Are you looking for a unique type of countertop that is absolutely stunning to look at? Do you want a premium, exotic stone countertop to set your bathroom or kitchen apart from others? If so, you may want to consider an exotic gemstone countertop. These countertops are made using semi-precious gemstones like agate, amethyst, malachite, and tiger’s eye.
Semi-precious gemstones are making their way into people’s homes and hearts in the form of countertops. The countertops contain real gems that are believed to have metaphysical and mood-altering properties. In fact, some individuals believe the type of gemstone chosen can alter the way you think or feel. Sound crazy? Not really, there is scientific evidence showing colors can impact your emotions, i.e., blue is a calming color while red puts you on edge.
Gemstone countertops allow you to add a punch of color to your bathroom or kitchen. The countertops are incredibly durable and resist most stains. Semi-precious countertops are nonporous and scratch-resistant. Furthermore, these beautiful countertops are easy to clean. Simply wipe with a damp cloth and buff dry with a soft, absorbent cloth.
How Are Gemstone Countertops Created?
Gemstone countertops are created using real semi-precious gemstones like agate or malachite. The gems used in countertops are chosen based on their unique coloring, shape, and size. The gemstones are then bound together with resin to create a truly one-of-a-kind countertop.
Once the resin has fully cured, the countertop surface is nonporous. Resin countertops are long-lasting and durable. The resin resists scratches and staining, making it an excellent choice for busy cooks who need an easy-to-care-for type of countertop.
Countertops made from gemstones are beautiful; however, they are expensive. Many homeowners opt to use agate countertops as focal points in a kitchen or a bathroom by using gemstone countertops on an island or breakfast bar. The remaining countertops throughout the room are typically marble, stone, or quartz countertops.
Gemstone Countertop Options
Gemstone countertops are available in a variety of options. The colors and characteristics of gemstones are almost endless. Whether you want a neutral-toned countertop option or want a brightly colored countertop, agate countertops have exactly what you want. Here are the top four semi-precious gemstone countertop options available.
Agate – Agate countertops come in a variety of colors, including blue agate, red agate, black agate, gray agate, yellow agate, pink agate, and natural agate. Agate is formed deep within the earth. It is made of microscopic quartz crystals that are layered together and created beautiful variations and colors. The different patterns, shapes, and colors are dependent on the mineral makeup of the agate along with variations of temperature and pressure when the agate was formed. Each agate countertop varies significantly in patterns and colors. Let’s look at the numerous color combinations of agate countertops.
Blue Agate - Blue agate is one of the most popular agate countertops. Blue agate is an unbelievably beautiful countertop. It will warm up the spaces in your kitchen or bath while balancing the energy throughout your home. The translucency of blue agate countertops makes it an excellent choice for backlit countertops and backsplashes. Blue agate countertops pair beautifully with light wood cabinetry.
Brown Agate - Brown agate features brown crystals that are the polar opposite of the bright blue found in blue agate. The brown agate creates a calming and soothing countertop, perfect for bathrooms and kitchens. The semi-precious stone is believed to improve the overall quality of life in the homeowner and family and increase the prosperity of the home. Brown agate countertops can be paired with a variety of cabinetry colors, including white and natural wood cabinets.
Green Agate - Green agate is a beautiful green countertop that will mesmerize you. Although the primary color of green agate is green, you may also find yellows, blues, browns, grays, and blacks in green agate countertops. Green agate is believed to improve your health and fitness levels. Green agate countertops look gorgeous when paired with black cabinetry.
White Crystal Agate - White crystal agate is used to create an elegant-looking countertop. The beautiful semi-precious gemstone countertop evokes a sense of luxury and creates a bright and airy kitchen or bathroom. Unlike other agate countertops, white crystal agate features subtle patterns, making them a perfect choice for homeowners who prefer the minimalistic look. White crystal agate countertops can be paired with dark wood countertops as well as painted countertops.
Agate Tropicalia - Agate Tropicalia is a beautiful agate with various shades and patterns. The colors range from blue to yellow to gray. The agate has circular patterns and crystalized flakes that pair beautifully with light wood cabinetry. For increased visual interest, backlight the agate to bring warmth and drama to your kitchen or bathroom.
Amethyst – Amethyst is a purple crystal with amazing texture variations and vibrant colors. This purple stone sparks creativity and curiosity while protecting against poison and psychic entities. Amethyst countertops pair beautifully with white cabinetry and polished chrome fixtures. The diffuse pattern found in amethyst countertops adds interest to vanities and kitchen countertops.
Labradorite – Labradorite is a mineral abundantly found in Labrador. Labradorite countertops feature a radiant blue color that looks great in kitchens or bathrooms with dark wood cabinetry and contemporary metal fixtures. The natural patterns found in labradorite will not overwhelm small spaces. The pop of blue also looks fantastic on larger surfaces like kitchen islands and backsplashes.
Malachite – Malachite features variations of greens along with bright silver or gold accents. The vibrant greens in the countertop absorb negative energies and are believed to promote digestive health. This semi-precious stone originates in Madagascar and creates a sense of opulence in your kitchens and bathrooms. Malachite countertops pair beautifully with red-toned wood cabinetry and bright brass or stainless fixtures.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Gemstone Countertops?
As with any other type of countertop, gemstone countertops have several pros and cons that should be considered before making a purchase. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages that these countertops offer.
The Advantages of Semi-precious Stone Countertops
Beautiful, Unique Countertops – One of the main things that draw homeowners to semi-precious stone countertops is their unmistakable beauty. If you want a unique countertop that is truly eye-catching, this one is for you. You will have a one-of-a-kind countertop that can be backlit to create depth and interest to your countertops.
Durable, Long-Lasting Countertops – Semi-precious agate countertops are incredibly durable. The gemstones are suspended in resin. Once the resin has fully cured, it creates a nonporous countertop that prevents bacteria and liquids from entering the countertop surface.
Environmentally Friendly Countertops – Agate and other semi-precious stone countertops are environmentally friendly. Natural stone countertop production creates less waste than other types of countertops, making them an excellent option for those who are interested in eco-friendly building supplies
The Disadvantages of Agate and Semi-precious Stone Countertops
Expensive Countertops – One of the main drawbacks of semi-precious stone countertops is their cost. Homeowners can expect to pay $100 or more per square foot. In addition to this, the installation costs of semi-precious stone countertops are more than other types of countertops. Many countertop specialists do not have the experience to install agate or semi-precious stone countertops.
Wipe up spills immediately to prevent surface staining. If a stain does occur, apply a small amount of baking soda and water to the area and gently buff the countertop to remove the surface stain. Then, flood the countertop with water to remove all traces of baking soda. Finally, buff the countertop dry using a soft, absorbent cloth.
Your countertops should be wiped clean each time you use them with a damp cloth. Wiping your countertops daily will keep all dust removed, and your countertops looking great. However, care should be taken when choosing a semi-precious stone countertop cleaner.
Are you looking for a beautiful countertop? Would you love to add a pop of color to your kitchen or bath? Do you want a unique countertop that is different than what you would find in homes in your neighborhood? Look no further than semi-precious stone countertops such as malachite countertops, agate countertops, amethyst countertops, or Labradorite countertops.
