Emerald Pearl granite
is an increasingly popular choice among kitchen and bathroom designers worldwide. A green granite slab, it is embedded with deep dark blue crystals and speckled with grey and black.
Also known as larvakite or laurvakite, This granite slab was named for the Norwegian Larvik fjord where it was discovered in the late nineteenth century, and is currently mined in both Larvik and Klaastad in Norway. The granite also goes by the names Blue Pearl, Blue fjord, Blue granite, Blue pearl granite, Blue antique, Black moonstone, and Birds eye granite.
This variety of granite has an interesting history. Organizers of the German Worlds Fair in the 1890s wanted an architecture exhibit with two ornamental stones from each participating country. These stones were then to be judged by a panel of architectural experts. During this time, Norway only had a single facing stone being produced.
The Norwegian fair committee asked one Dr. Waldemar Christofer Brogger to come up with a second stone. Upon hearing this, Dr. Brogger immediately suggested a stone a rock he said he thought winked at him as he rode along the Larvik Fjord. A slab was prepared and displayed at the worlds fair, where it took top honors.
When used in cabinets and vanities, the beauty of this stone is enhanced by metal and glass. In correct lighting situations, the reflective details of the slab are revealed. And with a nutmeg stain, this type of granite can highlight the subtleties of color in your kitchen. When under cabinet lighting is allowed to reflect of the granite, the effect is remarkable. Also, it works well dark or naturally stained maple.
Emerald Pearl can also be used with a vast number of different wall colors. Businesses use it to add appeal to everything from stairs and floors to bathrooms. Using a Glidden Visualizer, anyone can try out other combinations of color to see which ones work well.
Be sure not to ignore the backsplash. The area between the top of the counter and the bottom of the cabinets is called the backsplash. Usually, backsplashes range from 6 inches to 19 inches in height. They can be made out of metal, colored tile, or the same material as the emerald pearl countertop. Using a material that complements the granite slab is a great way to enhance the appearance of the countertop. Many kitchen designers make creative use of tile in backsplash areas to add an artistic impact. Mosaic Tiles, Decorative Ceramic Tiles, and Custom Tiles offer wide range of patterns from which designers might choose.