STONE SPOTLIGHT: FOUR THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PORT LAURENT MARBLE
IRG’s Port Laurent Marble is prized for its striking features: deep dramatic veining and a rich dark color palette. Like the darkest night, its base hue is a lustrous black adored with streaks of golden and copper toned veining. This intricate pattern resembles the mesmerizing swirls of a fine liquor, evoking a sense of refinement and indulgence.
1. What makes this marble so unique?
One of Port Laurent Marbles most distinctive features is the way the dark background and the vibrant veining catches and reflects light. When sunlight or artificial lighting grazes its surface, the golden veins come alive, creating a stunning play of opulence and depth. This dynamic makes Port Laurent a unique choice for architects and designers seeking to create a visually striking space.
2. Where can Port Laurent Marble be used?
Port Laurent Marble is perfect in a multitude of applications in both residential and commercial settings. In luxurious homes, it graces kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds, adding an air of sophistication and grandeur. In upscale hotels and restaurants, it adorns bar tops, tabletops, and lobby floors, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Its versatility extends to contemporary offices, where it is used for sleek reception desks and statement walls. Whether adorning a grand hotel or gracing a family home, Port Laurent Marble brings a touch of splendor to every environment it occupies.
3. How do I care for Port Laurent Marble?
Although etching happens when acid stains or eats the material on marble surfaces, diligently sealing your marble countertops every year (or 5-10 years, depending on the type of sealer) will help to maintain their luxurious qualities and condition.
With proper care, Port Laurent Marble will retain its luxurious appearance for generations to come:
Blot up spills immediately.
Do not use acidic cleaners with lemon or vinegar.
Clean with a soft cloth or sponge, warm water, and non-abrasive or mild soap daily or as needed.
Thoroughly rinse and dry marble surfaces with clean, clear water after washing dishes.
Keep acids like vinegar, tomato sauce, lemon juice from coming in contact with the surface.
Use trivets or coasters to protect marble from excess heat.
4. Where can I find Port Laurent Marble?
This exquisite stone has captivated the world and can be seen, touched, and purchased at IRG, where no one has a better selection of in-stock marble slabs. Visit an IRG showroom near you (conveniently located in Brisbane, Dublin, and Sacramento) and IRG’s staff of surface experts can guide you through your selection. Schedule an appointment today.
One of the most fascinating features of Fusion Quartzite is the presence of distinct layers and waves that give the stone its charismatic appearance. These layers are the result of the mineral impurities present during its formation. Each layer and wave tell a story, giving the stone an almost painterly quality, making it a true work of art.
Where does it come from?
Quartzite forms from sandstone when it is compressed in the earth’s oven deep beneath the surface of the planet. Over millions of years, the sand grains recrystallize into a harder and denser structure. This high-pressure metamorphosis happens over decades in many locations on the globe, with the most well-known quarries emerging in Brazil.
What does it look like?
Fusion offers a stunning range of color options that are sure to appeal to a wide range of design aesthetics. From soft, ethereal off-white to dramatic, dark greys, the colorations of Fusion Quartzite are as diverse as the natural world itself.
Earthy Beiges: For those who appreciate a more earthy and grounded look, Fusion can come in warm beige and taupe tones. These shades bring a sense of warmth and tranquility to any space.
Bold Greys and Greens: If you desire a more dramatic and luxurious aesthetic, check out IRG’s Crystal Fusion. This variation of the stone features grey and green hues with striking white patterns that evoke a sense of mystery.
Deep Blues: In rarer instances, Fusion Quartzite can display deep blue veins that add an element of surprise and natural beauty to your design.
The coloration of Fusion Quartzite is a testament to the vast array of minerals that interacted during its formation. This gives each slab its distinctive and irreplicable appearance, making it a truly one-of-a-kind natural stone option.
Fusion Quartzite’s combination of mesmerizing geological structure and diverse colorations makes it an ideal choice for a variety of applications:
Kitchen Countertops: A popular choice because of quartzite’s heat resistance and low maintenance – it can withstand the daily rigors of cooking, all while adding an element of elegance to your culinary space.
Bathroom Vanities: The unique patterns and colors bring a touch of luxury to bathroom vanities, transforming them into stunning focal points.
