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What is Granite?
Granite is a crystalline igneous rock that consists largely of alkali feldspar, quartz, and plagioclase. Its average grain size is 0.04–1.0 in. (1–25 mm); finer-grained rocks of this composition include rhyolite and aplite, and coarser-grained ones are granite pegmatite. Granite is quarried worldwide, with the most exotic colors coming from Brazil, India, Finland, North America, China and Southern Africa. New quarries are discovered each year further enhancing color choices and keeping prices in check.
What is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone, composed mostly of calcite (a crystalline form of calcium carbonate, CaCO3). It is extensively used for sculpture, as a building material, and in many other applications. The characteristic swirls and veins of many colored marble varieties are usually due to various mineral impurities such as clay, silt, sand, or iron oxides.
What is Travertine?
Travertine is one of several natural stones. The stone is characterized by pitted holes and troughs on its surface. Travertine is one of the most frequently used stones in modern architecture, and is commonly seen as facade material, wall cladding, and flooring.
Why is granite our first recommendation for your countertop?
Granite has become today’s countertop of choice for architects, cabinet-builders, kitchen designers and contractors. Since granite is very hard stone that’s formed at very high temperatures deep in the earth, its polish is not subject to etching by household acids, or scratching by knives and pots and pans.
Why do we need to seal Natural Stones (including Granite, Marble & Travertine)?
We recommend the application of a sealer every six months to assure protection against any oils or water that may have sat on the surface of the stone for any length of time. We do carry stone sealer in different sizes (8oz, 1qrt, & 1gal) to seal the stone.
Why is each piece of granite/marble/travertine different from each other?
Granite/Marble/Travertine is an organic substance. The composition of minerals and the deposit it was quarried from play a part in the appearance of granite/marble/travertine. It is the beauty of Natural Stones, which makes them outstanding from manmade materials.
Is granite really scratch resistant?
Yes. Even if you cut directly down upon it in the coarse of normal, daily use, you will not mar the finish of your granite countertop
Is it true that granite won't chip, crack or ding?
Unless you’re planning on wailing away on your new granite counter top with a sledge hammer and chisel, we assure you it will not chip, crack or ding under normal use. Besides, the fabrication process is the most stressful on the stone, and if it doesn’t break at that point, it never will under normal circumstances in your home.
Is it hard to care for a granite countertop?
Not at all. In fact, you'll wish everything were this easy. Just use a common non-abrasive commercial product, such as a glass cleaner, to wipe it down to keep its finish shining. We do carry stone sealer in different sizes (8oz, 1qrt, & 1gal) to clean the stone a daily basis.
What's the difference between a drop-in sink and an undermount sink?
A drop-in sink sits on top of the cutout in your granite counter while an undermount sink sits beneath the cutout. There is generally an extra polishing charge required in preparing a granite countertop for an undermount sink.
How do I know where my granite/marble/travertine is from?
It is hard to tell its origins since granite/marble/travertine is quarried all over the world, including Africa, Brazil, Egypt, India, Italy, Norway and Spain, to name a few. There are also some very lovely veins of granite mined in the United States and Canada as well.
Does my stone’s origin affect the price?
Very little. Prices are more affected by the supply and demand placed upon the quarry. You’ll find that red and blue tones are a bit higher priced than other colors due to their lack of abundance.
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