What is natural granite?
Comprising mostly of quartz, feldspar, and mica, natural granite is a coarse-grained igneous rock. This rock is a top option for architectural and ornamental uses as it is created by the gradual crystallization of magma under the surface of the earth, so it is durable and wear resistant. Furthermore often employed in art and architectural projects is granite’s distinctive texture and range of hues.
Given its granular texture, the Latin term “granum,” which meaning grain, is used to designate “granite.” Furthermore much valued is its inherent beauty, which accentuates any environment in which it is used. Granite’s combination of utilitarian and decorative value guarantees its appeal in both practical and ornamental environments as it is a perfect material for many purposes.
Natural Granite Made: Methods
Though they are natural, the slabs used in natural granite countertops go through a lengthy production process including many stages. over the globe and in quarries all over the United States, this rock is mined. Then, with the aid of a strong drill and a wire saw, it is sliced into readily controllable pieces.
These bits are split often into smaller bits. Unlike the instrument most people know, a wire saw is really a metal wire with diamond beads on it. A strong motor revolves the wire in a loop. One side is polished and the stone is delivered to a distribution location after the slab has become somewhat tiny. Before builders install the counters in your house, further cuts are done to match certain cabinets and fittings.
Natural Granite’s Characteristics and Attributes
Natural granite is renowned for its great resistance to chemicals, weathering, and wear as well as for strength. It is also among the tougher natural stones with a Mohs hardness grade between 6 and 7, which qualifies for heavy usage locations. Additionally contributing to Granite’s durability is its density, which falls between 2.63 and 2.75 g/cm¹.
Its particular beauty and tactile appeal also benefit from its phaneritic and granular structure—that is, from crystals visible to the unaided eye. For kitchen counters and bathroom surfaces especially, Granite’s low porosity makes it resistant to stains and moisture damage. Granite is therefore a perfect material for many uses as its thermal resilience allows it to resist high temperatures without deterioration. These qualities taken together confirm granite’s standing as a top option for visual appeal and utility in construction projects.
Granite Countertops Made Naturally
Natural stone, including granite, comes from all across the globe. Originally massive blocks from a quarry, the raw granite that may find use in your kitchen was chopped into slabs and machined. When visiting ForU Stone, you will find these polished slabs in the many hues and patterns that natural granite presents;
Actually, no two granite slabs are precisely same! Natural stone/granite counters are chosen by people because they are stain-resistant, very durable, and enhance the value of their houses more than synthetic stone surfaces. Although we advise always to use a trivet, they also resist high temperatures and can handle hot pots and pans up to 780 degrees. Only able to withstand temperatures up to 380 degrees, quartz counters are more susceptible to heat.
Granite is simple to maintain; simply seal it (we install our counters with a 15-year sealer). A natural stone cleanser with a sealant will help you to protect the surface every time you clean it. (Sealants help to prevent liquid damage; still, always be careful to rapidly clean spills.)
Use with care
If granite counters are put in a bathroom, be cautious of exposing them to strong chemicals like bleach, acidic foods and liquids as well as certain cosmetics. These items may break through sealants and eat away at the surface, staining the stone. Granite and other natural stones will always radiate, nevertheless, given basic care.
Other Stone Countertop Materials
Apart from granite, dolomite, quartzite, marble, and soapstone are additional natural materials used. Unlike real stone, a common substitute, engineered quartz is produced from synthetic quartz devoid of the resins, colorants, and other artificial components. Nature’s patterns are exquisite, profound, and unique masterpieces of art. ForU Stone Countertops: Engineered Quartz Engineered quartz is a product produced by compressing crushed quartz and adding colorants and resins.
Because of its manufacturing, quartz counters come in a greater spectrum of hues than natural stone; their surface is less porous, tougher, and more durable than that of ordinary natural stone. Quartz counters are quite antiseptic, simple to maintain, and don’t need for sealing. As indicated above, however, be cautious with hot pots and pans just out of the oven as overheating may harm quartz.
Made quartz usually lacks the unique appearance preferred by many homeowners choosing granite and other natural stone counters. For those who want “what you see is what you get,” it might be a better option. Made stone cannot be recycled, but; natural stone can.
Whether you are constructing from start or upgrading your kitchen, a range of stone counters will accentuate the area with a little of elegance and shine. See our website for a great range of natural stone choices for your house; our extremely friendly sales staff will assist you to find the ideal one for your requirements.
What is manufactured granite?
Others install engineered or man-made granite. Comprising resins, calcium carbonate, stone particles, and other elements, this man-made substance is Ground and blended before being bonded, these materials provide a consistent but less natural appearance.
Which is optimum?
Regarding counters, genuine granite counters are much better than man-made ones in many respects. Natural granite has a certain beauty and is more robust than manmade granite. But since genuine granite is a stone, the cost of investing in natural granite is larger than in the synthetic substitutes.
ForU: Your Granite Countertop Company
The crew at ForU is ready to assist you should you choose to include natural granite counters into your house! Call our crew right now if you have any inquiries about our natural stone goods and services!
