Granite Characteristics

Strong, Durable, Unique & Hard

Granite characteristics include strength and durability. This unique and elegant natural stone is one of the oldest, hardest, and strongest stones available. A truly beautiful natural stone with HUNDREDS of colors and patterns to choose from. It exudes strength and longevity... a sleek rich feel.

The looks achieved when using this stone are versatile. From an unassuming elegance to a bold "look at me" statement. Granite is at home in a country farm house as well as in a modern high rise. It's the colors and patterns that make it so unique. Granite is an affordable luxury.

The term granite is derived from the Latin word granum meaning grain. It is full of small and large grains of crystals. This stone starts out as a molten mass of magma and then forms into the rock granite as this magma cools... usually over millions of years.

Granites are classified differently in scientific and industry terms.

• Geologists classify rocks according to their minerals and origins.
• The stone industry is more concerned with how hard the stone is.

The main minerals in true granite are silicates, feldspar, and quartz. The most important mineral is quartz... it's not granite without quartz.

True granite is easy to distinguish because of its lighter colors. Usually the colors are whites, pinks, or light grays and the color is uniform throughout the stone. If you see a stone of another color or with a wild pattern, it's probably not granite.

Granite is a highly durable siliceous stone. Compared to marble, it is more resistant to the acids found in lemons, vinegars, and some cleaning products which means most granites do not etch. This is an easy stone to live with and pretty forgiving too.

Most granites are also 'scratch proof'. They will not scratch even when cut on. Things such as keys, coins, utensils, and appliances won't scratch it either. Granite will actually dull your knives! Another plus... this stone withstands heat up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Granites with larger crystals are more likely to chip or nick. This usually occurs near the sink if you have an under mount sink or near the edge of the stone.

Many times the chips are small and not really noticeable but you might be able to feel them. Repairing small chips is pretty simple. A dab of colored epoxy is used to fill in where the chip is and then smoothed out.

What About Sealing? Lighter granites need to be sealed because the crystals are larger. The larger crystals make it easier for liquids to penetrate into the stone. Sealing granite isn't difficult and there are many sealers available. Buy a quality sealer to make your life easier!

Usually the darker stones are left unsealed. The crystals in darker stones are smaller or finer making it harder - if not impossible - for any liquids to penetrate the stone including a sealer.

What are some of the different ways to use granite? It is most commonly used for countertops and monuments because of its outstanding durability.

Granite is also used for flooring, window sills, shower surrounds, islands, fireplaces, bar tops, and benches.

There are fountains, columns, and accessories carved out of granite too.

Accessory items aren't as elaborate as the ones carved out of marble or any of the softer stones because granite is such a hard stone which makes it more difficult to work with.

This is a very affordable natural stone and creates a beautiful and unique atmosphere in any environment. It is one of the most durable natural stones available.

From simple whites to golden honey yellows... exotic reds, ocean blues, deep chocolaty browns, and forest greens. There are hundreds of colors and patterns to choose from. There is a color for everyone.

ADD Shine

ERASE Scratches

Get Rid of Mold & Mildew

REPAIR Etch Marks

Here's MORE Granite STUFF:

• Want to know how granite countertops stand up to E. Coli? E. Coli vs Granite
• Here's a little more on granite countertop sanitation.
• And finally, is using natural stone in you home a good choice?