Labradorite countertops are a type of granite. These counters have crystal infusions that give them colorful iridescent patches. Because of the gemstone-like iridescence, many people confuse this stone for quartzite.
While labradorite is rising in popularity, it’s much more difficult to find than standard granite.
It has an exotic look that fits rustic style kitchens when paired with warm wood cabinets. The stone takes on a more modern look when paired with white or painted cabinets.
If you’re thinking of adding labradorite to your kitchen or bathroom, here’s what to expect.
What is Labradorite?
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral and semi-precious gemstone. It’s a type of granite infused with crystals, which gives it a unique iridescent look.
Miners initially found this stone in Labrador, Canada, where it gets its name. Now, it comes from places such as Norway, Finland, Australia, Ukraine, and some parts of the United States.
Since this stone is hard and durable, it’s excellent countertop material.
The base color of Labradorite is dark gray or black. The crystal infusions give it an iridescent look, called labradorescence. Labradorite countertops can show flashes of blue, red, gold, or green depending on the stone’s origin and how the light hits it.
Is Labradorite Durable?
Since Labradorite is a type of granite, it’s incredibly durable. It ranks a 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
While you will need to seal Labradorite like any other granite or stone counter, after doing so, it will be stain-resistant.
Labradorite stands up to scratches well. While you should always use a cutting board, Labradorite is unlikely to scratch even if you cut directly on it.
It is also heat resistant and not easily damageable.
How Much Does Labradorite Cost?
Labradorite is not as common as other types of popular granite countertops. It’s harder to find and therefore costs more money per square foot.
The average cost of granite countertops is about $50 per square foot. On the other hand, Labradorite is as much as $200 per square foot.
Expect to pay from $50 to $200 per square foot for Labradorite, depending on the slab and availability near you.
How to Take Care of Labradorite Countertops
Wondering if Labradorite countertops are easy to maintain? They are – clean them daily with a gentle cleaner, reapply sealant as required, and take precautions, like using a cutting board.
Following these small steps will keep your counters in excellent shape for decades.
Cleaning
You can clean your labradorite countertop with any gentle PH-neutral cleaner. Some of the best options are stone cleaners or a simple mix of your favorite dish soap and water.
Clean your countertops daily to clear crumbs and other debris that might cause micro scratches.
Avoid using any vinegar or lemon-based products on your counters. The acidity in these cleaners can eat through the counter’s sealant and cause etching. Also, avoid the use of bleach or ammonia on Labradorite.
Maintenance/Sealing
Labradorite is a type of granite, meaning you need to add a coat of sealant like you would with any other stone counter.
You can reseal your Labradorite every six months to three years, depending on the type of sealer you use and how much wear your countertops receive.
Precautions
Even though Labradorite is a hard stone, you should use a cutting board instead of cutting directly on the counter.
Also, put pot holders or other protectors underneath hot dishes. Doing these two simple things will ensure your countertops look good for longer.
Labradorite Countertop Ideas and Examples
Here’s a look at how others use Labradorite counters in their homes.
Labradorite Countertops on an Island
The designer used Labradorite on the main kitchen counter and the island in this kitchen. Paired with the wood cabinets, it has a rustic feel. It looks more modern against the white cabinets.
The designer chose a coordinating glass backsplash.
Transitional Kitchen with White Cabinets and Labradorite
This photo is of the same kitchen as the previous one. When zoomed in on only the white cabinets, you can see how much more modern the Labradorite looks.
Labradorite is versatile and can work with many decor styles depending on the other materials in the room.
Rustic Mountain Kitchen with Labradorite Counters
This mountain kitchen looks breath-taking with a large Labradorite slab on the island and coordinating countertops.
Use warm wood tones within your kitchen and stone or brick accents to get this look. You can also use a tile backsplash as this designer did.
Luxury Wine Cellar with Labradorite
Labradorite is the crown jewel of this luxury wine cellar – it clads the countertops, is used as the backsplash, and works its way up the ceiling.
Even though this wine cellar looks dark, the lighting hits the counters to show the flashes of blue.
Blue Labradorite Countertops and Backsplash
While there are many backsplash options to match Labradorite counters, using the material as your counter and backsplash is an attractive option. Some designers even use this stone as sink material.
The blue Labradorite in this kitchen reflects light, flashing gold and blue. When you use a counter like this, you can leave everything else simple and let your counter be the room’s star.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Where can you buy Labradorite counters?
Labradorite is harder to find than other types of granite. Most big box home improvement stores don’t sell it. Instead, look for local stone countertop shops to find it.
How long do Labradorite counters last?
A well-maintained Labradorite countertop will last as long as 100 years. Labradorite is a hard, durable stone that resists scratches and is unlikely to chip. When sealed, Labradorite also resists water and stains.
What are the best backsplash ideas for Labradorite counters?
Many backsplashes match labradorite, and the best one depends on the look you like. For an easy option, use Labradorite as your backsplash. Another idea is a glass backsplash that pulls color from the stone. (I.E., if your counter has blue flashes, use that same color of blue for your backsplash.)
You can also use a stone for a rustic look or a subway tile, depending on the other elements in your kitchen.
Final Thoughts
Labradorite countertops are granite with a crystal infusion that causes patches of iridescence. They usually have a black or dark gray base color with blue, gold, yellow, or red flashes. These counters are harder to find than other types of granite and more expensive.
Labradorite becomes the ideal rustic kitchen countertop when paired with warm wood cabinets. Labradorite paired with white or painted cabinets takes on a much more modern look, making this a versatile stone counter choice.
The post What are Labradorite Countertops? Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Homedit.