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Granite FactsGranite is a very hard, crystalline, igneous rock primarily composed of feldspar quartz accompanied by one or more dark minerals. It is visibly homogeneous in texture. The term "Granite" is derived from the Latin word "Granum" meaning "grain" because of its granular nature. Granite is the hardest building stone, and granite slabs and granite tiles occupy a prominent place among dimensional stones. Due to its hardness, resistance to weathering, capability to take mirror polish, fascinating colors and textural patterns, granite slabs and granite tiles are extremely popular. The principal characteristics of 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 the dense grain, granite is impervious to stain. Polished granite slabs and granite tiles have achieved a special status as building stones globally. Granite is also used for wall cladding, roofing, flooring, and a variety of other interior and exterior applications. Contents Why is granite the best choice for countertop ? The answer lies in the true and purest difference between the basic stone groups we sell. If we can impart an understanding of these differences we can increase the chance that the end user will be happy with the stone selected - and more than anything else, that's the key to our success. The two most important words we need to remember are "carbonate" and "silicate". Simply stated, the important difference is that a carbonate is acid sensitive and a silicate is not. A silicate, like granite, for example, does not react to acid. If we take a lemon (citric acid), something found regularly in our kitchens, and squeeze the juice onto the stone, nothing happens. If we take the same lemon and squeeze the juice onto a carbonate, such as marble, the stone starts to dissolve immediately. Like Tums, also a calcium carbonate, the stone neutralizes the acid quickly so the damage is not deep. Unfortunately though, the damage will be the loss of the smooth finished surface. Acids will do more damage to a polished stone then a honed or matte finish. Granite is the hardest material second only to Diamonds and it can withstand heat up to 1800 degrees....No wonderr Granite is the best choice as a countertop material. Are different kinds of edges available ? For all fabrication works, be it a kitchen countertop or bar countertop or a fireplace or a table top or a BBQ island, we almost make any edge you desire. Click here to view the various edge options available. How are sinks installed in natural stone countertops? A cut-out can be made in the stone to accommodate the type of sink you choose. Any sink that you purchase will have instructions and a template for the cut-out needed. The countertop installer will take care of this during the templating process. Do granite countertops need to be sealed ? Some granites are more porous than others and do need to be sealed to prevent spills from seeping into the stone. However, all our granite countertops are sealed during the fabrication process and again upon installation. The rule of thumb is that when the water no longer beads up, it's time to re-seal. That may vary from 1-5 years depending upon usage. The Sealant is available in a liquid form, easily available (we stock it too) and very easy to apply when required. A sealant consists of microscopic balls of silicone that attach themselves to the crevices inside the stone. Once they are attached to the stone, these balls become a permanent part of the stone and acts as shields when any kind of liquid lands on them and the same is not penetrated into the stone. Removing a stain is a three-part process, the first stage involves identifying the stain, the second stage involves loosening or dissolving the stain and the third stage involves lifting the stain from the stone. Any spill should be cleaned as soon as possible. Blot spills with a paper towel or clean rag. At this stage, it is important only to blot; wiping a spill may spread it over a larger area, making a larger mess. Use only cold water and stone soap or a neutral cleaner. Rinse the area several times. If a stain is still present, a chemical poultice may have to be applied. Avoid using chemicals of any kind until you know which chemical cleaner to use. If these things fail, it is often best to call a stone maintenance professional. If you are interested, there is a great book written by Fred Houston "Stain Removal Guide for Stone". No. Granite is much more scratch resistant than other countertop surfaces. It is a very durable work surface and has proven itself over the centuries. The only things that can scratch granite are carbide, diamond or another piece of granite. Are the seams very noticeable ? Since stone is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10 feet long, you may end up with seams. Also, because stone is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as an "L" shaped corner. The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern of the stone. It also depends on the size of the slabs and your particular counter top or island design. For instance, a seam in a slab of granite that has a small, uniform grain (such as Carioca Gold) will not be as apparent as in a stone with a larger varied grain (such as Juperana Sunset). A seam in a dark color will be less apparent than a light color. A dramatic pattern (Kinawa, Paradiso) will show more seams than a uniform pattern . Seams also depend on the size of the slabs and your particular counter top or island design A good installer will try to give you the least number of seams possible.. Most customers find that the beauty of natural stone outweighs the concern of seams. Seams are approximately 1/16" wide. During installation, a small bead of silicone is placed along the seam, where two straight, smooth cuts join together, to seal it. Occasionally, in areas of stress or insufficient support, the seams will be joined with epoxy. The epoxy is mixed with stone dust along with a color pigment to match your stone. What is involved in the maintainence of granite countertop ? In order to keep your granite in perfect condition, it should be kept clean. The most common way to maintain stone is to brush away dust. Stone should be washed with a clean, soft cloth and fresh water. A mild detergent can be used periodically to remove any residue that remains ingrained. These steps will save many problems with stone. Some stone suppliers recommend applying a sealer on the stone a few weeks after installation is completed. This helps prevent staining on the stone. The sealer should be reapplied periodically since it wears off after an extended period of time. |