Browsing for the best choice of natural stone, whether it’s for your kitchen countertop, flooring or even something less common, most likely you come across granite.
Why precisely this material if there are so many other options like marble or limestone, for instance? Of course, your taste, preferences, and fundamental «I want this» play a more significant part in your decision. Still, they’re a few things you want to consider before wrapping it up.
WHAT IS GRANITE?
Here we go again with some facts and scientific terms. Granite is an igneous rock. You can easily recognize it by light colors, usually gray, pink, or white with dark grains visible with the naked eye. It’s the most common and well-known igneous rock you often encounter in your day-to-day life. Hard to mistake it for something else.
HOW IS IT FORMED?
Granite, as an intrusive igneous rock, is formed from molten magma, which solidifies beneath Earth’s surface. It’s made up mostly of quartz and feldspar with some other minerals present. And like with other natural stones, it’s exactly the mineral composition that is responsible for color diversity.
WHERE CAN IT BE FOUND?
You probably already guessed that granite as a magma created stone should be somewhere around the continental crust. You are not wrong. It’s even the most abundant supply of granite, but not the only one. At the surface, it can be found in mountain ranges, in the cores to be more precise. However, today, they can also be exposed and visible to us mortals, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Actually, such a process requires a lot of time. And thanks to these tricks of nature we have wonderful landscaped to enjoy. Yosemite Valley in California, Pike’s Peak in Colorado and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota – those are the celebrities in the world of granite.
Such prevalence is precisely the reason for a vast color palette. Granite is quarried in every corner of the world, and each location is one of a kind. This statement applies not only to granite but also to other rocks. No wonder that each slab of natural stone is out-and-outer, always exceptional, and unique.
PROPERTIES OF GRANITE
Most likely, you have heard a lot about granite even without trying actually to learn something about this natural stone. One of the most well-known statements is that granite is a hard, strong, and highly durable material. These features help it resist chipping and abrasion, as well as weathering. The stone accepts the polish, just like brilliant does. Plus, it can withstand heat. It sounds like a pretty good resume.
WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
Granite has been here for thousands of years. It’s one of the strongest and most durable materials in the world. With such characteristics, popularity wasn’t long in coming. Over the years, people have found more and more various and sometimes creative ways to use granite. So, don’t be surprised by the long list of multiple applications of this marvelous stone.
INTERIOR
Granite is an extremely popular choice when it comes to home decor. Again, thanks to its extensive usage. And that’s what you are here for.
Polished granite can be used for flooring: alone or alongside marble. These two stones work perfectly together, complementing each other’s patterns. However, thank sto a granite color variety represented, you can show your imagination just with one stone by creating mosaics. If anything, it’s the best rock to do it.
With continually evolving technologies, we can make thin, but still sturdy, granite tiles, which is an excellent option for bathrooms. Plus, the same tiles can be used as a backsplash. Granite is waterproof, after all.
Add some more characteristics like stain and heat resistance, durability, and easy maintenance, – and we get a perfect choice for any kitchen worktop. It can be a countertop, an island, a backsplash, or even a sink. Of course, you don’t have to choose. Use it all to create an incredible workstation – it’s also an option.
Granite might be widespread, but it is still a prestige stone. The larger the slab -the bigger the impression. One way to show off such beauty is by stairs and mantels. It will serve long years and add a luxurious look to your interior. Kill two birds with one stone, in this particular case, with granite.
EXTERIOR
Durable, stain-resistant, waterproof – seems like granite has it all to be used not only inside, but also outside the house. That’s true. Granite paving slabs are ideal for outdoor projects like paths or patios. You just have to decide on a color, the only thing which will ever bother you upon choosing your perfect slab of granite.
Weather-resistant qualities of this stone make it a perfect match for building and cladding, in case you wondered. Of course, you can opt for the high gloss finished granite, but more often, the rough-hewn stone is the one that is used for such purposes.
CORE
As one of the most robust materials known to people from time immemorial, granite was used as a core of strength for almost every building and construction – shouldn’t be much of a surprise: the Pyramids, Roman bridges and European cathedrals – just a small example of granite application.
MONUMENTS
Last, but not least. To create a monument, an everlasting memory, which should remain intact for ages to come, people often use granite. Gravestones, statues, memorials, temples – most are built with granite, entirely or partly. Of course, the most famous statues were mainly made out of marble, which is just easier to carve. However, the granite was always kept for important, you can say, government-level projects, which intend to last. Think of Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota – impressive, and, well, monumental.
Choosing the right materials for your project is not an easy job, maybe even a little stressful. Trust us, we know. But you are already here, reading about granite. And that’s already something. It’s time to go further and visit our showroom in Anaheim. After all, you are all ready to rock’n’roll!