Flooring: Honed or satin versions offer a slip-resistant and lasting option for high-traffic areas due to the stone’s natural durability.
Fireplace Surrounds: The exquisite veining and waves in Fusion can turn a fireplace into a work of art, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Feature Walls: Whether in residential or commercial settings, Fusion Quartzite can be used to create a stunning statement in a prime location.
Outdoors: The earthy tones and veined layers of Fusion befits exterior entertainments areas and BBQ’s, complementing a landscape of natural foliage.
See, touch, and feel the emotion that comes from IRG’s Fusion Quartzite—or another of IRG’s vast in-stock inventory of beautiful quartzite slabs. Call or come in to the IRG location nearest you: Brisbane, Dublin, or Sacramento
Kelly Huibregtse is a full-time NICU physician in need of a serene oasis at her SF home. She and her husband, Pat, also love to cook and entertain, so they decided to take their underwhelming backyard space and create a sanctuary and place to have friends visit. Careful planning included which appliances, surfaces, and suppliers could help complete their vision both on time and on budget. Following a detailed and tight schedule and working only with those suppliers who believe in a true collaboration helped to shape their new haven.
Before…
Kelly and husband Pat first compiled their wish list including the look, feel, style and function of their outdoor space. They then worked with the city to acquire the correct building permits and coordinated with online patio designer, Yardzen.
With Kelly’s and Pat’s input, Yardzen provided custom renderings which included layout and material suggestions. They selected Hestan outdoor appliances with green paneling, a spa from local dealer Creative Energy, chose landscaping and plants, and worked with IRG to select stunning quartzite slabs for the countertops. Professional stone fabricator, Joel Ayala from Special Marble & Granite, laid the final pieces perfectly into place. The project was completed by Mejia Landscaping.
…And After!
IRG: How much input from others do you generally ask for before beginning a design project?
Kelly Huibregtse: Usually, I start by myself or by discussing our needs with my husband. I look to Instagram, Pinterest, and AD online to start imaging the look and feel for the finished project. It’s funny because in this outdoor makeover, I originally wanted a sort of Old-World feel—more European—with lots of natural stone and a traditional timeless feel.
As the project developed and we discussed how we use our new backyard, we mixed in a few select modern conveniences. Our green Hestan outdoor appliances are good examples. The large quartzite counters were also a practical and stylish decision. This kept things feeling timeless not trendy.
IRG: What are the next steps you took after thinking of your “wants” of the project?
Kelly Huibregtse: This is the first project I’ve done where I used a design service to help bring my vision to life. Yardzen took our ideas and concepts and gave me a finished design that I could provide for our landscapers and for city permitting. Everything going forward followed their design quite closely.
Kelly Huibregtse: Patrick had the idea to use Taj Mahal Quartzite. He loves the look, and it was perfect for this project. We knew we wanted a surface that could withstand the elements and we felt quartzite was more durable than marble for our use. We walked the aisles at IRG’s Brisbane location and found the perfect slab!
Taj Mahal is a neutral stone whose veining captures interest and shows its beauty. It’s also terrific at hiding stains on our cooking surface. IRG had so much in stock, which I knew they would. They introduced us to a wonderful fabricator Joel Ayala from Special Marble & Granite during our kitchen remodel and we used him again for this project. He was able to cut the stone to our exact specifications and carefully lift and install the pieces into place.
IRG: How was your experience working with IRG?
Kelly Huibregtse: I had worked with IRG before and this might sound odd, but one of my favorite things to do is go to their warehouse and just walk the aisles. It is so awe-inspiring. Even if you don’t have a project at the time, their vast selection gives you inspiration. There are quite a few stone suppliers, but I really think IRG is the best. I knew they would have what I wanted so I didn’t go and look anywhere else. Also, their customer service is just terrific. They make me feel right at home and comfortable. There’s no “attitude” just a friendly willingness to help you make a decision.
IRG: How long did the project take?
Kelly Huibregtse: I started design ideas and pulling permits in March and then worked virtually until we broke ground approximately May 1st. By mid-August the job was done, and I was in my hot tub!
IRG: How do you feel about the result? What’s next?
Kelly Huibregtse I’m super pleased and I don’t think I would change a thing. We’re taking a break for a few months but then I’m pretty sure we’ll be ready to take on a bathroom remodel. I’m already thinking full-on slab shower…stay tuned to IRG and A Side of Sweet!
