Granite Counter Tops
A Beautiful and Durable Work Surface for Your Kitchen or Bathroom
Granite is one of the most popular choices for counter tops because it is visually striking and it won't melt, chip or break.
What is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock formed by liquid magma from inside the earth forcing itself between existing layers of rock and eventually cools down to a solid state. The main trace elements of magma are quartz, feldspar and mica. During this slow cooling process, elements of adjacent rocks are incorporated. Because it’s created under pressure and cools slowly, it is one of the hardest rocks found on earth.
The grain in granite is also called “movement” and it is a result of the ever changing swirling of molten rock and the pressure exerted under the earth’s surface. Other minerals within granite (such as pyrite, zircon and garnet) can affect the color and grain. Each piece of granite is different because of the combination of elements and this is why consumers love the ability to have a unique display of nature’s work in their homes.
How Granite Counter Tops are Manufactured
Large blocks are extracted from the earth at quarries where veins of granite have been discovered. Some of the more common locations are North America, Africa, Norway, and India. Prices can very due to supply and demand. As a rule, red and blue toned granite may cost more because there may not be an abundant supply. The blocks are cut into slabs using wire saws coated with abrasives such as diamond and sand then shipped to distributors. At this point, the granite is ready for sale to consumers either directly from the distributor or through retail outlets.
In preparation for delivery, the slabs are calibrated to customer specification Customers can choose the type of edging such as rounded, bevel or straight and the type of finish. High gloss is the most popular compared to matte. The installer needs to know the details on any cut outs required for sinks or stove tops.
Care of Granite Counters
Once it is polished, the high gloss will last forever but there is some ongoing care required. The normal use of knives will not scratch the surface and hot cookware can be placed directly on granite without dulling the finish. Granite will not chip unless you decide to use a sledgehammer.
Granite must be sealed with a water-based sealant in order to prevent oil and water patches from staining. This should be done every six months or a year for high usage areas and every two years for other areas.
For every day wiping, use a cloth and water. A quick rubbing with a dry towel will remove the water marks and bring back a quick shine. To maintain the glossy finish, use a non-abrasive cleaner such as glass cleaner.
The cost of granite may be a deterrent (though it’s not totally outrageous), but compared to man-made material, you will buy a product that is indestructible and that’s a good investment!
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