Both are premium. But for hammam applications, the differences in density, water absorption, and cost make Turkish marble the clear choice for most projects.
When specifying marble for hammam and spa applications, architects and procurement teams frequently face a choice between Italian marble and Turkish marble. Both are premium materials, but they behave differently in wet environments and the cost differential is significant.
Physical Properties Comparison
Water absorption rate - Afyon White (Turkey): 0.15 to 0.28% - excellent for wet environments - Carrara White (Italy): 0.28 to 0.42% - acceptable but higher - Calacatta (Italy): 0.18 to 0.30% - comparable to Afyon
In hammam applications, where stone is in constant contact with steam and water, water absorption directly affects stain resistance and long-term structural integrity.
Density Both types are comparable at 2,650 to 2,700 kg/m3. This matters for kurna structural strength.
Hardness (Mohs scale) - Turkish marble: 3.0 to 3.5 - Italian marble: 3.0 to 4.0
Italian marble is marginally harder, which matters more for flooring than for kurnalar.
The Real Differentiator: Provenance and Cost
For hotel procurement teams, the biggest factor after technical specifications is landed cost. Turkish marble, sourced from quarries near Izmir and shipped from the same region as your textile supplier, retains a meaningful cost advantage:
- Italian marble often arrives at a 30 to 60% premium over comparable Turkish grades
- Combined with Turkish origin certificates and local processing, Turkish marble offers better traceability
Which to Choose?
Choose Turkish marble when: - Budget sensitivity matters - You need custom dimensions - The project is a hammam, spa, or mosque - You want to combine marble and textiles with one supplier