Note: If you are a designer or a client who would like to have a recent project featured in IRG’s Design Talks Series, please contact: Jogreet Chadha at IRG (jogreet@marblecompany.com).
Redesigning a Primary Bathroom: A Before and After Story
Bay Area interior designer Nina Jizhar believes that a home should reflect its owner’s lifestyle, and that its look and feel should be a true collaboration between designer and client. In this bathroom remodel, the client wanted to transition from the home’s original 1990s look…
A before shot of the clients’ 1990s bathroom
…to a fresh, modern, bright, and airy space. For this 1990’s bathroom remodel, Nina Jizhar took into consideration not only style, but function, thinking through cabinetry, lighting, and, of course, beauty.
The directive was to use a neutral color palate but “not be boring.”
A neutral color palette lightens up the space and draws attention to the fixtures and the bold veins of the Fior Di Pesco Marble countertop.
IRG: How much input do you generally receive from a client?
Nina Jizhar: Prior to the first consultation, we ask our clients to send any Pinterest or Houzz boards they like so we can look through some inspirational images for more design detail and style direction. This process helps us to know our client’s design sense before we start and really contributes to our moving forward.
Above is a sample design board showing colors, styles, textures, and shapes that clients show to designers like Nina Jizhar, to get a sense of their aesthetics and style.
IRG: What are the first steps you take when you tackle a remodel?
Nina Jizhar: Putting together a design plan included walking through IRG’s aisles of stone slabs (and choosing IRG’s Fior Di Pesco), allowing the thought process behind this dramatic transformation to begin take place, and an elevated and unique area to emerge. We want to make sure the functionality aspects of the bathroom that were not working before for them would be addressed and improved–from storage to layout. We want their new bathroom to best suit their lifestyle, aesthetically as well as functionally.
The client’s original 1990s shower also needed a modern and fresh look.
Nina Jizhar: Our client fell in love with a photo of a Giada De Laurentiis kitchen and the marble she used in it. We know IRG is a great resource for unique marbles (with their vast in-stock inventory), and the staff is always on hand to lend knowledge and assistance.
I came in with a Giada De Laurentiis photo as a reference and IRG immediately located the perfect choice for this project. The marble we selected is IRG’s Fior Di Pesco and it is absolutely stunning. The stone has warm grey and white veining with streaks of a deep reddish-purple color.
Photo on left is from Giada de Laurentiis’ own kitchen remodel featured in Discovery+ My Dream Kitchen. Photo on right is a close-up of the Fior Di Pesco slab selected by Nina and her client at IRG.
We did not want to take away the beauty of this marble and so we selected complimentary tiles mostly in white but with lots of texture. These are from IRG’s AKDO designer tile line.
IRG’s AKDO designer tiles 10.5 x 2.5 x 3/8” thick in Birch White with glossy finish.
We alternated a white subway tile in matte and gloss finish and installed it in a herringbone pattern. The vanity backsplash is a white marble cut into small 1×2″ tiles for added texture and interest.
A renovated shower to love. Lightened and brightened with AKDO tiles, IRG’s Fior Di Pesco Marble and updated fixtures form a luxuriously inviting space.
IRG: How was your experience working with IRG?
Nina Jizhar: Working with IRG has always been great and this project was just another example. They are helpful with the selection and sample ordering. They located the slab quickly and were flexible with delivery. The staff even coordinated other elements such as paint and cabinet stain selections. Working with IRG, we can always be confident of the outcome.
IRG: How do you feel about the end result? Would you have done anything differently?
Nina Jizhar: Both our client and everyone on our team love it! We wouldn’t change a thing.
Note: If you are a designer or a client who would like to have a recent project featured in IRG’s Design Talks Series, please contact: Jogreet Chadha at IRG 415-657-0280
When it comes to remodeling a home, one of the biggest decisions for homeowners and interior designers is choosing the right materials for kitchen countertops. One of the most popular options gaining traction is Taj Mahal Quartzite – a natural stone known for its neutral colorations, durability, design versatility.
In this blog post, we’ll explore these features and why Taj Mahal Quartzite is a great choice for homeowners and designers looking for a high-quality material for their remodeling projects.
