Most common uses for Granite.
Granite's durability and longevity make it ideal for kitchen work tops and other heavily used surfaces, including table tops and floors, interior and exterior wall cladding, interior and exterior paving, residential & commercial work tops, monuments, curbing or statuary.
Granite - Most Popular Choice of all Natural Stones.
Granite is the most popular type of Natural Stone out there.
So, what is Granite, and what is so special about it?
Granite is an "igneous rock", which means that at one time during its development, it was melted like volcanic lava. However, this melted rock never reached the surface. It remained trapped inside the earth, where it cooled and crystallized, resulting in a very uniform, speckled stone that ranges from blacks to whites, just about every color in between.
Granite typically comes in two varieties: consistent with very little movement, or with sweeping swirling grains (movement).
On left Granite "Bianco Sardo", on the right "White Chocolate"
Because Granite was formed by heat and was at one time molten rock, it is virtually impervious to heat.
The darker the Granite is the harder and denser it tends to be. This is also true for tightness of grain in Granite, a stone with big formations in it is more likely to stain than one with smaller grains. Also "small grained" Granite cooled faster and therefore became harder faster.
Granite is striking, functional and the most durable of all natural stones. Once quarried, cut, polished, & sealed, Granite is nearly impervious to scratches, heat, and etching, staining, or weathering. It is truly one of Mother Nature's most versatile and beautiful creations.
The look, feel, durability, and (House) re-sale value of a Granite kitchen countertop is unmatched by any other solid surface material on today's market. Granite's sparkling beauty lies in the crystals of quartz, mica, and feldspar trapped within.
These characteristics make Granite ideal for kitchen counter tops, accent islands, bar tops, back splashes, everyday dining tables and many other uses. More and more homeowners are choosing Granite for Bathrooms and Fireplaces as well.
Natural Stone (granite) Quarry
Most Granite is quarried in Brazil, India, Russia, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Norway, & Finland. The majority of these rocks are imported to the U.S.A. via Spain & Italy where they are cut and polished. Granite is quarried in the form of huge blocks, some weighing up to 20 tons. These blocks are cut into slabs that are generally 3/4" or 1 1/4" thick, measuring about 102 inches by 62 inches.
Nearly all Granite slabs are imported with a high polish surface finish, but Granite can also be with different surface finish like honed, flamed, or even acid washed to change the appearance. These applications will actually decrease the stone's density and increase its porosity level.
Granite is a worry-free surface that practically takes care of itself. It is extremely durable, stain-resistant and easy to care for. Hot pots and pans won't damage the surface and it won't chip, scratch or crack under normal use. Cutting boards are recommended to protect your knives from becoming dull. Once Granite is sealed and maintained it should not stain.
Granite prices depend on several aspects of the stone such as size, availability, place of origin, and demand. An average Granite slab will run between $650 and $1500 and the average kitchen project will require two to three Granite slabs.
More information on popular Granite colors, suggested Granite care and maintenance tips, things to look out for when choosing Granite counter tops.
