How They're Made: Granite Countertops
Granite
is a metamorphic rock that was formed in the high pressures and
temperature of the deep earth, and as such is naturally made to be
extremely durable and fireproof. It also doesn’t easily blister,
nor will it be easily chipped. These are what makes it a great
material for granite countertops.
Different
Components
One
of the best things about granite countertops is that one slab can be
completely different in looks compared with another. One of the
reasons for this aesthetic uniqueness is that it is made up of a wide
variety of minerals interlocking together, quartz and feldspar, being
among the most common. These minerals mix in together to develop the
unique patterns.
Quarry
Granite
is blasted out of the ground in quarries, where they are then
chiseled and drilled into individual slabs of about 4-5 feet wide and
7-9 feet long. The quarry also adds to the uniqueness factor, as the
granite in each one has been subjected to varying levels of
geological formation, not to mention the presence of varying minerals
in each one.
Countertop
There
are various tools and equipment that can help turn the quarried
granite stone into the countertops that grace your kitchen or
bathroom counters. There are manufacturers who make custom-made
granite countertops, while others let you choose from pre-cut ones.
Each one will have its own pros and cons, so choose your granite
source carefully.
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