Blocks, sizes and grading
What a marble block actually is, how the trade grades them, and what you should ask before you buy one.
Buying raw blocks is not like buying slabs. You are purchasing a volume of stone whose interior nobody has seen yet, on the strength of the quarry, the grade and the judgement of whoever selected it. This page sets out how that works so you can compare our offers against anyone else’s on equal terms.
Typical block dimensions
A standard marketable block from the Apuan quarries is squared to roughly 280–330 cm long, 150–190 cm high and 150–190 cm deep. That works out at about 6–10 cubic metres, or 18–27 tonnes at marble’s density of roughly 2.7 t/m³. A standard 40-foot container takes one to two blocks depending on size; a European truck typically carries 24–25 tonnes.
Smaller squared blocks and irregular “informi” are available at lower prices where your cutting plan can absorb them. Tell us your saw and we will tell you what makes sense.
How blocks are graded
Grading in the Carrara trade is commercial rather than legislated, so terms shift between sellers. Broadly, blocks are sorted by background colour and uniformity, vein regularity and contrast, the presence of cracks, glass veins and iron staining, and how square and saw-ready the block is. A first-choice block yields a high percentage of consistent, sellable slab area. A lower grade may still be the right buy if your end use is small-format or heavily jointed.
We quote against a named grade and back it with photographs of the actual block. If a block does not match what you approved, that is our problem, not yours.
What to send us with an enquiry
- Variety and grade, or a photograph of the look you are chasing.
- Tonnage or cubic metres, and whether this is a one-off or a running requirement.
- Maximum block dimensions your saw can take.
- Destination — port for containers, full address for European truck delivery.
- Your incoterms, if you have a preference.
Common questions
Can I see the block before I pay?
Yes. We photograph and measure every block before loading and send them for approval. For larger or repeat orders you are welcome to inspect in person — buyers regularly come to Carrara to select, and we will arrange it.
What is the minimum order?
One block. In practice most customers order at least a full truck or container, because the freight cost per tonne drops sharply once the load is full.
Do you sell slabs or finished pieces?
Our core business is raw blocks. Sawing and surface finishing can be arranged with partner workshops in Italy when a project needs it — tell us what you need and we will price it.
Do you sell granite?
No. We trade Italian marble only.