RioSTONES
Natural Stone
By Aimee L. Cook | Photography by Dung Hoang
STEP INTO A ROOM WHERE STONE TAKES CENTER STAGE AND YOU FEEL IT BEFORE YOU CAN NAME IT. The way sunlight fills a marble counter. How the cool weight of a limestone fireplace anchors a great room. These are the moments Alex Da Silva, founder of RioStones, spent years perfecting.
Alex’s journey began in Rio de Janeiro, where his background in construction sparked a passion for working with raw materials. After gaining experience in logistics and operations in the storage and container business for Brazilian factories, he moved to California in 1998 and saw an opportunity to bring natural stone from quarries around the world. By 2005, he opened his first RioStones importing business, focused on sourcing the finest natural stones. Today, that vision has grown into four thriving locations across California, Nevada and Utah, each committed to excellence and craftsmanship.
Utah on the Rise
Utah’s growth is impossible to ignore. New neighborhoods stretch into the foothills, commercial corridors expand by the season, and the demand for luxury design keeps climbing right alongside the population.
This growth has changed how architects and designers work. Clients want their homes and offices built quickly, but they also want spaces that feel thoughtful, personal, and able to last beyond current trends.
‘We were working with builders, doing a lot of volume, but since Covid, we transitioned from a volume company to a high-end, luxury, boutique business,’ Alex explained.
Luxury homes that used to feature heavy, ornate finishes now prefer clean lines and bold, eye-catching stone slabs. Commercial spaces are also using stone to show quality and purpose as soon as you enter. Alex says people in Utah are moving away from traditional, simple colors and are now interested in more unique, high-end materials, which is his specialty.
Rio’s collection of semi-precious stones adds to the sense of luxury and variety. Each piece is chosen for its beauty and uniqueness, giving every design its own special character.
“I travel all over the world, looking for new trends, and I visit quarries to see what they have to offer,” Alex explained.
This experience gives RioStones a unique perspective in a fast-changing market. The team has seen trends come and go, so they can help clients make choices that will still look good many years from now.
From the World to Utah
Some of the world’s most beautiful stone comes from distant quarries. Alex travels internationally to find these materials so Utah projects can have surfaces that are truly unique.
“I go to Italy every year; they hold the best trade show in the industry,” Alex said. “Getting natural stone can be a little tricky. Sometimes the quarries do not have good materials. It is all about opportunity. When you see something, you have to embrace it in the moment; otherwise, you could lose it.”
Natural stone is made to last, and choosing long-lasting materials is one of the most sustainable choices a property owner can make.
Alex said there’s also a misconception worth addressing. Many people assume natural stone is fragile or high-maintenance. With the right selection and proper care, it can be remarkably durable.
“In a high traffic area like a kitchen, people thought you shouldn’t use marble because it can stain more easily, but today you can buy a good sealer,” Alex said. “We want to get the right product in the right place.”
Why Stone Still Speaks
Trends come and go, but stone endures. Humans have built with it for thousands of years and that history is part of its power. A slab of natural stone carries something engineered materials struggle to match: authenticity.
There’s a permanence to it. A warmth. Stone connects a modern home to something ancient and grounding, and that’s exactly why it never goes out of style.
“Every piece of natural stone has its own beauty; people just need to know how and where to use it,” Alex said.
When you enter a space designed with real stone, it still feels current even after many years. This lasting quality is at the heart of what RioStones stands for.
The Natural and the Engineered
Natural stone is not the only choice. Engineered products have become more advanced, offering reliable quality and durability in many styles. Alex talks with clients about these options every day.
Both types have their uses. Natural stone offers unique character and warmth, while engineered surfaces provide consistency and strength where needed. The key is knowing which material works best for each situation.
“If people want something unique, they need to stick with the natural stones. It is the best you can get,” Alex explained. “Engineered products are easier because they will all be the same. You can sell by the sample.”
One of the most exciting recent developments at RioStones is the use of hydro finish, a water-crafted treatment that enhances the texture and visual appeal of natural stone. It creates a sophisticated yet organic look that has become a favorite for applications where stone becomes central to the design narrative, from striking wall features to elegant fireplaces and exterior cladding. High-end retailers like Fendi and Dior use sleek marble floors, intricate stone displays, and textured walls with a hydro finish to craft an atmosphere of elegant refinement.
“In a few months, people will be able to order hydro finished stones from us,” Alex said. “It gives a second life to the stone.”