Granite worktops are solid surfaces formed by the cooling down of molten lava under the earth’s crust. They are formed from igneous rock consisting of hornblende (black grains), mica (dark/ golden sparkly grains), quartz (round glassy grains), and feldspar (Opaque, prism-shaped pink and white). It has a phaneritic texture meaning the crystal deposits are clearly visible without an observational aid for magnification. The mineral composition of the igneous rock gives colour to it. Granites are widely used in many objects we see in our life. It can be used as countertops, stairs, shelves, monuments, kitchen island, pool coping, and floor. Granites are known for their historical significance as monuments in places like the white mountains, Mount Rushmore, Yosemite Valley, and the stone mountain.
Composition of Granite
Granite is a coarse-grained, light-coloured igneous rock composed of feldspars and quartz with minor quantities of mica and amphibole minerals. Taking a closer look at the mineral composition is focused on understanding the pattern and colour of the slabs. Feldspar is abundantly found in granite, they constitute pink, grey, or reddish pigments. Quartz is a colourless, transparent mineral. Mica has muscovite and biotite of the mica mineral family sheds a reflective vitreous luster. Amphibole mineral-like hornblende is dark in colour and has a prismatic appearance. Special names are given according to their grain sizes. The large-grained crystals are called pegmatite, and the fine-grained from crystallizing is termed Aplite.
History of Granite Used in Ancient Times
The Red Pyramid of ancient Egypt from the 26th century BCE has reported traces of granite surface which is considered as the third largest Egyptian pyramid. Menkaure pyramid from the same era was built using blocks of granite and limestone. The great pyramid Giza from around 2580 BCE had Red Aswan granite. The ruins of the Black pyramid from the reign of Amenemhat III had a granite polished capstone. Many large Temples in Southern India built by King Raja Raja Cholan I were made of granite.
Natural Characteristics of Granite Worktops
Heat Resistance
Granite worktops are not affected or damaged by heat or heat-emitting objects like crock pots and pans.
Scratch Resistance
Granite worktops are high resistance to stains and scratches. Though cutting directly on the work surface may leave a metal residue that becomes difficult to remove.
Maintenance
They have easy and low-cost special maintenance if they are properly sealed. It is less likely for a worktop surface to be damaged easily.
Seams
Large Kitchen islands or granite kitchen worktops can be installed without seams but with small measurements and L-shaped kitchen counters. Seams will appear which can be fabricated and sealed with Epoxy resin to give a seamlessly smooth high-quality surface.
Durability
Worktops made of granite are strong and durable igneous rock formed by the weathering of rocks millions of years ago. They are widely used for interior or exterior applications for many centuries
Textures/ Finishes of Granite Worktop
They are the hard igneous rock that is exposed to texture-defining processes resulting in a stunning finish with a pleasing appearance. The different types of finishes are listed below:
Polished Finish
The most common finish for a slab. The qualities of the stone are highlighted well in the polished black beauty granite kitchen countertop. That makes its colour and texture stand out vibrantly. Polished surfaces are easy to clean as they are sealed to keep any liquid from seeping in and moisture out of the stone.
Honed Finish
A honed finish is also referred to as matte and buffed. This finish creates a smooth-looking surface avoiding shiny reflecting surfaces. The honed finish is a preferred option for flooring preventing the threats of slippery surfaces.
Leathered Finish
The leathered finish is also called brushed finish. This type of finish is created by running diamond-tipped brushes on a honed slab surface. The appearance assures to be sophisticated and natural and keeps the variety of colours in the stone intact.
Flamed Finish
A flamed finish is possible only for natural stone worktops. A flamed finish is popular among outdoor kitchen designs. Colours appear masked under a flamed finish granite work surface.
Caressed Finish
Caressed appearance is created by glossing up a leathered slab, it portrays to be rugged and elegant. The advantage of the finish is the pores remain sealed while moisture and water are kept away from the surface.