IRG Taj Mahal Quartzite
IRG Taj Mahal Quartzite
STANDING THE TEST OF TIME
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from sandstone and subjected to intense heat and pressure over millions of years. This metamorphism gives Taj Mahal Quartzite its biggest advantage – durability, which means resistance to scratches, heat, and stains.
Compared to marble, this stone is harder and stronger, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like flooring and kitchen countertops. It also works beautifully in outdoor venues because its subtle colorations blend well with stone and greenery while it’s strength holds up to whatever nature decides.
Whether you are using Taj Mahal Quartzite in a residential or commercial setting, this stone will stand the test of time.
Bar at True Laurel in San Francisco (c) Photography by Vasalo Studios
THE ESSENCE OF ELEGANCE
Exceptional but subtle beauty is another of the hallmarks of IRG’s Taj Mahal Quartzite. Known for its varied patterns — ranging from delicate and wispy to bold and dramatic — the stone’s veining adds true depth of character, while its range of lighter colorations (creamy ivory, subtle beige, or khaki) make it a versatile choice for many different design spaces.
The light coloration of Taj Mahal Quartzite makes it an excellent choice for small spaces. Its reflection of light helps to create the illusion of space while not overpowering other elements in the room. And it can be used in larger spaces to create a sense of continuity between different areas, providing a cohesive and unified look.
Taj Mahal Quartzite installed on vanity top and shower bench in San Francisco home.
A STONE OF VERSATILITY
Taj Mahal Quartzite can be easily incorporated into traditional, modern and minimalist interior styles due to its range of neutral colorations from beige and white to grey and brown. These adaptable undertones paired with finish options – honed, polished or satin/leathered – allow this quartzite to fit into nearly any design scheme or any space that calls for natural stone slabs. Its subtle colors and unique veining make it a great choice for creating a serene, spa-like atmosphere in a bathroom. And in living areas, its neutral colorations provide a great backdrop for artwork and other design elements.
The unique combination of durability and design versatility of this stone make it a popular alternative to white marbles. Whether you are remodeling your kitchen or another space in your home, consider Taj Mahal Quartzite for a high-quality and long-lasting surface choice.
SEE IT AT IRG: A NATURAL WONDER OF THE STONE WORLD
At IRG, our Taj Mahal Quartzite is sourced from only the finest quarries, ensuring authenticity and exceptional quality. And, if you’re looking for a variety of selection or a number of slabs, our in-stock inventory is unsurpassed.
Contact one of our knowledgeable stone experts at the IRG location nearest you — Brisbane, Dublin, and Sacramento — and tour the warehouse to see for yourself. Whether you’re a homeowner, architect, or interior designer, IRG’s experienced team can guide you in selecting the perfect Taj Mahal Quartzite slab(s) for your specific project.
Taj Mahal and inlaid wood countertop at True Laurel SF (c) Photography by Vasalo Studios.
Then get ready to embrace the allure of this iconic stone and infuse your surroundings with the captivating beauty and rich benefits that it offers.
Dena Mazza of Foxtale Design using IRG Super White Pental Quartz
Quartz or Quartzite?
Quartz and quartzite are popular surfaces homeowners come across when searching for countertops. Despite sounding like similar surfaces, quartz and quartzite are different and distinct materials: quartz is a manmade, engineered surface, and quartzite is a natural stone mined from quarries all over the world.
The Confusion
The confusion between quartz and quartzite often lies in the fact that quartz geologically refers to a crystalline mineral containing silicon and oxygen. Natural quartzite slabs are made up of mineral quartz-rich sandstone. And quartz countertops are primarily made up of these crushed quartz minerals combined with a resin that holds it together. IRG’s Pental Quartz is made up of 90-93% quartz minerals and 7-10% resin.
In this article, we will further break down the differences between quartz and quartzite, as well as the pros and cons of each surface.
IRG’s Pental Quartz Amarcord
How to Tell the Difference
QUARTZ
Quartz has been growing in popularity as a countertop surface for the past ten years. Unlike granite and quartzite, quartz is non-porous and stain resistant. Because of this, there is no need to apply a sealer on the surface.
