Green Granite Countertops (Colors & Styles)
Exuding with beauty and possessing durability which can last a lifetime, green granite is an excellent countertop choice for luxurious kitchens. Just like any other type of granite, green granite countertops are a wise and practical investment for any home, not only because of their resilience but also because they are very easy to maintain.
Although not a top choice like white granite countertops and not as popular as black granite, green is one of the most sophisticated countertop options one can explore. Radiating flamboyance and grandiose, green-hued stone countertops works as a bold dramatic statement for any kitchen. It is a distinctive and eye catching focal point in itself which will surely make your home interesting. This page is part of our granite countertops ultimate guide (Make sure to visit it for more styles & colors)
Green granite is available in a variety of colors which range from subtle to strong shades. Among all granite colors, it offers the most variation in secondary colors which make it versatile when it comes to design and matching. It comes in a variety of light to dark shades of green, gold, copper or black, with undertones ranging from white, beige and gray, and highlights of golden yellow, garnet red and aqua blue.
Considered to be the most exotic looking natural stones, green granite is also available in a wide array of patterns. It comes in solid colors with little variations of subtle gray dots or either a coarse, pebbled, grained or flecked pattern. This kind of pattern is the most uniform looking.
The second kind of pattern is the marbled or veined type, characterized by a smooth transition of colors and textures. This is the most interesting type of natural stone as the color combinations are very unique and incomparable to other colors. With high movements and rich dynamics, marbled greenish natural stone is probably one of the rarest in terms of appearance.
The last kind of pattern is the speckled type has high variations between color and texture. Speckled granite’s have accents of frosted crystals and metallic colored minerals such as mica, quartz and feldspar.
The stone is also an ideal countertop for both casual and formal kitchens, depending on the shade of its color. But typically, it is used for more traditional designs. It is a stunning addition to styles which require deep rich color palettes like the Medieval, Rustic, Moroccan, Country and English Country inspired concepts. Its availability in heavy bold patterns also make it highly appropriate for Victorian and Tuscan inspired settings.
Contrary to popular belief, greenish countertops are not really a challenge when it comes to decorating. Since this color is also a relaxing and soothing color, greenish natural stone countertops tend to make homes more inviting and inspiring. It is the color of nature, that is why it gives kitchens a relaxing atmosphere and a natural look. Earthy shades with brown and gray undertones in greenish natural stone also remind us of the colors we see in plants and foliage giving kitchen interiors an organic design and cozy ambience.
Matching Green Countertops with Cabinets
Aside from being considered as one of the most sophisticated countertops, the beauty of green granite is that it blends well with any cabinet color. Its availability in different patterns and colors make it versatile when it comes to design and matching.
Here is a simple styling guide you can follow if you choose to use greenish natural stone as a countertop for your kitchen.
Choosing what type of green granite to use:
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- Design Style. Green granite countertops works for a variety of kitchen design styles. First thing to consider in deciding which the stone to use for your kitchen countertop is to determine which concept you want to go with. This will also help you formulate your overall color palette and select the matching material finishes for your cabinets and flooring.“Old world” or Traditional style , for example, requires a rich and extravagant color scheme, so for this you may choose green-tones with a deep color or dramatic pattern, such as Emerald Green Granite, Peacock Green Granite or Seaweed Green Granite.
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- A contemporary kitchen, on the other hand, usually has a bright or bold color scheme, so opt to go with something that has a lively color such as Silver Sea Granite or Seafoam Green Granite. An Asian inspired kitchen would require oriental or tropical elements, so complete the look by using Verde Bamboo granite. Modern style kitchens typically have a more simple streamlined look so choose hues that are subtle or light colored, isn’t overpowering and less dramatic.
Matching and Ideas:
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- Cabinet Color. Green granite countertops can go well with most kitchen cabinet colors from shades of white to light, medium and dark wood stains. White cabinetry matched with green surfaces balance and neutralize the overall look of a kitchen whether it may be traditional or contemporary. It also complements various shades of brown and wood stains since its earthy golden tones blends well with natural look of wood. Use this if you prefer a more earthy, organic and nature inspired design concept. However, the best option is to go with deep, rich, dark natural wood stains like Cherry or Mahogany. Avoid red or black colors for your cabinets. For the cabinet hardware finishes, go with shiny or satin finish or bronze fixtures.
