Granite Countertops | Granite Blog

What are the basick types of rocks?

Team Granite Blog — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:44:22 +0000

Rocks are aggregates of homogeneous substances called minerals. Some rocks, for instance limestone, consist of a single mineral only but the majority consist of several minerals in varying proportions.

There are three basic types of rock:

1. Igneous: these are rocks that solidified directly from molten silicates, which geologists call magma. Igneous rock is formed by magma (molten rock) being cooled and becoming solid. They may form with or without crystallization, either below the surface as intrusive (plutonic) rocks or on the surface as extrusive (volcanic) rocks
Examples are: granite, basalt, pumice and flint (which is a form of quartz).

2. Sedimentary: these are formed when igneous rocks are eroded as a sediment under the sea. Sedimentary rock is formed by deposition and consolidation of mineral and organic material and from precipitation of minerals from solution. The processes that form sedimentary rock occur at the surface of the Earth and within bodies of water.Fossils are often found in this layer.
Examples are limestone, chalk, sandstone.

3. Metamorphic: Any of a class of rocks that result from the alteration of preexisting rocks in response to changing geological conditions, including variations in temperature, pressure, and mechanical stress. The preexisting rocks may be igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks.
Examples are: slate, marble, quartzite.”

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What are Pre-Fabricated Granite Slab Countertops?

Granite Blog Team — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 03:36:16 +0000

Prefabricated countertop also called semi-custom or Prefab countertop is a piece of granite finished in certain size and shape with pre-finished bull-nose or flat edge detail. They are usually in simple rectangular shape and could be cut and manipulated easily.

New Venetian Gold Pre-Fab Granite

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Is Quartz more expensive than Granite slab countertops?

andy — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:29:35 +0000

In a nut shell we can say that Quartz Slab Countertops are relatively around mid price range compared to Granite Slab Countertops. To help us understand this difference we have included a price chart below. These include not only quartz and granite but pre-fabricated granite, corian and even laminate kitchen and bath countertops. Prices will vary from city to city and of course from country to country

Countertop Prices

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What are the Advantages of Granite Countertops?

andy — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 05:27:24 +0000

Below are some of the advantages using granite as counters:

Durable scratch-resistant surface top
Endless patterns and colors
Each piece unique and created by nature
Lasting value – granite will last forever
Will not burn when hot pots are set on it
Stains can be removed
Harbours no bacteria or radon gasses
Can be repaired if ever scratched or crack

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Granite Countertops

andy — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:32:19 +0000

The Design, materials and furnishings in every home tell a story about the owners. Sometimes subtly, sometimes boldly, they express their interests, their lifestyle, their past and their plans for the future.

Granite countertops are now found in many homes because they give a solid and beautiful surface in your kitchen. Granite countertops are known for their durability, heat resistant and stain-resistant . They are always in style even when used for generations. This means that once bought, you may never need to replace them because granite stone doesn’t wear out. They also increase the value of the home.

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What is Granite?

andy — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:05:58 +0000

The Earths Oldest Building Material

Granite is as old as the earth and it is formed from liquid magma, the molten rock still found at the core of the planet, cooled slowly to form a substance approaching the hardness and durability of diamond.

Granite is an igneous rock, the name reflecting its fiery beginnings. The chemical composition of granite is similar to that of lava. However, granite owes its hardness and density to the fact that it has been solidified deep within the earth, under extreme pressure. Over the eons, seismic activity has changed the crust of the planet, forcing veins of granite to the surface. Glaciers scraped off layers of dirt, sand and rock to expose granite formations. Typically revealed by outcrops, the deposits have been discovered on all the continents.

Composition

“Granites are formed of an aggregate of crystals which are molded together without any interspaced between them or which enclose one another. The magnificent crystallinity of granite is a striking characteristic.” Geology of Granite, E. Raguin, London, 1965 p.3

It is accurate to speak of “granites,” because many varieties of the stone exist. While they differ in color, texture and crystalline structure, the granites have three essential minerals in common:

Feldspar (50% or greater)
Quartz (25-40%)
Mica (3-10%)

These minerals occur in different proportions, giving each granite its own color, texture and structural characteristics. In addition, hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum and other minerals may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique coloration and texture of each granite deposit. In supplying granite for all large building or complex of buildings, it is essential that the stone be consistent in color and texture. To assure this, each granite color must be quarried from the same deposit. With natural material like granite, a certain amount of “movement” or grain in the stone must be expected. Many people find this flow and blending of colors to be the most compelling reason for using granite.

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Granite Countertops — Seam Question?

admin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:58:18 +0000

What is a good seam in a granite, marble or quartz countertop?

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Solid Surfaces vs Granite Countertops?

andy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:28:27 +0000

In a nut-shell solid surfaces are man made with a mixture of real stone in a matrix or acrylic resins.

Granite is 100% natural and is durable, scratch-resistance, with endless patterns and colors. Granite will not burn or withstand really high temperatures, can be repair, and harbours no bateria.

Solid surfaces have similar properties like granite since they are made from natural stone (exept corian). Quartz, like granite is scratch-resistant, care-free and very durable.

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Can Granite Counter-tops be made seamless?

andy — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:25:50 +0000

Normally, a granite seam will be somewhat visible? The question is how much visible should it be? Again, there is not easy answer since it depend on many factors such as: Granite Color, pattern matching, epoxy color matching, and how well the seam work is done.

In addition, modern methods allow extremely thin and barely noticeable seams in granite joints. Also, if you choose to a large slab which can be cut to fit L-shape kitchen there will be less or no seams.

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