Introducing our latest collection of high-end stone and marble, meticulously sourced from the finest quarries around the globe. Our selection is designed to elevate any space, catering to the discerning tastes of homeowners, architects, and designers alike. Experience unparalleled quality and craftsmanship that transforms both residential and commercial environments.
Thassos marble is a beautiful white marble that is quarried on the Greek island of Thassos in the Aegean Sea.
Statuary marble, also known as Statuario, is a type of high-quality, white marble that is sourced from quarries in Italy.
Calacatta marble is a luxurious and sought-after natural stone that features a creamy white background with striking, gray and taupe veining.
Carrara marble is a type of high-quality, natural stone that is named after the region in Italy where it is quarried
London Smoke quartzite is a grey natural stone from Brazil with distinctive smoky patterns and dark veining. This metamorphic rock contains 90-99% quartz, making it one of the hardest natural stones available for residential and commercial projects. The stone forms deep underground where sandstone rich in quartz undergoes extreme heat and pressure over millions of years, creating its characteristic durability and interlocking crystalline structure.
Quarried from Brazilian deposits, London Smoke quartzite belongs to a geological family that began as quartz-rich sandstone. Through metamorphosis beneath the Earth's surface, intense pressure and temperatures exceeding 300 degrees Celsius transformed the original sandstone into dense quartzite. Brazilian quarries produce some of the world's finest quartzite varieties, and London Smoke stands out for its consistent grey base with flowing smoky patterns. Some slabs display burgundy or brown mineral deposits, evidence of iron oxide that penetrated the stone during formation. The stone's alternative names include London Black and London Wave, though London Smoke quartzite remains the most recognized designation in North American and European markets.
London Smoke quartzite works across multiple interior and exterior applications. Kitchen countertops represent the most popular use, where the stone's hardness resists scratches from knives and daily wear. The heat resistance allows homeowners to place hot pots directly on the surface without damage, though trivets remain recommended for long-term care.
Bathroom vanities benefit from the stone's water resistance when properly sealed. The grey tones complement white fixtures and create spa-like atmospheres in master bathrooms. Beyond horizontal surfaces, London Smoke quartzite installs as backsplashes, where its patterns add visual interest without overwhelming smaller spaces.
Flooring applications work in high-traffic areas, including entryways, kitchens, and commercial spaces. The stone withstands foot traffic better than marble or limestone. Some designers specify London Smoke for outdoor projects such as pool decks, patios, and exterior wall cladding. The stone tolerates freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure without significant degradation.
Additional applications include fireplace surrounds, shower walls, stair treads, and window sills. The stone's versatility stems from its durability and neutral coloring that adapts to multiple design styles.
The visual character of London Smoke quartzite centers on its grey base with smoky, wave-like patterns. Dark grey to charcoal veining moves across the surface in organic formations, and no two slabs match exactly. This natural variation means each installation becomes unique.
The stone works particularly well in contemporary and transitional kitchens. Pairing London Smoke quartzite with black or dark grey cabinets creates depth while maintaining a sophisticated palette. White cabinets provide high contrast, making the stone's patterns stand out as a focal point. Warm wood tones balance the cool grey, adding warmth to modern spaces.
In open-concept homes, using the same stone on kitchen islands and perimeter countertops creates visual continuity. Waterfall edges showcase the stone's pattern on vertical surfaces, turning functional countertops into design statements.
The stone appears different under various lighting conditions. Natural daylight emphasizes the subtle color variations and mineral deposits, while warm artificial lighting softens the grey tones. This adaptability makes London Smoke quartzite suitable for rooms with different light exposure.
Available finishes include polished, honed, and leathered. Polished surfaces reflect light and intensify the stone's patterns. Honed finishes provide a matte appearance with less maintenance, and leathered textures add tactile interest while hiding fingerprints and water spots better than polished alternatives.
Despite its hardness, London Smoke quartzite requires proper maintenance to prevent staining. The stone has natural porosity that allows liquids to penetrate if left unsealed. Apply a penetrating sealer immediately after installation and reapply annually for dense slabs. Less dense material may need sealing twice per year.
Daily cleaning requires only pH-neutral soap and water. Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth and dry thoroughly to prevent water spots. Avoid acidic cleaners containing vinegar, lemon juice, or citrus compounds. These acids break down the sealer over time, leaving the stone vulnerable to stains.
For stubborn spots, use a stone-specific cleaner formulated for quartzite. Never use abrasive scrubbing pads or powders that scratch the polished surface. Red wine, coffee, and oil-based products should be wiped immediately to prevent potential staining.
Professional fabricators cut and install London Smoke quartzite using diamond-tipped tools due to the stone's hardness. Standard slabs measure approximately 114 x 77 inches, available in 2cm or 3cm thickness. The 3cm option provides more structural strength and eliminates the need for additional support in most residential applications.
Ready to bring the beauty and durability of London Smoke quartzite into your home? Superior Selected Stone maintains an extensive selection of Brazilian quartzite slabs, and our team helps you select the perfect pieces for your project. Visit our showroom to see full slabs in person, where lighting and scale reveal the stone's true character. Contact us today for pricing, availability, and to schedule a consultation with our stone specialists. Your dream kitchen or bathroom starts with the right materials.
