What Are the Characteristics of Granite? Properties of Your Countertop

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Granite is a beautiful natural stone that is often used as a building material. The stone is often referred to as a dimension stone – one that has been quarried to obtain blocks or slabs of a certain size and shape. Granite has been used to construct everything from kitchen and bathroom countertops to famous monuments. This guide will go into detail on the characteristics of granite countertops, as well as the background of the stone. 

What is Granite and Where Does It Come From? 

Granite is an igneous rock that can be found in either the earth’s crust or above ground. Granite is made up of mostly quartz and feldspar. From this rock, stone is cut for building purposes. For countertops, the granite blocks are cut into granite slabs. 

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What is an Igneous Rock? 

Igneous rocks are rocks that are formed by the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. The other primary types of rocks are metamorphic (rock formed from heat and pressure) and sedimentary rocks (formed from fossils on the earth’s surface). 

Where is Granite Found? 

Granite is found in quarries worldwide, from Brazil to India and even in many places in the United States. 

How Are Granite Countertops Made? 

After granite blocks are cut down into granite slabs, the slabs are shipped off to fabricators. When they arrive at the fabrication facility, they are shaped and finished according to the needs of your countertop. 

Granite Countertop Characteristics 

Appearance 

Granite is one of the most beautiful natural stone materials you can find. It is available in hundreds of color and style options. Whether you are looking for something light or dark, subdued or attention-grabbing, there is a type of granite that will work for you. Many types of the stone feature gorgeous flecks and veins. One of the most desirable features of granite’s appearance is that each slab is unique, even if they come from the same quarry. This ensures that your granite countertop is truly like no other in the world. 

Durability 

Granite is one of the most durable materials you can have in your home. With proper care, which will not require significant effort, granite surfaces can stay in great shape for years. Because of its durability, granite is seen as the ideal countertop material for high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen. Many types of granite can also be used for outdoor surfaces. 

Heat Resistance 

Granite is resistant to heat, unlike some other countertop options. You will not have to fear damaging the surface if you set down a hot pot or pan, although this practice is not recommended. You should still try to use trivets and hot pads in the interest of safety. 

Stain Resistance 

As long as the stone is properly sealed, granite is resistant to stains. This does not mean that it is totally stain proof, but granite is one of the best natural stones when it comes to stain resistance. 

Scratch Resistance 

Granite countertops are also scratch resistant. The natural stone is among the hardest on the Moh’s scale. Your granite countertop can damage any knives used on its surface. As with hot pots and pans, cutting directly on the countertop will not damage the surface, but is still not recommended. 

Seams 

Because a typical granite countertop requires more than one slab, you will have seams. Depending on what color granite countertop you have, these seams can be nearly invisible. Also, fabricators will often place seams in inconspicuous places and do a good job at hiding them. 

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Maintenance 

Granite is one of the easiest materials to maintain. All you will need to do to keep it looking as good as new is clean, re-seal and polish the surface. These processes are very easy to do and will not take up significant amounts of time. 

The characteristics of granite, from its appearance to the stone’s tough qualities, make it one of the most appealing materials on the market. This guide can help you learn more about the natural stone that makes up your countertop, backsplash or other home surface.

Why you can trust Marble.com

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

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