Blanco perla is a unique and beautiful natural stone that is quarried in Peru. It has become increasingly popular in recent years for use in kitchen countertops, bathrooms, flooring, and other interior design applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about this exceptional stone.
What is Blanco Perla?
Blanco perla, also known as white perla, is a natural stone that is quarried from the Andes Mountains near Lima, Peru. It is part of the limestone family and features a bright white background with distinctive gray veining running throughout that many compare to pearls – hence the name perla, the Spanish word for pearl.
Blanco perla is prized for its striking coloration and veining that gives each stone a one-of-a-kind look. No two pieces of natural blanco perla will ever look exactly the same due to the variability of the veining. The background is a consistent bright white and the gray veins can range from faint thin lines to bolder swirls. There may also be hints of brown scattered throughout the veins.
Blanco Perla Characteristics
Here are some of the key characteristics and properties that set blanco perla apart:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Bright white background with distinctive gray veining |
| Finish | Matte, smooth finish |
| Hardness | 3.5-4 on the Mohs hardness scale |
| Composition | Natural limestone |
| Maintenance | Sealing required; avoid harsh cleaners |
| Resistance | Stain, scratch, and etch resistant |
Some key things to note are that blanco perla is softer compared to granites, rating 3.5-4 on the Mohs hardness scale. It’s a natural limestone that requires proper sealing and care to maintain its beauty. With proper maintenance, it is resistant to stains, scratches, and etching.
How is Blanco Perla Quarried?
Blanco perla is quarried from the Andes Mountains in Peru in blocks weighing several tons each. It is cut and extracted from mountain quarries at very high elevations up to 12,500 feet above sea level.
The quarrying process starts with carefully cutting large blocks from the quarry rock face using specialized diamond cable wires. These giant blocks are then freed from the quarry wall with feather wedges and lowered down the mountainside.
Next, the blocks are transported to the processing facilities in Lima where they are cut into slabs using gang saws fitted with diamond blades. The slabs are then further processed, finished, and shipped out globally to suppliers and stone yards.
Quarrying blanco perla is a labor-intensive process done by skilled workers. The remote access quarry sites and high elevations make extracting and transporting the material challenging. This factors into the cost and desirability of the stone.
Blanco Perla Prices
Due to the labor-intensive quarrying process and popularity of the stone, blanco perla commands premium pricing:
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Blanco Perla Slabs | $70 – $120 per square foot |
| Blanco Perla Tiles | $10 – $25 per square foot |
Actual pricing can vary depending on the stone yard or retailer. On average, expect to pay $100 per square foot for blanco perla slabs and around $15 per square foot for tiles.
It’s important to note that blanco perla is almost exclusively sold in slab form for full custom countertops and applications. Tiles are less common. The stone requires precise professional cutting and installation due to its vein patterns and fragility.
Blanco Perla Applications
Here are some of the most popular uses for blanco perla in home and commercial projects:
- Kitchen countertops – The smooth white appearance and grey veining make a stunning kitchen focal point.
- Bathroom vanities – Adds a luxurious spa-like feel to bathroom vanity tops and backsplashes.
- Flooring – Durable enough for floor tiles in lower traffic areas.
- Fireplace surrounds – Makes a gorgeous ornate fireplace facade.
- Furniture – Ideal for one-of-a-kind tables, desks, shelving, etc.
- Wall Cladding – Interior and exterior wall coverings.
Blanco perla works beautifully in both modern and traditional style spaces. The white background and veining pattern adds visual interest and depth.
Blanco Perla Maintenance
Since it is a softer and porous natural limestone, proper care and maintenance is required for blanco perla installations to look their best:
- Sealing is highly recommended after installation and then every 1-2 years.
- pH neutral gentle stone cleaners should be used for routine cleaning.
- Avoid harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners.
- Blot spills quickly to prevent stains.
- Consider applying an impregnator for extra stain protection.
With proper sealing and care, blanco perla will maintain its beauty and resist staining and etching. Hire a professional if aggressive cleaning is ever needed.
Blanco Perla vs. Other White Stones
Blanco perla stands out from other white natural stone countertops on the market:
| Stone | Comparison |
|---|---|
| Carrara Marble | Blanco perla has bolder grey veining vs. Carrara’s subtle elegance. |
| White Granite | Softer and more stain prone than granite but has distinctive veining. |
| White Quartzite | Quartzite is harder and needs less sealing than blanco perla. |
| White Quartz | Quartz is engineered vs. blanco perla’s natural beauty. |
While other white stones have their merits, none offer the same exact look and veining variability as natural blanco perla.
Should I Choose Blanco Perla?
Here are a few pros and cons to consider when deciding on blanco perla:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Striking natural beauty | – Expensive compared to other stones |
| – Unique vein patterns | – Requires sealing maintenance |
| – Bright white coloration | – Softer/more prone to damage than granites |
| – Works in modern or traditional spaces | – Limited supply from Peru quarries |
Blanco perla offers unmatched beauty and will elevate any space. If properly maintained, the pros generally outweigh the cons for most homeowners and designers.
How to Buy Blanco Perla
Blanco perla should be purchased from an experienced stone supplier or countertop company. Do not buy direct online or without seeing slabs in person first.
Be sure to personally inspect the slabs for any cracks or flaws. Also request to see multiple slabs to compare vein patterns.
Hire a reputable installer experienced in working with natural stone. Blanco perla requires great care and precision during cutting and installation. An expert fabricator will get the best results.
Conclusion
With its bright white background and striking gray veining, blanco perla stands in a league of its own. It offers natural beauty unmatched by other white stones on the market. While premium-priced, blanco perla is highly prized and makes a gorgeous addition to any home or commercial space. With proper maintenance, it will last a lifetime and its elegance will be enjoyed for generations to come.