Benefits

What is Granite?

Granite is a natural product formed by geological processes over millions of years. It comes from volcanic (molten) mineral matter. The three examples of types commonly used in the stone industry include;

Glassy: Verde Butterfly; crystals hard to see without magnification due to very rapid cooling.
Fine-grained; Absolute Black; Crystals very small, sometime visible only under magnification, cooled somewhat quickly.
Coarse-grained: Giallo Veneziano large crystals due to slow cooling.

Granite is quarried around the world. It is extracted in the form of 20-ton blocks, cut and polished into slabs and then custom cut for countertops.

Qualities of Granite

Granite has many natural qualities that make it an ideal choice for use in kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and flooring. The three top qualities that make it an ideal choice for any home owner choosing granite in their kitchen include:

Durability: the hardness of granite lies between 7 -8 on a scale of 1-10. In comparison diamond has a hardness of 10 and marble has a hardness between 2-3. Its hardness provides it with high levels of scratch resistance. "A stainless steel knife blade is around a 6, so you cannot scratch granite with it" (Stone World Article 2004)
Uniqueness: granite is subject to a range of variation in texture, colour and crystal structure. No two pieces are exactly the same. Slabs may differ from samples with variations in inclusions, veining, colour, or fissures.
Density: granite can withstand heat, when cooking, a hot pot or pan can be placed directly on a granite surface without causing damage, while a solid surface will burn or melt.
Porous: Granite is a natural stone and therefore is porous. However when used in a home kitchen or bathroom, can be just as stain resistant as a solid surface. To achieve this, a sealant is applied to the stone. Top Notch uses Aqua Mix Pro-Choice Sealer 15. This is a sealer designed and tested specifically for eating surfaces. Due to stones natural density and hardness, even 'unsealed' stone is resistant to staining. To imagine granite instantly staining when exposed to common products, such as 'oils' or 'wine' is a myth. The excellent sealers available add significantly to stones natural resistance to staining. For example, if stone stained so easily, as some would say, you would not see granite in the finest homes and profiled in top design magazines throughout the world.