Exotic stones are prized for their unique appearances and novel aesthetics—breaking the mold on traditional countertop materials and presenting a wide range of stunning possibilities. Exotic stones encompass a wide range of materials that can be extremely versatile in their appearances and uses.
These can create awe-inspiring looks in bathrooms, kitchens, and other living spaces as accent pieces or focal points. But what are some examples of exotic stones? And what are some of the ways they can be used to create jaw-dropping, functional, and memorable looks in your most frequently used spaces? There are some great trends to keep in mind in 2024, such as exotic stones that turn heads and leave an impression. Let’s explore!
Colorful, Quality, Quartzite
Quartzite is a natural stone type that’s prized for its hardness. It’s one of the most scratch-resistant countertop materials, and the benefits don’t stop there. Quartzite is also prized for its wide array of natural colors. While light-colored quartzite is a common sight in quartzite countertops, 2024 might be the year of colorful and darker quartzite.
Quartzite can feature striking deep shades of blue, red, and green, lending it a three-dimensional quality that shows off the top layers’ translucence. What’s more, the veining on quartzite can vary greatly, giving you the option of more muted, calm patterns or striking, high-contrast veining that shows off the natural beauty of the earth.
Outstanding Onyx Ombres
Onyx is a stunning natural stone type. It can range greatly in its colors and patterns, making it represent an exciting world of possibilities in 2024. While onyx is often associated with black onyx, it can come in a wide variety of extremely striking colors, including red, yellow, brown, and green.
It’s often used as an accent piece, easily making itself an eye-catching focal piece in nearly any space. Its dramatic colors can make it stand out, especially when paired with more muted fixtures and wall colors. One of the great things about onyx is that it can naturally occur with a wide range of colors all in a single slab, making it sometimes a highly colorful stone. With a glossy polish, the onyx stands out as a brilliant focal piece. Finally, onyx can be highly transparent, making it an ideal candidate for lighting that, when strategically placed, can make it glow in dark spaces.
Somber, Striking, Soapstone
Soapstone is another great exotic stone type. Soapstone is known for its matte, muted, and dark appearance, making it an excellent choice for both creating seamless looks in dark spaces and m