If you’ve ever stood in front of a slab of exotic stone and gasped, “Wow!”—you’re not alone. These natural beauties are like geological works of art, each one telling a story millions of years in the making. But before you fall head over heels for a shimmering quartzite or a dramatic dolomite, let’s talk about what it means to live with one in your kitchen.
Exotic natural stones are distinguished by their unique colours and patterns, which vary significantly across different batches. Our KonigNaturals collection primarily contains surfaces from these three categories:
Key Considerations
Beauty with Character
Exotic stones are prized for their unique “inclusions” and “impurities”—those swirls, flecks and veins that make each slab one-of-a-kind. But, where beauty meets complexity, there can be a few weak spots. These stones are durable but they’re not invincible.
Porosity
Granites and quartzites typically have low porosity (0.5–3%) whereas Dolomites are more porous (3–6%). Exotic stones may also exhibit increased porosity at junctions of different minerals and impurities. We seal every KonigNaturals surface with DryTreat before installation, giving you a protective shield. However, this barrier should be thought of as time-limited, so prompt cleaning of spills is advised, and items like oil bottles should not be placed directly on the surface.
Chipping and damage
Even the toughest stones can chip if subjected to force or mishandling —especially around those gorgeous mineral intersections. These ‘inclusions’ may become vulnerable during fabrication, installation or as the kitchen settles, making repairs relatively common at these stages.
Design Considerations
Slab sizes and thicknesses vary based on material type and availability, but design and handling considerations play a crucial role in determining the final dimensions of the stone. Producing narrow rails (for example around a hob) in exotic natural stone can be challenging, so it’s advisable to avoid designing cut outs at corners or ends of stones. While moulded edge profiles are feasible, some pieces may detach during fabrication, requiring repair in the production process. Profiles that feature a rounded underside, such as the Kingston edge, tend to achieve the best results.
Maintenance
Want your stone to stay fabulous? Here are our top tips:
- Chopping boards are your best friends—no direct knife action, please.
- Metal marks? A gentle rub with a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive pad will do the trick.
- Hot pans? Use a trivet. These stones are heat-resistant, not heat-proof.
- Spills should be cleaned up immediately to avoid stain penetration or acid etching.
- Take care not to strike the worktop with hard or heavy objects, particularly on leading edges, sink cut outs or mineral intersections where it may be more vulnerable.
Final Thoughts
Exotic natural stones are stunning, storied and full of personality—just like the homeowners who choose them. If you’re someone who appreciates beauty with a bit of character and doesn’t mind treating your worktop some TLC, this could be your perfect match. If you’d like a kitchen worktop that’s lower-maintenance, an engineered stone like our KönigQuartz range will be for you.
Ready to explore your options? See our full KönigNaturals range.
