Natural stones are on the rise in the decoration and construction market. Whether in major public works, luxury residences, custom furniture, or even jewelry, these materials are gaining prominence and transforming spaces with their beauty, durability, and versatility.
“Stones like marble, granite, and quartzite have been widely used in different areas. Traditionally, these materials were reserved for floors and wall coverings, but their application now goes far beyond that. Kitchen countertops, tables, decorative panels, bathtubs, sculpted sinks, and even furniture like coffee tables and consoles are being made from these stones,” commented architect Lais Arêas.
The trend has also reached the world of jewelry. Designers are increasingly incorporating materials like marble and quartzite into their creations, resulting in unique and sophisticated pieces. These materials give jewelry a distinctive aesthetic, combining the robustness of stones with the delicacy and elegance necessary for luxury accessories.
Architect Rômulo Pegoretti adds that natural stones provide an energetic recharge. “The trend is to use more and more different stones, with more veins, more exotic varieties. Natural stones are unique; there’s no standard, which adds exclusivity, and an exchange of energy,” he explained.
This is also why many are incorporating these materials into their homes. One way to integrate natural stones into spaces is by creating accent walls, using marble or quartzite to give an exclusive touch to the living room or entrance hall. Another option is custom furniture, such as coffee tables and countertops made of granite or marble, which can transform any environment. For luxurious bathrooms, the tip is to invest in natural stone countertops and floors for a touch of sophistication. The same goes for those seeking elegant and aesthetically pleasing kitchens.
Natural Stones in Major Projects Across Brazil
In Brazil, various architectural projects have stood out for their creative and innovative use of natural stones. Some of the most impressive include:
Museu do Amanhã (Rio de Janeiro): This icon of modern architecture uses natural stones in its exterior and interior areas, creating an environment that reflects sustainability and natural beauty.
Cidade das Artes (Rio de Janeiro): The monumental work by Christian de Portzamparc makes use of marble and granite, harmonizing with the grandeur of the construction and the surrounding nature.
Vitra Building (São Paulo): Designed by Daniel Libeskind, this high-end residential building uses natural stones in its common and private areas, bringing a sophisticated and contemporary air.
Our Lady of Aparecida North Sanctuary (São Paulo): This site, which attracts pilgrims from around the world, features natural stones in its central flooring.
FG One Tower (Santa Catarina): This skyscraper in Balneário Camboriú impresses with its design and use of ornamental stones
All the Latest Trends in One Place
For those who want to check out all the trends and news in the natural stone sector, the Cachoeiro Stone Fair, the most traditional marble and granite fair in Latin America, will take place. In its 35th edition, the event will bring together representatives from the entire production chain, from extraction to processing, in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim from August 27 to 30.
Promising to shake up the market with various innovations in stones, machinery, and supplies, the fair, held at the Carlos Caiado Barbosa Exhibition Park, expects 18,000 visitors, including qualified buyers from over 600 Brazilian cities and 28 countries. This flow of people significantly contributes to business tourism and boosts the food and service sectors in the region, which is known worldwide as the marble capital.
In its 35th edition, with the theme “35 Years Ahead,” the Cachoeiro Stone Fair is one of the main business showcases, hosting approximately 200 exhibiting brands.
For Flávia Milaneze, CEO of Milanez Milaneze, the company organizing the Cachoeiro Stone Fair, the event “brings innovations with each edition, providing a differentiated experience, along with unique and exclusive programs for visitors, generating insights on the latest trends, technological advances, and best practices in the natural stone industry.”
Exclusive First-Hand News
Among this year’s highlights are quartzites, which are the current favorites, coming in traditional shades of green, beige, and brown, as well as surprising pink and blue tones.
There’s also a return of past successes. Super Classico, for example, announced the relaunch of the green dolomitic marble Sete Mares, after 10 years of inactive quarrying. The first blocks even arrived last week in Cachoeiro de Itapemirim.
Meanwhile, the Patagônia Scarlet slabs, by MGA Mármores e Granitos Altoé, extracted in Bahia, combine beauty and exclusivity in a single product. Composed of pink crystals, feldspars, and black tourmalines, they are priced at around 400 dollars per square meter (approximately R$ 2,200) and promise to conquer the natural stone market. Translucent, their beauty is highlighted by directional lighting projects, enhancing their veins, colors, and unique patterns.
Another highlight of the fair will be the Dolomitic White Paraná Marble. This metamorphic rock is mainly composed of calcium and magnesium carbonate, which gives this stone extra resistance compared to other types of marble. Frequently used in bathrooms, floor coverings, and even in kitchen and gourmet area countertops, this will be the focus of HLV Stone.
Calvi Granitos, participating for the first time in the Cachoeiro Stone Fair, will also present two launches from its quarries, the Baccarat quartzite and the Calacatta Gray dolomitic marble. Additionally, it will showcase the Branco Pitaya and Preto Galaxy at its stand.
Targeted at professionals of the sector, such as stonemasons, architects, designers, engineers, business owners, managers, distributors, and buyers, the fair has already opened registration, which can be done exclusively online at www.cachoeirostonefair.com.br.
The event is organized by Milanez Milaneze, a company of the Veronafiere Group, with support from Sindirochas, Cetemag, and Centrorochas.
About The Cachoeiro Stone Fair
Cachoeiro Stone Fair 2024
Visitors: An expected 18,000 attendees
Exhibiting Brands: Around 200, representing the entire production chain
Exhibition Area: 30,000 sqm
International Presence: 28 countries.
Represented States: 26 Brazilian states and the Federal District
Event Information
Date: August 27 to 30, from 2 PM to 8 PM (Tuesday to Friday). Access until 7 PM.
Location: Carlos Caiado Barbosa Exhibition Park, Cachoeiro de Itapemirim
Target Audience: Professionals of the sector, such as stonemasons, architects, designers, engineers, business owners, managers, distributors, buyers, among others
Registration: Registration can already be done at www.cachoeirostonefair.com.br
Organizer: The Cachoeiro Stone Fair is organized by Milanez Milaneze, a company of the Veronafiere Group, with promotion by Sindirochas, Cetemag, and Centrorochas.