Easy maintenance is one reason some are partial to quartz, especially since it doesn’t necessarily need to be sealed. Quartz can resist staining more than natural stones like granite and quartzite, which must be regularly sealed for maximum protection. Unlike granite and quartzite, quartz is not recommended for use on fireplaces, directly behind stovetops and ranges, or outdoors. Due to the resin content within quartz, major drawbacks like its non-resistance to heat over 250°F and lack of UV resistance come into play. Therefore, it is advised not to place hot items directly from the stove or oven on the countertop. High heat exposure over time can lead to warping of the surface, so fireplace, stove backsplash, and steam shower applications should also be avoided. However, this may be a valuable trade-off since quartz usually costs less per square foot than quartzite. It is important to note that quartz is priced per slab since they come in conventional sizes, while slabs of natural stone come in a variety of sizes and are priced per square foot.
With the quartz craze going strong, manufacturers are constantly coming out with new lines and colors. Vein sizing and color offerings make quartz more distinguishable from quartzite. Quartz collections offer colorways that mimic marble‘s lighter tones, often with smaller veins and undertones not typically found in marble selections. They can also provide a pure white or medium grey background that is hard to find in quartzite naturally.
Clients, as well as various quartz brands, are focusing now more than ever on lighter-colored quartz with veining as opposed to the darker-speckled tones as a result, which were prevalent in the years past. The shift comes as no surprise, though. As we know, white marble has become a timeless staple for many kitchen countertops, erasing the general industry consensus from the past couple of decades that marble is for bathrooms and granite for kitchen countertops. This means we’ll see an increased interest in affordable white marble-looking surfaces, which engineered materials like quartz can provide.
IRG’s Cielo Quartzite / Photography by Adam Potts
QUARTZITE
Made from sandstone found beneath the earth’s surface, quartzite is a natural stone that is quarried like granite and is just as sturdy. Not to be confused with engineered quartz, quartzite is more heat resistant and can be used safely around a fireplace or outdoor fire pit. Sometimes avoided because of its price point, quartzite can be thought of as a more budget-friendly alternative to marble, which is prone to etching, scratching, and staining. It also is extremely accommodating of detail-oriented installations; for example, the continued trend of large, edge-to-edge waterfall islands and other expansive kitchen surfaces can be harder to accomplish with quartz due to more recognizable seams.
The many textures and patterns of quartzite also set it apart from manufactured quartz. Its natural veining makes it prime for bookmatched installations, especially for those drawn to a more seamless look and organic feel. From freckled organic movement to caramel crystallized veins, quartzite is a product of earth’s purest form of natural beauty. Quartzite offers an expansive range of patterns, tones, and movement that can’t be manufactured. This makes quartzite highly sought after by designers and homeowners who value charm and precision that will withstand the test of time.
IRG’s Amarcord Quartz
Trendy vs. Timeless
It doesn’t look like the quartz craze will end anytime soon. And we’re not complaining! There’s no doubt that quartz countertops are an affordable, durable, and modern option for kitchens and bathrooms. Going for a basic dark grey bathroom countertop? Quartz works great! Craving the look of white marble veining? There’s a quartz for that! However, if you find your design needs align with a more natural finish, quartzite might be the longer-lasting, low-maintenance, and cost-effective option when compared to quartz and marble.
Considering marble in your kitchen instead? Read our guide, To Marble or Not To Marble? That is the Question, which compares the pros and cons of marble applications with other natural and engineered surfaces.
Carrying the largest selection of superior-grade, elegant, beautiful, and long-lasting natural stone available in the world today, including marble, granite, quartzite, and onyx, as well as an array of engineered surfaces, including quartz and porcelain slab, we welcome the opportunity to assist you throughout your decision-making process and design journey. Dedicated to helping you create the kitchen of your dreams, we invite you to visit our showroom and allow our experts and creative consultants to help you choose the perfect surface for your home. As unique as the individual, we treat every project with the utmost care, paying special attention to each client’s specific needs, budget, lifestyle, and style preferences. Call IRG at (415) 657-0280 or visit us at a showroom convenient to you in Brisbane, Dublin, or Sacramento.
The IRG Blog is your resource for stone product information, ideas and inspiration. Use our informational articles, project features, and product spotlights to help create your vision, then come into one of our showrooms to bring your ideas to life!
