One of the most popular and widely used materials for countertops is granite. Harder than marble, and with a wide variation in its patterns, this sturdy rock is one of the most suitable options for kitchen and bathroom use.

How is granite formed?

The term “granite”, when used commercially, refers to any type of crystalline rock formed from mineral grains that were compressed and subjected together to high temperatures. Because of the way they were created, these rocks are much harder and tougher than sedimentary rocks. The latter are formed by the compression of sediments under less extreme conditions, and include such varieties as limestone and sandstone.

The nature of its formation makes granite an igneous or metamorphic rock. Marble also falls under the same category, but is not as hard as granite. While granite and marble have very similar qualities, one property that officially sets them apart is hardness.

True Granite

To a geologist, however, true granite is not one that was formed from other rock particles, but from different minerals in liquid form, cooling to become rocks under the earth’s surface. Its mineral components include quartz and feldspar.

Other stones, such as gabbro, pyroxenite, and schist, are stone varieties different from granite, but are sold commercially under the general category of “granite”. Regardless of the variety, commercial granite can be expected to provide the same qualities of sturdiness and beauty that has made it a much sought after material for the home.

A countertop is an essential kitchen element; it provides a functional surface for food preparation, while at the same time enhances the look of your kitchen. When it comes to the material your kitchen countertop is made of, you have to look for one that has the toughness, resilience, and smoothness needed for your kitchen activities — granite.

Here are some reasons why granite countertops are such a huge hit among many homeowners and kitchen lovers:

Durability

Granite is a type of igneous rock formed from cooled magma that have been deposited underground. The granite countertop you have at home is a slab of rock cut from a quarry. Because it isn't synthetically produced or process, its natural strength is preserved. No wonder more granite counters remain intact for many decades.

Impermeable

A well-prepared granite counter is impermeable. However, this is only 100 percent achieved if the surface is properly sealed with a special type of sealant. Such a task is best performed by a professional during installation. It would always be better to hire a professional to install your granite countertop than doing it by yourself if you really want it to last.

Beauty

While strength and beauty do not come together in many products, granite countertops have both of these qualities. The different patterns and colors of granite create an elegant look that match all kinds of kitchen. You can see your granite countertop outshining all other elements in your kitchen as soon as it's installed and sealed.

Out of all the kinds of countertops out there, granite countertops are probably the most popular. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are also fairly durable enough to be used in kitchens and bathrooms. Aside from that, they are also easier to clean and maintain than other countertop materials, especially wood. The only thing that homeowners have to worry about are spills, chips, and cracks which can become permanent. However, the benefits of granite aren’t just limited to aesthetics, strength, and upkeep.

First and foremost, granite slabs are literally unique: no two slabs of granite are the same, even if they were mined from the same quarry. Granite stones take into account a variety of factors, like heat, moisture, and the presence of other minerals as they “grow” under the earth. Once they are mined, granite blocks greatly differ from each other in terms of hardness, color, and texture. Retailers usually sell granite slabs that came from the same block, but even then the slabs have tiny variations.

As such, granite slabs that have a consistent pattern are hard to find and they are sought after by almost everyone, especially by many real estate buyers looking for houses for sale. This is the reason why granite countertops are known to increase a home’s retail value by at least 10 percent.