Marble working has evolved significantly over time thanks to increasingly sophisticated technologies that allow complex techniques. Among them stands open-book (bookmatching), a method that transforms raw stone into a striking decorative feature.

In this article, we’ll look at what this technique involves, when to choose it, and which stones are best suited to the effect.

What is open-book marble?

Open-book matching pairs two consecutive slabs cut from the same block and “opens” them like the pages of a book. The veining lines up to create a mirrored, immersive, highly scenographic pattern.
This technique—also known as open book or bookmatching—differs from vein matching, where the veining is aligned in continuity without mirroring.

Some marbles are especially suited to this approach: stones with pronounced, directional veining where the mirror effect reads clearly.

Marbles that work best for open-book

As noted, certain marbles perform better than others in open-book layouts. To achieve a dramatic, high-impact look, choose marbles with bold veining, such as Calacatta.

This family is renowned for its striking patterns and range of colour variations: from Calacatta Viola with its purplish tones, to Calacatta Nobile, and Calacatta Iron with intensely marked veins.
You can explore a wide selection of Calacatta slabs in our showroom.

Another excellent candidate is Arabescato, a prized material distinguished by its dark, well-defined “arabesque” veining.
In our showroom you’ll find various Arabescato types and colours: from Orobico Grigio, with its deep, elegant hue, to Arabescato Corchia—named after Mount Corchia in the province of Lucca—featuring a lighter base with grey veining shaded toward green; and Arabescato Rosa, noted for its rosy nuances.

When to use open-book

Open-book matching delivers major visual impact in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Because it’s so bold, it performs best in generous, airy settings.

Full-height feature walls, living areas and large lobbies are ideal, as are bed headboards, niches and architectural portals. Large-format shower walls and flooring also allow the marble’s natural graphic to flow without interruption.

With our Daydream configurator, you can place the slabs available in our showroom into virtual settings and experiment with open-book effects across different contexts.

At Marmo Elite you’ll find a vast selection of slabs for open-book installations—from the most daring to the most refined.
We look forward to welcoming you to our showroom to discover our curated selection for this technique and to explore our warehouse.