Exotic Stone, Gem, and Precious Metal Countertops

Agate Geode Countertop

Agate Geode Countertop

When price isn’t much of a consideration, exotic stone, gem and precious metal countertops offer unique style and beauty. An amazing array of options is available to those who are willing to pay premium prices to have a one-of-a-kind countertop for their kitchen or bath.

Here’s an overview of some of the most unique and exotic countertop materials available today.

Precious Metal Countertops

While solid gold or silver counters may be available, the focus here is on stone countertops that are veined or flecked with the precious metals. Slices of the stone slabs containing the silver or gold are cut fairly thin and then affixed over a wood base. The countertops are exquisitely beautiful which is why they are chosen. You may be interested to know that when properly sealed, they are also easy to clean as well as heat resistant.

Gemstone Countertops

These countertops are made from cut or prepared stone embedded in a resin base. The resin is clear, and typically epoxy resin or acrylic resin, both of which are very durable and resistant to impact, heat, staining or UV fading.

The cut or polished stones are placed close together like fieldstone in a wall or floor. The result is breathtaking. Among the options for gemstone countertops is standard agate, blue agate, banded agate, red agate, jade, lapis lazuli, red jasper, tiger eye, rose quartz and rough amethyst.

Gemstone counters are installed throughout kitchens at times, though many homeowners pick their spots for them. They may be used on a kitchen island, breakfast bar or small vanity in the kitchen or bath. In addition to being unique and attractive, gemstone countertops are heat and stain resistant and non-porous, so they are easy to clean.

Exotic Granite Colors

Most think of granite as a shade of brown, and most granite counters are earth-toned. But granite is available in a much wider spectrum of colors, though at high-end prices. Look for non-standard granite with tones of blue, green, pink, purple, red, silver, gold and more. The colors are the result of other stone intermingled with the granite.

Other Exotic Countertop Options

For something even more out of the ordinary, consider a countertop made from petrified wood. Or one containing cut geode stone displaying unusual and attractive crystal formation. Geology buffs will love countertops made from stone showing embedded ancient fossils. Pearl lovers will appreciate a bath or kitchen counter finished in mother of pearl or black pearl shell. These and other exotic materials are now being crafted into bath and kitchen countertop products.

Something Truly Special

If standard countertops simply won’t do for your kitchen or bathroom, there are distinctively beautiful alternatives available. Exotic stone, gemstone, precious metal and other matchless options allow you to choose a kitchen or bath countertop that will be as rare as it is beautiful.