I think it looks fine and will improve with honing. When I was shopping for carrara for my vanity, I was initially disappointed by all the little lines. Now that it's a real horizontal counter, I love it. The detail up close is much better than from this perspective. I just looked at photos of my slab in the yard, and yours appears nicer. :) Don't be afraid to keep some of the squiggles as I think they lend character.

I think it would be nicer if the whiter tone was meandering through, rather than just the demarcated area on the upper right. To others that would be the appeal I suppose. The piece looks gray and without much veining in an area also...... and then the white "section" appears. Just not sure...maybe if they discounted it more. Can you think on it for a few days and look around at a few other options.....seems you'll end up with "gray" looking counter with this.....so being the case , with gray in mind there are many other ways to get that look.

I also like the bottom part of your slab. Good choice. Honed. Good choice.

I have honed Carrara for my 10' island. Love it, but I had to go all over the state to find the slab because I wanted less muddiness & more contrast with white & dark veining. Is there any place that carries Calacatta ? Pretty sure it's more spendy.

I have to agree with herbflavor, there are now more ways to get that look if you're not sure about your slab. They did not have the granite or quartz options they do now to get that look.

And once it's in, all the variation just adds character

[https://www.houzz.com/magazine/carrara-vs-calacatta-marble-what-is-the-difference-stsetivw-vs~158673[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/carrara-vs-calacatta-marble-what-is-the-difference-stsetivw-vs~158673)

Thanks guys... unfortunately the choice is either Carrera Marble or Blanco Romano Granite. I'm building a house and of the choices I get, these are the two whitest options. I can of course go outside the program, but then I'll have to buy whole slabs (vs paying by the square foot) and pay higher prices (b/c other items are not in the "program"). What this means is I'd be running up the bill and I do not want to do that at this time.

Before you decide keep in mind that marble require a lot of maintenance (sealing) and care. It's more porous than granite and could stain or etch easily.

If you choose granite, it will be easier to take care and doesn't require constantly sealing.

Thanks WS, I have done my research and am going to take the plunge with marble despite the maintenance.

I've definitely seen cleaner looking ones, sorry. Just depends on what your expectations are. you sure you can't delay your choice for a bit longer?

I just had our slabs installed 2 weeks ago. We had the same issue with shortage of supply in the Indiana area and drove to St Louis, where we still had limited choice. Here is our slab hanging in the stone yard. I was worried it wouldn't have enough movement.

But once it was buffed and installed it looks completely different. Another commenter said once it's horizontal it will look different and that is so correct. Here is the largest section of my slab on the peninsula.

We are insanely happy with the way the patterned was cut and feel it's the perfect amount of movement. We were originally looking at various Statuary options but couldn't justify the 3x's cost. Hope this helps! And enjoy your marble! It's fantastic!

Amanda: thank you for sharing those images, they are night and day! The countertop turned out so beautiful. I can see why you love it.

Mama goose: thanks for the comments. I think I am one of those people that is just OK with knowing marble will etch. It's still beautiful to me. That is interesting that you haven't sealed it and it isn't staining! They guys at the yard are trying to sell me a Dupont sealant that has a 15 year warranty.

Idecor and others: thanks for your honest and optimism (Linelle!). I reached out to the owner of the fabrication shop that we are designated to use and told him I was worried I wouldn't like the color or size (its 9 ft prior to being cut and I have room for 10 ft). Up to this point, I had been using a salesperson that covers my builder's account but she just made it seem like 'it is what it is'. The owner said he would try to help me and has already 'found' some slabs in their personal inventory. I am going to go look at them tomorrow. They are supposed to be over 10 ft long so I am optimistic.

amandapolverini OMG! Gorgeous honed counters!! We are going to the stone yard tomorrow to look at Carerra marble slabs $65 psf in NYC (does not include measuring and install). They will be polished and honed later so this is perfect timing so we know what to expect.

french toast I didn't love your slab and prefer more contrast but now knowing how different it could look once honed, I've changed my opinion.

So we are going with this lot of slabs instead. They are whiter and larger at over 10 ft long! I didn't get a good pic bc I was excited and forgot to take one but this is one the co sent me after I asked for a picture. The streaks are water and not stains. I'm so glad I pushed a little and got a helpful response!

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I love this slab! Much nicer than the prior slab. We didn't pick slabs today since our project is still 2 - 6 weeks out from getting permits (8 week project) but we did get a great price at $55 psf including installation.

Very sad about the accident http://blogs.agu.org/landslideblog/2016/04/15/colonnata-1/