Product Overview

Nero Marquina Marble 18" x 18" Tile brings the dramatic character of genuine Spanish black marble to sophisticated interior floors and walls. Quarried in the Basque region of northern Spain, Nero Marquina is distinguished by its deep black background and contrasting white calcite veining.

The generous 18" square format emphasizes the stone’s natural movement while reducing the number of grout joints across larger surfaces. Subtle micro-beveled edges provide clean definition between adjoining tiles. Available in polished and honed finishes, Nero Marquina can create either a glossy, high-contrast statement or a softer architectural appearance.

Technical Specifications

Finish Options

• Polished: A glossy, reflective surface that deepens the black background and sharpens the contrast of the white veining.

• Honed: A smooth, low-sheen surface with a softer black appearance and more understated architectural character.

Finish selections should be ordered separately. Do not mix polished and honed tiles unless the design intentionally calls for contrasting surface treatments.

Recommended Applications

• Residential Floors: Creates a bold luxury surface in foyers, powder rooms, dining areas, offices, and formal living spaces.

• Bathroom Walls: Suitable for vanity walls, tub surrounds, wainscoting, and full-height decorative installations.

• Shower Walls: May be installed over a complete waterproofing system using materials approved for moisture-sensitive natural stone.

• Kitchen and Bar Backsplashes: Introduces strong black-and-white contrast behind counters, sinks, bars, and beverage stations.

• Fireplace Surrounds: Produces a dramatic architectural focal point when installed within the fireplace manufacturer’s clearance requirements.

• Commercial Interiors: Appropriate for boutiques, restaurants, hotels, reception areas, executive offices, and other approved interior applications.

Installation & Handling Guidelines

⚠️ IMPORTANT: DARK AND MOISTURE-SENSITIVE MARBLE

Nero Marquina can show scratching, etching, grout residue, moisture marks, and installation-related discoloration. Test the complete mortar, grout, and sealing system on spare material before installation.

• Dry-Lay and Blend: Open several cartons and arrange the tiles before setting. Balance heavily veined, lightly veined, and more uniformly black pieces throughout the installation.

• Mortar Selection: Use a premium non-staining white rapid-setting natural-stone mortar or epoxy adhesive approved for moisture-sensitive marble and the installation environment.

• Full Mortar Coverage: Directionally trowel the mortar and back-butter the tiles as necessary. Obtain at least 80% coverage in dry interiors and 95% coverage in wet areas, with full support along edges and corners.

• Substrate Flatness: Large-format tile requires a flat, stable substrate. Correct irregularities before installation rather than compensating with excessive mortar thickness.

• Pre-Sealing: Apply a penetrating sealer approved for Nero Marquina before grouting. Test first because some sealers may deepen or alter the black coloration.

• Grout Selection: Use unsanded grout or a fine-aggregate grout approved for polished natural stone. Test the grout to confirm that it will not scratch, stain, or leave a visible haze.

• Grout Color: Black or charcoal grout creates a nearly continuous surface, while pale gray or white emphasizes the individual tiles and natural veining.

• Grout Joint: A joint of approximately 1/16" to 1/8" may be appropriate depending on tile calibration, substrate conditions, and installer recommendations.

• Wet Areas: Install shower applications over a complete waterproofing system. Stone sealer does not replace waterproofing.

• Wet-Floor Caution: Polished marble may become slippery when wet. Use the honed option for suitable floor applications and confirm project-specific slip requirements before installation.

• Movement Accommodation: Provide perimeter and field movement joints following TCNA EJ171 and applicable construction requirements.

• Cutting: Wet-cut with a clean continuous-rim diamond blade designed for marble. Protect the finished surface from scratches and edge chipping.

• Order Allowance: Add approximately 10–15% for cuts, breakage, vein blending, and future repairs. Diagonal or highly selective layouts may require additional material.

Care & Maintenance

• Clean with warm water and a neutral-pH cleaner specifically formulated for natural marble.

• Never use vinegar, lemon, acidic bathroom cleaners, bleach, abrasive powders, or calcium-removal products.

• Wipe spills promptly, especially citrus, wine, coffee, cosmetics, oils, and strongly pigmented liquids.

• Use microfiber cloths, soft sponges, and non-abrasive cleaning pads.

• Reapply a penetrating natural-stone sealer according to exposure and the sealer manufacturer’s instructions.

• Use walk-off mats at entrances and felt protection beneath furniture to reduce scratching.

• Expect polished marble to develop a natural patina in frequently used areas over time.

Design Profile

• Aesthetic Inspiration: European luxury, Art Deco glamour, modern minimalism, classic hotel interiors, and dramatic contemporary design.

• Color Character: Deep black with irregular white and pale-gray calcite veining.

• Visual Advantage: The 18" format displays the stone’s natural movement with fewer grout interruptions.

• Complementary Stones: Thassos White, Calacatta Gold, Carrara White, Bianco Dolomite, and Crema Marfil marble.

• Complementary Materials: Dark walnut, white oak, smoked glass, lacquered cabinetry, and warm plaster.

• Complementary Metals: Polished brass, chrome, brushed nickel, antique gold, and matte black.

• Suggested Grout Colors: Black or charcoal creates visual continuity; pale gray or white delivers stronger geometric contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nero Marquina genuine marble?

Yes. Nero Marquina is a genuine natural marble traditionally quarried in the Basque region of Spain.

Will every tile have the same veining?

No. Differences in vein direction, thickness, frequency, and intensity are inherent characteristics of natural marble.

What is the difference between polished and honed finishes?

Polished Nero Marquina has a glossy, reflective surface and deeper black appearance. Honed Nero Marquina has a smooth, low-sheen finish with softer contrast.

Does Nero Marquina require sealing?

Yes. Seal the marble before grouting and reseal periodically according to use and exposure.

Can it be installed on shower walls?

Yes, when installed over a complete waterproofing system with mortar and grout approved for moisture-sensitive natural stone.

Can polished Nero Marquina be used on bathroom floors?

It may be used in appropriate dry bathroom areas, but polished marble can become slippery when wet. The honed finish is generally the more practical floor option.

Can acidic cleaners be used on black marble?

No. Acids can etch the surface and create conspicuous dull or pale marks against the black background.

How much does one tile cover?

One nominal 18" x 18" tile covers approximately 2.25 square feet.