Taj Mahal is a creamy, tan and white quartzite design that can be adapted to nearly any aesthetic. This stone is quarried in Brazil, and features layers of white, amber, and gold in a subtle pattern that creates movement and interest without overwhelming the eye.
Technical Information
Quartzite is a natural stone that is taking center stage in the design world, as appreciation grows for its marble-like appearance, granite-like durability and application options. Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that starts out as sandstone and evolves over time under intense heat and pressure. It’s a naturally strong, heat-resistant stone that can appear similar to marble, but is sturdier and less prone to scratching and other damage. It can be found in quarries around the globe, but the more bold and exotic designs come from Brazil.
Quartzite has a similar hardness level as granite, rated at around 7 to 8 on the Mohs scale. It is resistant to scratching and is not acid-soluble, so it won’t etch when exposed to vinegar or citrus juices.
Since quartzite is durable and heat-resistant, it is ideal for countertops, bartops, fireplace surrounds, and nearly anywhere that granite could be used. This stone is an increasingly popular countertop option for homeowners.
Company Information
SK Stones USA is the top producer of quality natural stone, leading the way in technology, quality, and customer service. With more than 50 years in the industry, SK Stones, a US-based company, is a worldwide distributor of natural stone.
To create one-off, sought-after solutions, SK Stones USA offers an array of patented finishing processes to help showcase your stone’s finest qualities.
Finish Options
There are a variety of finish options for your taj mahal countertops; here are the most popular choices to select from:
Polished
With polished stone, your slab is ground, sanded, and buffed until a perfectly smooth, reflective surface is achieved. The high-gloss effect created by this finish is a must for designers or homeowners looking to create a luxurious aesthetic, as the shine brings out the natural sparkle of the patterns and movement within your quartzite. As an added bonus, a high-polish finish helps the stone repel stains and clean easily.
Cleaning a polished surface is a simple process — a soft cloth and any number of specially developed natural stone cleaners work perfectly. Polished stone can go longer between sealing, as well – up to once per year. With a polished finish, Taj Mahal reflects light and brightens up any area.
Honed
To create the satiny, matte finish of honed stone, slabs are sanded to a finish that is not reflective. Honed quartzite provides a less formal appearance, which is preferable for those who seek a natural, down-to-earth aesthetic in their home. Additionally, quartzite is naturally nonporous; therefore, the honing process won’t compromise the stone’s ability to repel liquids.
The soft look of honed quartzite offers a warm, comfortable feeling, which enhances the already inviting look of Taj Mahal. Honed countertops can create an old-world feel, ideal for inviting gathering places, like kitchens or dining areas.
Keep in mind — there is some room for customization when it comes to a honed countertop, from some shine to completely matte.
Since a honed surface won’t show wear or scratches as easily as a polished one, it’s perfect for higher traffic areas, including kitchens, fireplace surrounds, or tabletops. It also does not require as much day-to-day maintenance as polished quartzite.
Leathered
The leathered finish option, while still a novelty, is gaining popularity among homeowners. This option invites people to experience the stone through touch as much as through appearance, as the surface’s movement mimics the veining of the its design. Leathered stone is perfect for rustic or farmhouse-inspired spaces, as it provides more of a straight-from-the-earth feel to the surface. This finish is also known as a “riverwashed” finish, since it appears to have been polished by flowing water.
Since leathered stone is less common than honed or polished options, choosing this finish can help your countertop stand apart, especially with more popular designs.
Leathered stone doesn’t show scratches, fingerprints, or watermarks, making it ideal for a busy homeowner. However, like honed quartzite, leathered surfaces require additional protection against stains and water damage, so they will need to be sealed more frequently.
The warmer tones in Taj Mahal make it an ideal alternative to the common white countertops that are trending. Paired with off-white, beige or cream colored cabinets, homeowners and designers can create a look that mimics the clean, simple lines of an all-white kitchen, but with a softer and homier overall atmosphere. Complete the look with furniture that features detailed carvings and craftsmanship, as well as cabinet pulls and handles with interesting tones and textures. For kitchen décor, think antique accents like glass milk bottles as a vase, or ceramic jars to hold sugar, flour and other staples.
The earthy tones of Taj Mahal are also great for creating a more rustic, natural kitchen. Pair your countertops with natural wood shelving, distressed-looking furniture, and simple, dark-toned knobs for your cabinet doors and drawers to complete the look. A leathered countertop with a chiseled edge profile can enhance the rustic feel of your kitchen, while a polished finish and sleek edge can provide a contemporary juxtaposition that makes the overall design feel more modern.
Maintenance
Maintenance with quartzite is incredibly manageable for the average homeowner. Because it is durable, quartzite doesn’t require specialty cleansers or fussy upkeep to keep surfaces looking their best.
HAVING COUNTERTOPS SEALED REGULARLY
Sealing your countertops will help them repel water. It is advised to have your quartzite professionally sealed as soon as it is installed, but you can also purchase a sealing product to apply independently when the time comes. Industry standards call for resealing quartzite surfaces about once a year, especially for lighter designs like Taj Mahal.
CLEAN SPILLS IN A TIMELY MANNER
Although properly sealed quartzite absorbs very little water, it is sensible not to let water pool on the stone. To clean a spill, blot the area with a paper towel, clean it with mild soap and water, and dry with a soft cloth.
AVOID HARSH OR ABRASIVE CLEANING PRODUCTS
Stick to PH-balanced cleaning solutions or mild soap and water when cleaning your quartzite countertops, and be sure to use a soft or microfiber cloth. You can also disinfect your countertops once a day by sprinkling baking soda on the surface and gently rubbing it in with a damp cloth.
REMEMBER TO USE COASTERS, CUTTING BOARDS, AND HOT PADS
Although quartzite is a very hard surface, it is nevertheless a safe practice to avoid setting food, plates, utensils, or hot dishes directly on your surface.
SK Stones USA can help you find the ideal surface for your project, working within your budget to bring your dream kitchen to life. We offer an extensive selection that is unmatched by any chain retailer, personalized attention and customer service, and a local connection with five convenient locations to ensure that we’re present and available to answer any questions, from how to maintain your stone to inquiries about its warranty.
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