Granite, the most popular stone for counters, is an extremely hard rock formed by volcanic activity. Its shimmering beauty lies in the crystals of quartz, mica, and feldspar trapped within. So-called consistent granite has the same pattern throughout. Variegated granite has veins that vary from piece to piece, which add character but also make it difficult to match sections. Its very permanence makes it difficult to work and shape, but technological advances have made it possible to cut and polish stone near quarries around the world. In supplying granite for a large building or complex of buildings, it is essential that the stone be consistent in color and texture. To assure this, they quarry each granite color from the same deposit. With natural material like granite, a certain amount of "movement" or grain in the stone is expected. Many people find this flow and blending of colors to be the most compelling reason for using granite.

The ability to discern unusable pieces before exporting around the world is a money-saving development that helps make Granite affordable for the masses, not just the rich and famous. Precisely cut with diamond saws to the required dimensions, polished like glass and sealed Granite becomes the most cosmopolitan of counters.

Composition

It is accurate to speak of "granites," because many varieties of the stone exist. While they differ in color, texture and crystalline structure, the granites have three essential minerals in common: Feldspar, Quartz, and Mica. These minerals occur in different proportions, giving each granite slab its own color, texture and structural characteristics. In addition, hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum and other minerals may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique coloration and texture of each granite deposit. Granite exists everywhere in the world, yet nowhere is it the same. Even from the same quarry, no two pieces are identical. Granite is—quite literally—as old as the earth. It is formed from liquid magma, the molten rock still found at the core of the planet, cooled slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of diamond. Granite is an igneous rock, the name reflecting its fiery beginnings. The chemical composition of granite is similar to that of lava. However, Granite owes its hardness and density because it is solidified deep within the earth, under extreme pressure. Over the eons, seismic activity has changed the crust of the planet, forcing veins of granite to the surface. Glaciers scraped off layers of dirt, sand and rock to expose granite formations. Typically revealed by outcrops, deposits have been discovered on all the continents.

Learn more about Granite:

• Granite is a very hard, crystalline, igneous rock primarily composed of feldspar, quartz, orthoclase or microcline accompanied by one or more dark minerals. It is visibly homogeneous in texture. It is the most common plutonic rock of the Earth's crust, forming by the cooling of magma (silicate melt) at depth.
• The term "Granite" is derived from the Latin word "Granum" meaning "grain" because of its granular nature. Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, to make grainy, from grano, grain.
• Granite is the hardest building stone and occupies a prominent place among dimensional stones on account of its hardness, resistance to weathering, capability to take mirror polish, fascinating colours and textural patterns.
• The principal characteristics of dimensional granite also include high load bearing capacity, crushing strength, abrasive strength, amenability to cutting and shaping without secondary flaws, ability to yield thin and large slabs and - above all - durability. Due to its dense grain it is impervious to stain. Polished granite slabs and tiles have achieved a special status as building stones world over.
• Granite is used as a building material in the form of granite tiles and granite slabs for wall cladding, roofing and flooring and a variety of other interior and exterior applications and especially for counter tops, kitchen work tops and vanity units and is the most popular material for monuments and memorials.

Technical Specifications:

• If you require further information for your project we are able to supply the technical data required.
• When requesting please do advise approximate quantities required and expected supply dates.

Granite Myths:

• Not all granites are "true" granites however for commercial purposes they are grouped together.
• Not all black granites are the same. Learn more here.
• Granite will scratch and chip when abused however it can be repaired!
• Granite can stain however it is possible for it to be removed.
• Not all granites need to be sealed.
• If granite needs to be sealed, do it since this will avoid most problems.
• Sealing correctly is not a five minute job. Take care and time and do it properly.
• Granite sealed correctly will last for many years before "topping up".
• Granite does not contain harmful radon gases.
• Granite does not come from only mountainous regions.
• Thin and long narrow lengths of granite will break easily.
• If the granite surface is not correctly prepared (bottomed out) it may lose its polish.
• Granite is not expensive in comparison to other so-called quality materials.
• Granite is not difficult to clean, mild soap and water is all that is generally required.
• Granite is not man-made and does not come from a factory mould! Each piece is unique.
 

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Last modified: 01/25/10