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What is
Granite?
Granite is
classified as an igneous rock, and is formed by the cooling &
crystallisation of lava, underneath the Earth's crust.
Granite predominantly
consists of the following minerals:
- quartz
- mica
- feldspar
- plagioclase
feldspar
The proportion and type of
each mineral give Granite its unique appearance. Different
conditions and mineral ingredients at each quarry site mean that
each area produces an individually patterned and coloured
stone.
Granite offers beauty, easy
care and durability. Granite is the hardest stone after the
diamond, with very dense grain, making it virtually impervious to
stain. In most cases it is able to withstand weathering for
centuries. It can be used to cut and chop, and rest hot pans on
without damaging its surface finish. Its smooth dense structure
also means that it provides few havens for bacteria, and is
therefore ideally suited for kitchen
worktops.
Granite is often found in
upscale and sophisticated residences, palaces and hotels throughout
the world due to its texture and luster. Natural stone provides the look and feel of elegance
through a quality and strength that will never be reached by other
materials.
In natural hard surfaces
like granite, a certain amount of "movement" or grain is usually
expected. Many people find this flow and blending of colours to be
the most compelling reason for using genuine
stone.
Does
granite have any use other than kitchen worktops?
Today, granite has very many applications in the commercial and
domestic world including: tiles, wall cladding, flooring, kitchen worktops and splashbacks,
bathroom surfaces, pub bar tops, restaurant
tables and worktops, fire places, water features, headstones and
gravestones. | 