Granite
Granite is classified as an igneous
rock, and is formed by the crystallisation of magma as it cools in 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.
What geologists term “granite”
covers a wide variety of rocks, but what is sold commercially for “granite
worktops” covers a greater range still. Syenites, such as Blue Pearl, for
instance, are igneous rocks formed from magma in a similar way, but with little
or no quartz content. Dolerites include our Nero Assoluto, while Black Galaxy
and Black Pearl are varieties of Gabbro.
Some of the most excitingly
patterned “granites” – such as Kashmir Gold and Ivory Fantasy – are in fact
granulites – metamorphic rocks that have not formed directly from magma but
from extreme compression and heating of granular material, which fuses into a
hard crystalline mass with many of the practical characteristics of a true
granite. So the commercial use of the term “granite” covers stones of similar
character and hardness, and these distinctions should be of no major concern in
choosing a stone for your kitchen worktops.
Granite offers
beauty, easy care and durability. Granite is consistently hard, with very dense
grain, making it difficult to stain and hard to scratch. Although we would not
recommend subjecting it to very drastic and sudden changes in temperature, it
is actually highly resistant to temperature damage, and is an ideal material
near ranges or hearths. Cutting & chopping on granite is not recommended,
simply because steel knives will swiftly lose their edge, blunted by the hard
stone. Its smooth dense structure also means that it provides few havens for
bacteria, and is therefore ideally suited for kitchen worktops.
Granite is found
in upscale and sophisticated residences, palaces and hotels throughout the
world due to its texture and lustre. Natural stone provides the look and feel
of elegance through a quality and strength that will never be reached by other
materials. The variation in each slab, and especially the grain or
“movement" in the crystal structure, are part of the charm of buying
natural stone. Many people find this flow and blending of colours to be the
most compelling reason for using genuine stone for their kitchen worktops.
