The History and the Basics of Granite
Granite is a type of igneous rock that is formed through a slow crystallization process of magma below the Earth’s surface. Granite is usually pink, white or gray all depending on where they were formed. Granite is commonly used for countertops, flooring, paving stones, curbing, stair treads, building accents, and monuments in cemeteries. Granite is used in so many ways and is all around us, but we normally don’t notice it throughout our daily lives. In this blog we will be breaking down the basics of granite, covering such topics as its origin, pricing, uses, and common facts.
Granite Has Become Famous
Granite formations have become famous in several different places across the world including Stone Mountain in Georgia, Yosemite Valley in California, Pikes Peak in Colorado, Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. These places are well known not only for their tourism, but also for the formation of granite that create incredible picture perfect views.
Let’s Get into Countertops
One of the most popular uses for granite is for countertops in your home’s kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Granite can even be used in offices as desktops, meeting tables, and in break rooms. Granite countertops range in price from $600-$2,000 all depending on the level of granite. Granite is usually divided up into three different levels based on the colors, patterns, movement, and aesthetic. The main reason that granite is so popular in the remodel of kitchens and bathrooms is because of its durability. Granite has a low absorption rate, which makes cooking and showering less stressful when you don’t have to worry about spills or water being exposed. It is also heat resistant and can withstand wear and tear such as scratches and chemical stains. For these specific reasons granite countertops are a great choice for families.
Why do stones range in pricing?
Well, because each stone is unique and one of a kind, they are divided into levels as we mentioned before. The stone’s price is dependent on the rarity of its movement, coloring, and the ability to source it from the quarry.
Are granite countertops worth the money?
As mentioned above, granite is perfect for high traffic areas because it is durable and resistant to all kinds of damage and heat. Granite has a long life span and rarely needs repairing, which makes it the ideal product for a family with a busy and stressful life.
Can granite be damaged easily?
If your granite is properly installed and sealed, you will hardly ever find damage on the stone. Although hard impacts or heavy pressure can cause the granite to chip or crack, this is rare. If your granite is not sealed properly or not sealed at all, it can be easily stained and can cause spots of discoloration to form.
Fast Facts About Granite
- Granite is also known as a dimension stone because it can be cut and shaped in any way, as well as be cut to fit certain lengths, widths, or thicknesses.
- Granite is extremely tough and can resist heavy amounts of weight, weathering, and heat!
- Granite is often referred to as a prestige material due to its elegance, durability, and quality.
The Science Behind It
Granite is made of 80% of the earth’s crust and as mentioned in the beginning, it is an igneous rock formed by crystallization. Do you know what components are in granite? Well, crystals of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals are all found within granite composition. Granite can be found within any well known mountain ranges deep underground. On the Mohs Scale of Hardness, granite is ranked at a 7. It is harder than all materials such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, glass, and steel. Although it does sit below Topaz, Titanium, Emerald, and hardened Steel and Diamonds.
Most Common Uses for Granite
Granite is more commonly used in restaurants, because of its durability and aesthetic! It’s also used in residential applications like kitchen, bathroom and laundry rooms countertops, as well as flooring and accent pieces throughout any home or office.
If you are considering using granite for a project in your home or office, or want to learn more about the basics of granite, come see us and look at our wide selection of granite. We stock a wide array of slabs with vibrant coloring, patterns, and movement within the slabs- making them the perfect addition to a home lacking elegance, design, and luxury.