Precious Stones

Semi-precious slabs are assembled from cut stone set in resin, often with a backing, and finished to a slab. Agate, amethyst, rose quartz, tiger eye, petrified wood and labradorite are the usual materials.

This is feature material. It is priced accordingly, produced in limited sizes, and almost always backlit.

Where it performs

• Backlit bar fronts, reception desks and feature walls
• Elevator lobbies and suite entries
• Table tops, insets and FF&E
• Powder-room vanities, where a small area justifies the cost

What to watch

• Each panel is individually made. Two panels of the same material are not the same panel — plan layouts around the actual pieces.
• Sizes are limited. Assume seams on anything large, and design them in rather than around.
• Structurally these are composite panels. They need careful handling, and the fabricator should be told what they are receiving before it arrives.
• Lead times are long. Specify early.

Backlighting

Almost all of these materials are translucent and most of the value is in transmitted light. Plan the lighting cavity, the fixture and the panel together — an even wash matters more than the panel itself, and a hot spot will ruin an expensive wall.