Granite is endowed with a unique elegance. Throughout the centuries this stone has excited admiration for its beauty and time defying characteristics. Granite is a noble stone.
Tendency to absorb oils and some will absorb other liquids…Generally not affected by acidic foods and drinks, however, polished granites can be etched by hydrofluoric acid and concentrated acids which are found in some household cleaning products…Some granite varieties when used in water features (spas and fountains), will begin to show signs of deterioration in a few years.
Granite is found in more than a hundred distinct colors with varying patterns
When granite is used in the kitchen and bathroom it is highly recommended to treat the stone with a oil repellent…The grain size varies with this stone, from small, medium to coarse. This is important to understand for two reasons…1. With larger mineral grains or a combination of different grain sizes, the stone has a tendency to be more absorbent…2. Some varieties are composed with a combination of different grain sizes. This natural characteristic is more noticeable in highly polished finishes. The surface of the stone may appear to have tiny random pitting and a question that is often asked, “is the finish of this granite defective in some way”, and the answer is usually no. A real tight finish is not completely attainable with some of these varieties of granites. This characteristic is often not detected by viewing small samples of the stone…With textured exterior installations it is advisable to treat the stone with a water and soil repellent. Many of the texturing processes create and expose micro fractures in the stones surface increasing the absorption factor of the stone.
*Contrary to popular opinion granite will stain.
True geological granite has been formed from molten material i.e. magma that cooled very slowly and crystallized deep below the earth’s crust. This slow cooling, combined with the pressure from the overlying rock mass produced a well defined crystal structure and a very compact stone. Its name is derived from its granular texture.
The term “Granite” has taken on a broader commercial classification, referring to granite-type stones with similar characteristics, origins and having slightly different mineral compositions. The majority are geologically related to each coming from the same rock family. However, some are far removed in their composition and their formation processes.
The trade term “Granite” has been incorporated in the names of some stones and this can prove to be misleading. For instance, Granito Nero is a black limestone, the name Belgian Granite is for a gray-black bituminous limestone, and Petit Granite is a black limestone. The name of a stone can become an important point in relation to what one thinks the stone is, just based on a name only and the intended use of the stone and its expectations.
Granite vs. Corian and other counter surfaces
- Granite is a natural stone and is durable with a vast lifespan. Corian and most other counter surfaces are synthetic - they are more susceptible to abrasion and burns, and tend to have a shorter lifespan than granite.
- Granite is extremely hard and resistant to nicks, chips and gouges. Corian and other counter surfaces are not as hard, and are easily nicked, chipped and gouged.
- Granite can be sealed to preserve its finish, impermeability and stain resistance. Corian and other counter surfaces are easily stained, destroying their finish.
- Granite is a natural product, therefore, each granite countertop is unique; no two are the same. Corian and other counter surfaces are mass manufactured, and uniform in appearance; uniqueness is not possible.
- Granite is the real thing - Corian and others are imitations.
Granite types & sizes
