You probably know that you have many options for countertops, but have you thought about using gemstones? There’s something magical about gemstones. Blue agate reflects the ocean and sky. Carnelian radiates the red of glowing embers. Purple amethyst can bring us back to a time of storybook lore. With gemstone countertops, you can experience this in your own home.

You may have memories of finding semi-precious stones as a child. For many people, gemstones take them back to a time of fantasy and adventure. It’s hard not to feel some reverence when you realize stones like that come out of rocks and dirt.

How are they made?

Gemstone countertops are related to engineered quartz countertops in the way that they are constructed. The popular quartz countertops of today combine small pieces of quartz crystals with a resin to create a smooth slab. Gemstone countertops are also made with resin or epoxy, but they contain much larger pieces of crystals or gems. It’s even possible to build a countertop with slices of large geodes or pieces of petrified wood.

You can find countertops made of gemstones in pretty much any color of the rainbow. Since these countertops are one of a kind, they are often made-to-order. They can cost about $100 per square foot or above, depending on the type of semi-precious stone you prefer.

Since they are made to order, these luxury countertops can fit the design of your space. Common gemstone materials include red jasper, jade, red agate, blue agate, lapis lazuli, tiger eye, banded agate, rose quartz, and rough amethyst. With all the options available, you could even use your family’s individual birthstones as inspiration.

Gemstones in your kitchen

When you come home from work or school, where do you go first? Chances are, you go to the kitchen. It’s a hotspot of activity in the home, so why not bring a little charm into the room with a gemstone countertop? You can see in the photo above that this kitchen has a blue gemstone island along with other types of countertops.

This countertop is made of large cuts of stone and showcases a variety of hues and textures. Since the stones are bound together and sealed with resin, the final material is non-porous and stain-resistant. That makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Tiger eye kitchen countertop

In the photo above, you can see an example of a tiger eye kitchen countertop. The golds and deep browns of the gemstone fit nicely with the stained wood cabinets. The silky colors in the tiger eye certainly make for a warm and inviting kitchen. Here’s what that countertop would look like close up:

This photo lets you see all the bands of gold, brown, black, and yellow that make up this gorgeous stone. The stone is made up of dense fibers that have been stained by iron through a pseudomorphic process of quarts replacing crocidolite. The fibers are responsible for the cat’s eye effect called chatoyancy. When craftsmen cut the tiger eye, they orient the cut so its parallel to these fibers. Doing that will maximize this cat’s eye effect.

Gemstone bathroom countertops

The bathroom is another great spot for a gemstone countertop. What’s more luxurious than an amethyst vanity? Getting ready with a gemstone countertop each day can make you feel like royalty. The countertop can be cut into any shape so you can incorporate it into your unique bathroom design. It’s also moisture resistant which makes it great for enduring the wet bathroom environment.

People have cherished gemstones ever since the Stone Age. Whether you incorporate them for their aesthetic beauty or their mystical character, gemstone bathroom countertops are sure to add a sparkle to your morning routine.

LED-backlit gemstone countertops

What’s one thing that all gemstones have in common? They all react with light in alluring ways. You can emphasize this quality further by installing LEDs underneath your gemstone countertop. As light passes through the stones it intensifies their colors and draws your attention.

The countertop above uses brown agate as its gemstone. Of course, it’s more than a countertop. It extends from the floor on one end and up the wall on the other. Since the countertop material is formed by hand, you have endless design possibilities.

Backlit blue agate

Above is another example of using LEDs. This bathroom gemstone countertop uses blue agate for the main stone. You can imagine that it creates a soothing mood, especially at night.

What’s great about these countertops is that each one is unique. There will never be another countertop that looks just like the one you that you have. Gemstones can be bright and in your face or silky and subdued. Whether your style is rustic, traditional, or eclectic, you can find a gemstone countertop to match your look.