- Wall Colors. A neutral wall palette always works well with green-hues. Those with with bold and busy patterns must always be paired with a more subtle and muted color palette. Go with beige or cream walls, or if you want to add a more nature inspired look to your kitchen, paint walls with light brown, tan or sand. A monochromatic color scheme is also another option that can be explored. Pair rich and deep colored green granite with a more muted shade for the walls like sage, light moss green or very light mint green.
- Flooring. Since these green-hues are already dramatic looking, it is best to use a neutral colored flooring material with a plain design. If using wooden floor planks, select light colored stain like maple or light birch. For tiles, best to pair it with light colored matte ceramic or natural stone tiles. These will complement your greenish countertops perfectly without competing for attention. Avoid using heavily patterned ceramic tiles.
- Backsplash. It may not be ideal to pair these surfaces with colorful mosaic tiles, unless the granite has a subtle color and simple pattern like Surf Green. Complementing mosaic tile colors may still be used if you want to add more character to your space. Or if not, opt for to go with plain simple beige strip tiles or natural stone with a complementary color such as slate or limestone. Dark backsplash colors matched with green counters evoke flamboyance and are also extravagant looking. Just always keep in mind that greenish natural stone exudes beauty and it is best if you allow it to stand out in the space.
Some more key design tips to remember when using green-toned surfaces:
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- Avoid busy or colorful patterns and finishes which might compete with your green counters. The surface is a stunning focal point in itself so make sure that its presence in any kitchen is not overpowered by other design elements. Combining too many patterns will take the attention away from the natural beauty of your granite countertop.
- Neutralize green-tones by adding a light color in your palette, whether it may be for the walls, floor, ceiling, backsplash or accessories.
- Match your palette carefully by using the colors of the striations, veins or flecks found in the stone’s surface. This will at least give an idea of the secondary colors you can add to your kitchen design palette.
- Remember that the color palette you use for any space evokes different feels or ambiance. The colorful stone is known for adding drama and sophistication — the darker the color, the more dramatic it looks.
Are Green Countertops Made of Granite More Expensive?
Generally speaking, green-hued stone is more expensive than its white and black counterparts since most green granite’s are considered to be rare and have an exotic look. Natural slabs which directly come from quarries are more expensive and are priced at around $35 to $70 per square foot for 3 millimeter thick slabs.
The more dramatic and distinctive the design is, the more expensive it gets. Green-toned varieties which are rare such as the Silver Sea Granite, Emerald Green and Light Peacock falls on the high end bracket for countertops, usually costing around $50 to $70 per square foot for the material only. However, these estimates may vary depending on your location.
Labor costs and installation for is the same for other types of granite. It approximately costs double the amount of materials and usually take up about 70% of the total project cost. Aside from these factors, also take into consideration the edging to be used.
You can never go wrong with a greenish natural stone countertop paired with dark Cherry cabinets, a neutral flooring and light walls. This traditional-inspired kitchen used the island as a simple yet stunning focal point.
Types of Green Granite
Green granite is available in different colors and patterns. Below is a list of the most popular types of greenish natural stone used for kitchen countertops.
- Typhoon Green Granite
Characteristics: Typhoon Green granite is considered one of the rare types of granite. Characterized by a medium toned background consisted of green, gray, cream stone base with gold and brown vein highlights and burgundy flecks. Its general appearance looks more like a subtle olive green with a brownish tone. This type of granite is a perfect match for wooden kitchen cabinets.
Cost: $45 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: India
Pattern Variation: Medium
- Rainforest Green Granite
Characteristics: An exotic type of granite, this material is mostly made up of serpentinite stone in a combination of moss green and cream background accentuated with browns which flow like a tree branch pattern. Due to the high movement in the pattern of this granite, this type of countertop must be paired with a light colored kitchen cabinet. White kitchen cabinetry are also an ideal pair as it does not overpower the unique look of this one of a kind stone.
Cost: $20 to $35 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: India
Pattern Variation: Medium
Rainforest greenish natural stone countertop when paired with Red Mahogany stained wooden cabinetry and matching wooden plank flooring, create a warm and inviting feel for any kitchen. The addition of a muted colored tile backsplash complements the colors of the countertop without overpowering it.
