Do you know what we love? Giving you that little burst of joy that comes from seeing something extra special. For a lot of our customers, that comes from choosing something a bit different: exotic stone. Over the last several years there has been an abundance of new stones that have come to the market, especially in the category of “exotic” stones. But what exactly are those? Let’s look at what that term really means–and how you can integrate exotic stone into your home.
Exotic Stones: The Rising Star of Interior Design
Interior design is about more than just aesthetics–we know that it’s a way for you to infuse your personality into your home. Exotic stone has often been a choice for those who want to elevate the look of their space while also showing off their personal style. That’s why we’re proud to offer such a wide range of quality natural stones–you have plenty to choose from!
One of the great things about exotic stones is the variety! As mining gets more advanced, we’ve been able to see a growing amount of different stones coming in from all corners of the globe. For you, this translates into more choices and more customization.
About Exotic Stones
We wouldn’t blame you for asking: What exactly defines an exotic stone? These stones are often characterized by striking patterns, eye-catching colors, and unique geological formations. Let’s explore two families of exotic stones that RMS is familiar with: granite and quartzite.
Granite
The traditional look of granite was always the speckled, consistent patterned materials that were often used in more utilitarian applications, such as pavers, curbing, headstones, and sometimes cladding. The residential countertop market created a demand for more colorful and patterned stones. In our industry, if it looks like granite and performs like granite, then we call it…granite!
One of the stones that fall into this category is “gneiss”, which is a metamorphic stone created from either a schist or granite deposit that was subject to intense heat and pressure. These stones tend to have some kind of veining or pattern to them, sometimes with very dramatic crystal and foliation structures. These types of granite are typically what make up the “exotic” selections. There are also a few unusual colors of granite, especially the intense blue colors, that because of their limited supply, are also included in the exotic category. Variations like these have helped move granite from functional to “decorational”.
Quartzite
Quartzite has long been popular for its combined beauty and resilience, and with over 30 varieties on the market, you have plenty to choose from! The look of quartzite is most similar to marble, with a very subtle veining and a fine-grain background. These stones are incredibly hard and are about the most durable, bulletproof material you can put on a countertop. They are both scratch and heat-resistant (which is a reason why quartzite countertops are so popular) and are available in just about every color of the rainbow. And just like most granites, quartzite is available in a variety of finishes.
Exotic Stone in Your Home
Let’s say you’ve come by our workshop and set your eyes on one of our exotic stone slabs you’d like to make your own. Where in your home can you put this beautiful stone?
Kitchen Accents
Whether you want to make your kitchen a sleek and efficient place for preparation or a cozy place to gather, you can elevate the space by integrating exotic stone into the kitchen islands or stone countertops, as well as durable natural stone flooring.
Bathroom Interiors
Exotic marble or granite is an excellent material choice for bathroom vanities, especially if you want to add some elegance to your space.
Feature Walls and Fireplaces
Entryway walls and fireplace surrounds are the perfect application for exotic materials. Some exotic stones are so colorful and unusual in patterns that they can take the place of a piece of art…art from the earth!
Outdoor Space
People often come to us wanting to spruce up their interior, but we’re happy to work with your outdoor space as well! Natural quartzite or granites are perfect materials for your exterior kitchens or BBQ spaces, providing both durability and colorful countertops that will visually expand your space and set the scene for outdoor fun.
Update Your Space With Rocky Mountain Stone
At Rocky Mountain Stone, we take pride in offering a curated selection of exotic stones in Albuquerque. With over 30 varieties of exotic granites and 10 stunning colors of quartzite in our inventory, we would love for you to come and explore all of the options for your next project. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us or give us a call at 505.345.8518 to get started!