granite worktops near me
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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 o
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