Granite is a very hard, crystalline, igneous rock primarily composed of feldspar, quartz, orthoclase or microcline accompanied by one or more dark minerals. It is visibly homogeneous in texture. It is the most common plutonic rock of the Earth's crust, forming by the cooling of magma (silicate melt) at depth.
The term "Granite" is derived from the Latin word "Granum" meaning "grain" because of its granular nature. Italian granito, from past participle of granire to granulate, to make grainy, from grano, grain.
Granite is the hardest building stone and occupies a prominent place among dimensional stones on account of its hardness, resistance to weathering, capability to take mirror polish, fascinating colours and textural patterns.
The principal characteristics of dimensional granite also include high load bearing capacity, crushing strength, abrasive strength, amenability to cutting and shaping without secondary flaws, ability to yield thin and large slabs and - above all - durability. Polished granite slabs and tiles have achieved a special status as building stones world over.
Molecular structure renders granite very stable but rigid , it will not bend or flex in worktop thicknesses,therefore granite is not suitable for very long span applications. It can incorporate natural flaws, pit marks,shakes(natural breciation-flaw that does not carry througn the whole thickness ), veining, irregularities and colour can never be guaranteed to remain consistent throughout the whole slab, Granite sometimes is susceptible to 'blowing out' This occurs when contact is made when cutting or grinding, this is very common in large particled granites and we reserve the right to fill and seal the affected areas with polyester Resins (colour may vary) to ensure the material is not left with any sharp edges or chips. Maximum length of worktops vary from colour to colour, although size and shape of any cut outs can reduce this dramatically
Not all granites are "true" granites however for commercial purposes they are grouped together.
Not all black granites are the same.
Granite will scratch and chip when abused however it can be repaired!
Granite can stain however it is possible for them to be removed.
Not all granites need to be sealed.
Sealing granite will not protect from acid or alkali etching
Sealing correctly is not a five minute job. Take care and time and do it properly.
Granite sealed correctly will last for many years before "topping up".
Granite does not contain harmful radon gases.
Granite does not come from only mountainous regions.
Thin and long narrow lengths of granite can break easily.
Large cut-outs can dramatically reduce the maximum length of worktops
Granite is not expensive in comparison to other so-called quality materials.
Granite is not difficult to clean, mild soap and water is all that is generally required.
Granite is not man-made and does not come from a factory mould! Each piece is unique.
Samples that may be given, are purley indicative of colour and structure and should not be taken as an exact replica of the material, all slabs are available to view in our factory.