Seafoam Green Granite
Characteristics: With a distinctive look resembling the appearance of beach foam, it is characterized by a combination of muted green and gray background highlighted with white crystals, occasional dark minerals and a tinge of yellow tone. Considered to be an exotic and rare type of stone, this naturals tone is more expensive than other types because it is harder to find and produce. To make this countertop an interesting focal point for your kitchen, it is best to pair it with white cabinets or light colored wooden cabinets.
Cost:$50 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: Brazil
Pattern Variation: Medium
Tropical Green Granite
Characteristics: With a fascinating veiny pattern, this type granite is mostly dark green in color with white, light blue and dark gray waves all throughout. Also known as Kerala natural stone, Green Kerala Granite, Green Tropical Granite. Since this granite has a busy overwhelming look, it is highly suited as a countertop for white kitchen cabinets.
Cost: $50 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: India
Pattern Variation: Medium
Butterfly Green Granite
Characteristics: Also known as Green Butterfly Granite, this type of greenish natural stone is predominantly jade green in color with blends of white, black and gray fine veins. It has a consistent dynamic veining pattern and sometimes has yellowish accents in its surface. When used with light colored kitchen cabinets, this type of granite countertop will surely make your color palette pop.
Cost: $35 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: Brazil
Pattern Variation: Low
Peacock Green Granite
Characteristics: Resembling the colors of peacock feathers, this type of greenish natural stone has a charismatic blend of deep greens, iridescent blues and cool grays which is highlighted with gold flecks and hints of purple or pink. It has a very dark base which appears almost black in color. Considered to be one of the most vibrant granite types, the Peacock Green granite has a captivating appeal which makes it a pearfect countertop for natural wooden stained kitchen cabinets. Also known as Green Peacock Granite, Peafowl Green Granite, Furong Green Granite,
Cost: $35 to $40 per square foot (2cm thick) , $40 to $50 per square foot (3cm thick)
$65 per square foot (2cm thick) for the lighter variant
Country of Origin: Brazil
Pattern Variation: Low
Emerald Green Granite
Characteristics: A type of granite which has little variation and characterized by a dark black background accentuated with lustrous blue crystals , sparkling green and silver mineral flecks and has undertones of white and gray. Other industry names are Chinese Uba Tuba Granite, Labrador Escuro, Green Lundhs, Emerld Pearl Granite. Its metallic appearance makes it a “stand out” countertop for kitchens with white cabinetry or light and natural stained wooden cabinets.
Cost: $50 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: Norway
Pattern Variation: Low
Natural stained oak cabinets, matching wooden plank flooring and an Emerald counters complete the inviting look of this country-inspired kitchen. Stainless steel appliances and a simple diagonal patterned tile backsplash add subtle contrast and accents to the look of this space.
Surf Green Granite
Characteristics: This greenish natural stone has a very light green base which has hints of gray and beige flecks. Its overall color almost looks grayish which makes it an ideal countertop for creating contrast for kitchens with dark colored cabinets.
Cost: $40 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: India
Pattern Variation: Low
Esmeralda Green Granite
Characteristics: Also known as Costa Esmeralda, Costa Smeralda or Green-Esmeralde, this type of granular stone has a very unique color which is characterized by dominant golden veins running along a soft light green background with white, light gray, and black veins and undertones. Some slabs can either be very dark or very light. As a kitchen countertop, it is best paired with white or light-colored cabinets. Since this materialis more tricky to incorporate in kitchen designs, remember to keep your palette neutral to allow the natural beauty of this granular stone to radiate into the space.
Cost: $40 per square foot (3cm thick) , $30 per square foot (2cm thick)
Country of Origin: Italy
Pattern Variation: Medium
Hawaiian Green Granite
Characteristics: This natural stone has an olive green base color, gray undertones accentuated with dark pink and garnet flecks, and dark gray and yellowish striations. It is also known as Green-Laura, Jewel in India or Green-Tropical. This type will surely add sophistication to kitchens with medium to dark colored wooden cabinetry.
Cost: $40 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: Brazil
Pattern Variation: Medium
Seaweed Green Granite
Characteristics: Other names in the industry are Pocono Green, Titanic Green or Pine Green. This natural stone has a very rich green color with golden veins, red and black flecks and little beige undertones. This type of natural stone countertop is an ideal pair for white, light and medium colored wooden cabinets, It can also be used with dark cabinets if aiming for an extravagant and dramatic look for your kitchen.
