy-duty bathtubs, massive architectural
columns, and intricate mosaics that leverage the stone's diverse grey shades.
ART - Strength in Stone
Bardiglio - Technical & Professional FAQ
01. What is Bardiglio marble?
Bardiglio is a fine-grained, grey calcitic marble extracted in the Carrara region of Italy.
02. Nuvolato vs Imperiale?
Nuvolato has cloudy white/grey patterns; Imperiale is a more uniform, deep dark grey.
03. Why is it grey?
The grey hue comes from organic and mineral impurities distributed evenly during the stone's formation.
04. Is it a true Carrara marble?
Yes, it is one of the classic varieties of the Apuan Alps basin.
05. Is it harder than Calacatta?
Generally, Bardiglio is denser and has slightly higher compressive strength than many white varieties.
06. What is the porosity?
It has very low porosity, making it highly resistant to water absorption.
07. Can it be used in steam rooms?
Excellent. Its low absorption and durability make it a staple for luxury hammams and spas.
08. Does it fade in the sun?
No, Bardiglio is UV-stable and maintains its deep grey color over time.
09. Are slabs available in large sizes?
Yes, we provide large format slabs suitable for seamless floor-to-wall cladding.
10. Can it be bookmatched?
Yes, Bardiglio Nuvolato is particularly effective when bookmatched to create 'mirrored' clouds.
11. Best finish for Bardiglio?
Polished brings out the depth; Honed (matte) is preferred for a modern, architectural look.
12. Does it stain easily?
The darker color hides light stains well, but it still requires professional sealing against oils.
13. Is it acid-sensitive?
Like all calcitic marbles, it reacts to acids (lemon, vinegar). Prompt cleaning is essential.
14. Cleaning products?
Use only pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for natural stone.
15. Can it be used outdoors?
It is suitable for cladding in temperate climates but not recommended for flooring in freeze-thaw zones.
16. Typical slab thickness?
Available in 20mm and 30mm as standard; custom thicknesses for bespoke projects.
17. Slip resistance in showers?
We recommend a honed or acid-washed finish for shower floors to improve grip.
18. Does it scratch?
It has a typical marble hardness; while durable, it can be scratched by metal objects if handled roughly.
19. Can it be re-polished?
Yes, its solid structure allows for multiple professional re-polishing cycles.
20. What is the weight per square meter?
Approximately 55-60kg per m2 for 20mm slabs.
21. Best color pairings?
Pairs perfectly with white Statuario, walnut wood, and chrome or matte black fixtures.
22. Use for kitchen countertops?
It is possible, but requires diligence due to acid sensitivity. It is more commonly used in bathrooms.
23. Bardiglio for fireplace surrounds?
A classic choice. It handles heat well and adds a dramatic architectural focus.
24. Can it be used in mosaics?
Yes, its diverse grey range makes it ideal for intricate geometric and floral mosaics.
25. Is it suitable for monolithic bathtubs?
One of the best materials for this due to its structural compactness.
26. How do you handle vein continuity?
We provide dry-lay services to ensure vein flow across walls and floors before installation.
27. Use in yacht design?
Highly popular for luxury cabins; we offer honeycomb backing for weight reduction.
28. Does it require a specific adhesive?
Use high-quality white or grey rapid-set marble adhesives to avoid moisture staining.
29. Can it be backlit?
Generally no, it is an opaque stone compared to white marbles or onyx.
30. Is it good for heavy traffic floors?
Yes, its density makes it superior for hotel lobbies and public luxury areas.
31. Where can I see blocks?
Visits can be arranged at our Carrara facility or via high-definition video calls.
32. Lead times for shipping?
Standard 8-10 weeks depending on custom fabrication requirements.
33. Is extraction sustainable?
We follow strict Italian environmental protocols for quarry management and restoration.
34. Do you provide technical drawings?
Our office supports architects with CAD and Shop Drawings for precise cutting.
35. Packaging standards?
Export-grade reinforced wooden crates with internal protection for international transit.
36. What is the geological age?
Like all Carrara marbles, it dates back to the Lower Jurassic period (approx. 190 million years).
37. Can it be combined with underfloor heating?
Excellent thermal conductivity; ideal for modern residential comfort.
38. Certification for LEED?
As a natural, locally sourced material, it contributes to multiple LEED certification credits.
39. Can I request a specific grey tone?
Yes, we can select lots ranging from light silver to deep charcoal based on your project.
40. How to request a quote?
Send your bill of quantities or project drawings to info@marmidicarrara.com.