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Marble

Nero Marquina marble

Nero Marquina is a dense black marble with bright white veining, quarried in the Markina-Xemein region of Spain. It is chosen for strong visual contrast in otherwise neutral interiors.

Basque Country, northern SpainFloor · Contrast
Nero Marquina marble in a residential interior (Floor · Contrast)
In use — Floor · Contrast

Character and behaviour

The base is a deep, near-uniform black with crisp white calcite veins that vary from fine hairlines to bolder branching patterns. Polished surfaces are highly reflective. As a calcite-based stone it can etch from acids and requires sealing to resist staining.

Close-up structure and texture of Nero Marquina marble
Structure and surface detail

Best for

  • Feature floors in low-traffic areas
  • Bathroom walls and niches
  • Fireplace surrounds
  • Contrast borders and inlays

Avoid for

  • Kitchen worktops with heavy daily use
  • Outdoor or frost-exposed surfaces

Care and maintenance

Seal on installation and reseal annually. Wipe spills promptly. Avoid acidic cleaners, citrus, and vinegar, which etch the surface. Use pH-neutral stone cleaner only.

Guides featuring Nero Marquina marble