In recent blog posts, we’ve talked about granite, marble, and even porcelain. Today, we’re looking at a rarer type of stone: agate. What exactly is it, and is it the right choice for your bathroom and kitchen countertops?
What is agate?
Agate is a natural mix of different minerals, including quartz and chalcedony. It’s usually found in volcanic rocks or lava. It’s been used by stone carvers since the time of the ancient Greeks.
Agate comes in many different colors, such as white, green, golden, red, black, and soft tan. Because of the way that agate forms, it often has natural stripes of color. This is known as banded agate, striped agate, or riband agate.
Other types include moss agate, which has naturally-occurring leaf-shaped patterns, and enhydro agate, which contains tiny bubble patterns. But there are many, many others!
Pros and cons of agate
Agate is exceptionally hard, so it can stand up to daily use in your kitchen or bathroom. It’s also known for its highly polished surface that resists chemicals and stains.
However, that hardness and polish come with a hefty price tag. For a more affordable option, you could try another natural stone like quartz – or use a smaller piece of agate as a statement in your kitchen and bathroom design.
Some people also choose to use agate as part of a mosaic of different stone types. Just be aware that this, too, will be an expensive option. And because it will have joints between the different stones, it may not be as practical as a single, solid slab.
