A Comprehensive overview of Blue Agate Slabs
Fusion Gemstones India is a leading supplier of quality blue agate slabs in India. These slabs are known for their translucence and bright blue colour and are carefully cut to accentuate the natural streaks. Suitable for high-end interiors, our products are installed in countertops, backsplashes, and as decorative elements in homes and businesses across the globe.
Understanding Blue Agate
These slabs are large, cut and polished slices of agate which is a semi-precious gemstone that is characterised by its blue colour. These slabs are often sawn and then put to present the natural bands and hues of the agate mineral. Blue agate is one of the types of agate gemstone, which is produced by a geological process where silica solution fills the voids in the rock, then over millions of years the subsequent deposition of minerals forms concentric layers that give it the characteristic ringed appearance.
Appearance and Characteristics
- Color: These slabs present different shades of blue with some being very pale, looking like ice while others are deep blue like the ocean water. These colors are interspersed with white or grey bands and this gives a very pleasing effect.
- Translucency: Blue agate is particularly famous for its translucency. In this case, light is directed to pass through the slab and, therefore, the stone is lit from within, bringing out engravings and different colours. The result is different depending on the slab thinness and the agate quality.
- Patterns: Blue agate has a very unique pattern on it, this pattern is in the form of rings or curves. These patterns are created over millions of years as layers of fluids rich in silica deposit and crystallize in the cavities of rocks.
Uses and Applications
- Interior Design: These slabs are very popular in interior design because of their royal look and multiple uses. They are often applied in kitchens and bathrooms as countertops and can become the main accents of the interior. Furthermore, they are applied as the backsplashes, the feature walls, and the decorative elements on furniture and lamps.
- Decorative Purposes: For this reason, these slabs are also used for decorative purposes since they are easily recognizable by their transparency. They are commonly applied in lighting devices where the backlighting of the stones will make them even more beautiful. These can also be transformed into tables, partitions, and artworks to give a classic and royal look to any area.
- Luxury Settings: Blue agate is usually used in high-end applications including hotels, spas and elegant homes. Due to its scarcity and the outstanding aesthetic qualities it adds to any interior, it is widely used in the creation of luxurious interiors.
Maintenance
- Durability: Although agate is quite a durable stone it is indeed more softer than other stones like granite or quartzite. Thus, it requires special care and constant attention to keep it in good condition as to its appearance. Proper sealing is very crucial to avoid stains and scratches.
- Care: It is suggested that these slabs should be cleaned with mild soap and water solution regularly. Do not use rough detergents or substances that can scratch the surface or reduce the inherent shine of the piece.
Sourcing and Cost
- Availability: These slabs are obtained from different parts of the world such as Brazil, Uruguay and Madagascar. Thus, agate of various colours and patterns is acquired from every region, making the stone look very distinct.
- Cost: Blue agate is quite a rare and detailed type of stone that is classified as semi-precious and, therefore, costs more than the more commonly used granite or quartz stones. The price differs with the size, quality and where the slab is gotten from.