Bush Hammered Finish
This is not a common finish, that can tone down the chromatic scheme of the granite to give it a naturally weathered look.
Sandblasted Finish
The sandblasted finish is achieved by blasting the face of the natural stone granite with sand giving a rough appearance and lighter colour.
Colors of granite worktop
Granite worktop’s colours have earthy tones, unlike the quartz worktops. The exceptional durability of the robust natural stone is highly regarded by many across the world. Be it traditional, modern, or contemporary worktops are the best option. Amazing variety of Granite worktop colours like Cosmic Black and Madagascar Blue, both are stunning as worktops in your home design. A classic black kitchen countertop is suitable for a traditional kitchen or a contemporary kitchen. White granite worktops and grey worktops are popular choices.
Application of granite slabs
Granites are more often quarried as dimension stone, a natural rock that is cut into blocks and slabs of desired thickness and width. The wide range of applications of this natural stone is Kitchen worktops, shelves, upstands, kitchen island, wall cladding, flooring, backsplash, stairs, memorial headstones, and monuments. Granites are unique and never go out of fashion, they are elegant in appearance and suitable for all kinds of kitchen layouts.
Fabrication and Installation
Granite Fabrication and installation are best advised to be done with verified professionals with the right technology. Our registered KBB network fabricators have the experience of installation and knowledge of the product to give the best results. Our KBB network offers planning, designing, and implementation of the design that perfectly suits to create your dream home.
Kitchen remodeling project
Remodel your kitchen or bathroom or bedroom by choosing a stylish contemporary-looking granite or traditional classic countertops surface. Each granite slab may differ from one another in colour and veining. This is because of the number of minerals that are deposited in the natural stone. Granite is a natural material and one cannot find two granite looking alike as their colour scheme and patterns. They are decided at the discretion of nature. If you’re looking for vibrant colours to add life to your living space, you should consider the range of exotic granites. The wide variety of red, green, golden yellow, blue, blue-green, turquoise colour schemes are perfect from our collection.
Maintenance for your Granite worktop
Worktop surfaces require a particular cleaning practice so the sealant does not wear out. To keep your natural stone worktops gleaming:
Avoid using string and harmful chemicals, acid-based cleaners, or corrosive scrubs. Using Mild Soap liquid or pH neutral cleaning liquid and a microfiber cloth can get your kitchen or any granite surface to keep looking attractive, & last longer.
The sealant added to the granite gives the more reliable performance of keeping the spillage during cooking from being absorbed into the grains. An immediate wiping is recommended to prolong the life of the granite worktop. Discoloration and marks are a threat to the granite if the chopping board is not in place. Carelessness can make the sturdy stone chipping or stain resistant which could deteriorate a beautiful centerpiece of a Kitchen.
Keeping a worktop clean requires regular cleaning not only after meal preparation but also for placing handbags and briefcases on the worktops which can spread bacterial contamination easily. There is a need for everyday protective treatment cleaning with a soft cloth. Soap water that is formulated especially for black marinace granite slabs is ideal. Wipe out the soapy residue on the surface from forming a film over time. Avoid any temptations to scrub the stained surface instead let a soft cloth and warm water wipe do the magic. Once you are done with the cleaning, it is important to wipe the surface dry using a microfiber cloth because any remains of water can dull the colour and may run the risk of discolouration.
Cleaning Watermarks
Watermarks usually disappear on evaporation, in the case of porous material, the spill might result in a dark and discoloured area. Watermarks are usually removed with a soapy liquid wipe followed by complete drying of the surface.
Cleaning Oil Stains
A good solution to take out those tough grease stains is to use baking soda and water. Remove the residue with a damp cloth and dry the surface, repeat the process for removing stains of large circumference and deep pigmentation.
It is always better to prevent the circumstances rather than fixing them, so be thoughtful of how you are using and what you are placing on the granite worktop. With time and attention, your black granite worktops and white granite worktops are sure not only to last for a longer period of time but also sparkling every time.