Marble is one of the most elegant and timeless natural stones used in construction and interior design. From luxury flooring to countertops, stairs, and wall cladding, marble adds a sense of beauty and durability. But when it comes to buying marble, one of the most common questions buyers ask is: How much does marble cost?
The truth is that marble prices vary widely depending on several key factors. In this article, we’ll explain the main elements that affect marble prices and give you a clear understanding of what to expect when buying marble.
📌 Average Marble Price Range
Marble can range from $10 to $200 per square meter depending on the type, quality, and origin. For high-end and rare marble, prices can go much higher.
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Basic Marble: $10 – $30 per m² (commonly used in bulk projects)
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Mid-Range Marble: $30 – $80 per m² (popular for residential flooring and countertops)
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Premium Marble: $80 – $200+ per m² (luxury designs, rare colors, imported types)
🏷️ Factors That Influence Marble Prices
1. Marble Type and Rarity
Not all marbles are the same. Some types like Carrara (Italy) or Iranian Marbles (Dehbid, Kashmar, Pietra Grey) are widely available and relatively affordable. Meanwhile, rare stones like Calacatta Gold or Onyx Marble can be extremely expensive.
👉 The rarer and more unique the marble, the higher the price.
2. Color and Veining
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White marble (like Carrara, Calacatta, or Iranian white marbles) is among the most popular and often more expensive.
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Dark marbles (Emperador, Pietra Grey, Black Marquina) are also valued for luxury projects.
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Unique colors such as green, honey, and pink marble may carry premium prices due to their rarity.
The clarity, intensity, and uniformity of veining significantly affect price.
3. Origin of Marble
Marble imported from countries like Italy, Spain, Turkey, or Iran comes with different price ranges.
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Italian marble is usually the most expensive due to its global reputation.
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Iranian marble is known for its high quality and competitive pricing, making it very popular for export.
4. Finish and Processing
The finishing process (polished, honed, brushed, sandblasted, etc.) impacts cost.
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Polished marble: Shiny, reflective, and more costly.
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Honed marble: Smooth but matte, slightly less expensive.
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Special finishes (antique, leather, etc.) increase processing costs.
5. Tile vs. Slab
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Marble Tiles (smaller cut pieces): Usually cheaper and easier to transport.
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Marble Slabs (large pieces, often for countertops, walls, and stairs): More expensive because they require careful handling and cutting.
6. Thickness
Marble slabs are usually 2 cm or 3 cm thick. The thicker the marble, the more expensive it is due to higher raw material and processing costs.
7. Transportation and Export Costs
If you are importing marble, shipping and logistics play a huge role in the final price. Heavy stones like marble require special packaging, containers, and careful handling, which add to the cost.
⚖️ Cost Comparison: Marble vs Alternatives
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Marble: $10 – $200 per m²
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Granite: $40 – $100 per m²
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Quartz: $50 – $120 per m²
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Ceramic/Porcelain Tiles: $10 – $50 per m²
👉 While marble is more expensive than ceramics, it offers unmatched luxury, durability, and natural beauty.
✅ Tips for Buyers to Save Money
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Buy directly from quarries or exporters (e.g., Iranian suppliers).
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Choose locally available marble to reduce shipping costs.
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Consider marble tiles instead of slabs if possible.
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Order in bulk for lower per-square-meter prices.
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Compare multiple suppliers before purchasing.
📢 Final Thoughts
The cost of marble depends on type, color, rarity, finish, thickness, and origin. While premium marbles like Calacatta or Onyx may cost hundreds of dollars per square meter, more common types such as Carrara or Iranian marbles can be quite affordable.
If you’re planning to import marble from Iran, you can get world-class quality at competitive prices, making it a smart investment for construction, interior design, and wholesale trade.
