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Nothing Matches Granite Countertops
Depth of Beauty
Granite for granite countertops usually comes from Italy, China, India,
or South America in over a hundred different color patterns. Each country
has several different color and pattern variations unique to that part
of the world. Granite is a dimensional stone with naturally occurring
variations in color and pattern. These variations, referred to as “movement”,
are the source of its natural beauty. Also, keep in mind that the veining
in the granite can effect color perception. Sometimes different grains
occurring in the same slab will make the slabs appear to be different
colors. Mineral concentrations in granite varies somewhat within any given
color and pattern, and may produce patches that appear darker or lighter.
Look at the example of the beautiful Juparana Bordeaux slab at right.
You will see how the pattern and color changes and how a second slab cut
from a different area could vary in color and grain. If you need more
than one slab to complete your countertops, you should use slabs cut from
the same large granite block. Even a single granite slab will have color
variations from one end to the other. These variations give your kitchen
countertop or vanity its unique character making it slightly different
from any other countertop.
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Granite, igneous rock of visible crystalline formation
and texture. It is composed of feldspar (usually potash feldspar and oligoclase)
and quartz, with a small amount of mica (biotite or muscovite) and minor
accessory minerals, such as zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, and
sphene. Granite is usually whitish or gray with a speckled appearance
caused by the darker crystals. Potash feldspar imparts a red or flesh
color to the rock. Granite crystallizes from magma that cools slowly,
deep below the earth's surface. Exceptionally slow rates of cooling give
rise to a very coarse-grained variety called pegmatite. Granite, along
with other crystalline rocks, constitutes the foundation of the continental
masses, and it is the most common intrusive rock exposed at the earth's
surface.
The specific gravity of granite ranges from 2.63
to 2.75. Its crushing strength is from 1050 to 14,000 kg per sq cm (15,000
to 20,000 lb per sq in). Granite has greater strength than sandstone,
limestone, and marble and is correspondingly more difficult to quarry.
It is an important building stone, the best grades being extremely resistant
to weathering.
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