Quartz countertops like Stellar Night have become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to natural stone and laminate. Stellar Night is a dark, dramatic countertop color that can add beautiful contrast and visual interest to any kitchen or bathroom. But what exactly makes up its multi-toned appearance? Let’s take a closer look at what colors are present in a Stellar Night quartz countertop.
An Overview of Stellar Night Quartz
Stellar Night quartz is manufactured by Silestone, one of the leading engineered stone brands. It features a bold, galaxy-inspired design with swirls of black, gray, white, and dark blue. The overall look is dark and moody, almost like staring into the night sky.
Small flecks of mica and quartz crystals add dimension and sparkle. When illuminated, the surface reflects light in different ways, picking up the various undertones. Stellar Night quartz brings a contemporary, sophisticated look well-suited to modern and transitional spaces.
Main Color Tones in Stellar Night Quartz
The main background color of Stellar Night quartz is a deep charcoal gray. This dark color accounts for about 70% of the overall pattern and provides a bold, dramatic base. Depending on the lighting, the charcoal gray can take on blue, black, or brownish-gray tones.
Interspersed throughout the dark gray background are swirls and patterns in various accent colors:
- Black: About 15% of the pattern consists of pure black swirls and speckles. These give depth and contrast to the dark gray base.
- White: Thin wispy white veining accounts for approximately 10% of the color mix. The white has a smoky appearance and adds visual interest.
- Blue-gray: Sparse blotches of blue-gray appear sporadically, making up the remaining 5% of the color mix. These add a subtle dash of color.
The interplay between the dominant charcoal gray and the black, white, and blue-gray accents is what gives Stellar Night its bold, cosmic aesthetic.
What Makes Up the Colors in Stellar Night Quartz?
Quartz countertops like Stellar Night are made from ground-up particles of natural quartz crystals blended with pigments and resin. So what specific minerals and pigments create its signature colors?
- The dark gray comes from a combination of black and gray pigments like hematite, magnetite, and slate.
- The pure black tones are achieved using carbon-based pigments.
- White is created using titanium dioxide or kaolin clay pigments.
- Blue-gray hues come from adding small amounts of blue dye or pigments.
Tiny flecks of mica also influence the overall look, adding a subtle shimmer. Different sized quartz particles batched together during manufacturing provide the variegated texture.
How Lighting Affects the Color
One of the most interesting things about Stellar Night quartz is how the colors change subtly based on lighting conditions.
- In dim lighting, the dark charcoal gray background dominates, with the black and blue accents receding.
- With bright lighting, the white veins become more apparent, allowing the full multi-tonal patterns to emerge.
- Natural sunlight brings out the subtle blue undertones in the gray.
- Under incandescent bulbs, the countertop takes on warmer brownish-gray hues.
So the amount and type of lighting in your space will determine which colors are most prominent. Placement near windows or installing task lighting can help highlight the full depth and dimension.
Complementary Colors for Stellar Night Countertops
When designing your kitchen or bath around a bold Stellar Night quartz countertop, consider complementary colors that enhance the dramatic shades already present:
- Warm metal finishes like bronze, copper, or gold help balance out the cooler grays.
- Creamy whites, soft beiges, and light blues work nicely with the gray-blue tones. Avoid stark whites.
- Wood accents in mid to dark stains offer an earthy contrast.
- Glossy black fixtures or accessories play up the bold black veining.
Avoid pairing it with equally strong colors like fire engine red or bright greens, which will clash. Neutrals, metallics, and lighter accents create a soothing, harmonious look.
Enhancing Stellar Night’s Colors
Small design choices can also boost Stellar Night’s visual appeal:
- Use mounted pendant lights to spotlight the countertop.
- Add a textured or patterned area rug under the eating space to complement the varied quartz patterns.
- Choose quartz backsplashes or mosaic tiles with blue, gray, black, and mirrored glass accents.
- Display decorative bowls, vases, or art in coordinating colors on top.
Let the striking colors of Stellar Night quartz take center stage by keeping cabinets, walls, and decor simple. This versatile surface can lend drama and elegance to kitchens and bathrooms of modern design sensibilities. With its mix of dark and light, cool and warm undertones, a Stellar Night countertop brings the beauty of the night sky indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main colors in Stellar Night quartz?
The main colors are charcoal gray (70%), black (15%), white (10%), and blue-gray (5%). The interplay between these shades gives Stellar Night its signature look.
What minerals and pigments are used to create the colors?
Hematite, magnetite, slate, carbon, titanium dioxide, kaolin clay, and blue dyes/pigments are used to create the various gray, black, white, and blue tones.
How does lighting affect the look?
Dim lighting emphasizes the dark charcoal background, while bright lighting makes the white veins stand out more. Natural sunlight brings out blue undertones, and incandescent lighting lends a warmer, brownish hue.
What colors complement Stellar Night well?
Warm metallics like bronze and gold, light blues, creamy whites, wood tones, and glossy black accessories pair nicely with Stellar Night. Avoid bright primaries that may clash.
How can you make the colors “pop” more?
Use pendant lights to spotlight it, add textured rugs and matching backsplashes, and decorate the countertop with coordinating colors and materials. Keep surrounding elements simple.