Cost: $46 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: India
Pattern Variation: High
Galaxy Green Granite
Characteristics: Galaxy green granite has a distinctive appearance that resembles shooting stars spread across a dark sky. Characterized by a black background with varying depths of green and gray veins which makes its overall look predominantly a rich green color. Sometimes it also has occasional blue flecks in its surface. It is also known as Green Pantanal. For more ideas see pictures of black granite countertops here.
Cost: $35 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: Brazil
Pattern Variation: High
Silver Sea Green Granite
Characteristics: At a closer look, this type of greenish natural stone is like the light and opposite version of Seaweed Green granite. Characterized by a heavily crystallized appearance, it has a frost white and beige background highlighted with silver, yellowish and gray minerals. It is also known as Ranyah Emerald, Saudi Green or Oriental Green. It is best used as a countertop for white, light, medium and dark stained wooden kitchen cabinets.
Cost: $65 to $70 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: Saudi Arabia
Pattern Variation: High
Mountain Green Granite
Characteristics: A type of greenish natural stone with a granular pattern, it has an olive green background with pale green, white, gray and black grains. This surface perfectly matches medium to dark stain wooden kitchen cabinets.
Cost: $40 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: India
Pattern Variation: Medium
Green Pearl Granite
Characteristics: Green Pearl combines dark emerald green and warm gray background accentuated with small golden veins and black and white flecks. It is also known as Labrador-Green, Labrador Dunkel or Green-Larvik. Add richness to the overall look of your kitchen by pairing this type of countertop with white or Cherry colored cabinets.
Cost: $3o to $40 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: India
Pattern Variation: Low
Verde Bamboo Granite
Characteristics: Characterized by a rich, dramatic, one of a kind appearance, Verde Bamboo granular stone has colors and patterns which highly resemble bamboo. Considered to be a rare and exotic type of quartzite, it has varying shades of emerald, a light moss background color with strong black veining pattern and greenish yellow highlights. When used, it adds a tropical feel to the ambiance of a space. As a countertop, it works as an interesting focal point and contributes contrast and dimension to the design of kitchens. Also known as Bamboo Verde, Verde Bamboo Clasico, Verde Bambu, Amazon Green.
Cost: $55 to $65 per square foot (3cm thick)
Country of Origin: Brazil
Pattern Variation: Medium
Green Granite Tile
Green Colored Granite Tiles
You can buy greenish stone at a lower cost by opting to go with natural tiles. Natural stone tiles are pre-cut, smaller and lighter, making them more manageable when handling and installation. It is the cheapest form of granular stone countertop material that is available in the market because unlike raw slabs which are giant, this type is fabricated in smaller forms. This is more appropriate for small scale projects or for kitchens with complicated layouts or counter shapes.
Installation-wise, natural stone tiles are butted edge to edge and has joints that need to be sealed perfectly. Considered to be downside of using natural stone tiles is that it is more cheap looking than a whole slab countertop and needs grout that exactly matches the color of your tile to lessen the visibility of seams. Maintenance-wise, greenish natural stone tiles require more care because dirt can slip into joints and the grout must be regularly resealed.
Greenish natural stone tiles usually cost $6 to $15 per piece or $10 to $40 per square foot. Typical sizes are 12 inches by 12 inches (12” x 12”) for square tiles or 31 inches length by 18 inches width (31” L x 18” W) for rectangular tiles which are 0.5 inches thick. This may be purchased off the shelf at stone suppliers or home improvement stores. Installation costs may run around $50 to $75 per square foot.
Greenish natural tiles are also available in a variety of patterns as they are basically the same types of greenish stone but just reduced in size, so design wise, they are still versatile and flexible. Regarding style, greenish natural tiles are more appropriate for modern and contemporary kitchens with simple lay-outs. It is also available in polished or matte finish.
Shown above is an example of emerald green tile which is 31 inches by 18 inches in size. As one can notice, it has a greeninsh greay pebbled appearance with beige and cool gray undertones. This type of greenish granite color is ideal as a countertop for kitchens with dark-colored cabinetry.
