Surfaces crafted from semi-precious stones are the pinnacle of luxury stone design and a stunning example of the beauty the natural world has to offer. If you’ve ever seen a table, sink, vanity, floor, or accent area created from semi-precious stones, you’ve probably never forgotten it. Semi-precious stone surfaces make an impression that lasts a lifetime.
What are semi-precious surfaces? They represent an extraordinary way to incorporate nature’s elegance into design. Understanding what semi-precious surfaces are? It can enhance your appreciation for their unique beauty. In addition, these surfaces provide a luxurious touch to any environment.
Semi-precious stone slabs are produced in a manner very similar to the way quartz is manufactured in Seattle, WA. The individual stones, agates, gems, or crystals are hand-selected for beauty, purity, and homogeneity, then combined with a clear epoxy or acrylic resin that binds and hardens. The resin coating the stone not only keeps the countertop together but also protects the agates from impact, heat, staining, and UV fading.
Though semi-precious stone surfaces look delicate, they are actually quite challenging to work with. Just as with quartz, the resin makes them resistant to staining or etching, which is why semi-precious stones are a very popular choice for bars and decorative tables. You won’t have to seal them, but you won’t have to worry about wine spills or lemon wedges leaving a mark. Because semi-precious surfaces look so fragile–almost as though they were carved from glass–you’ll definitely impress anyone who comes to visit. Luckily, you’ll also enjoy the peace of mind that your beautiful counter or sink can stand up to anything they might throw at it!
Perhaps the most vivacious choice for these semi-precious stone surfaces is agate. Agates can be found in many colors and combine layers of varying, banded color with central crystal formations. Your countertop, table, or sink will remind everyone of how captivated they were by these stones as children.
Other stones, such as jasper, quartz, or even petrified wood, can also be used in semi-precious stone design. Really, it’s just a matter of taste — each semi-precious material has a very similar care and maintenance routine because they’re all combined with the cured resin. The important thing is to find something that truly captures your imagination. As you might imagine, semi-precious stone countertops are one of the most expensive options there are, and it’s crucial that you choose something you’ll not only be happy with decades from now, but that you’ll be able to look at and enjoy every day. A semi-precious stone accent is a way to create magic and beauty in your home that is as rare and wonderful as the stones themselves, so choose whatever you find most captivating.