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Granite 2018-04-17T15:07:53+00:00

GRANITE COUNTERTOPS

Crystal Kitchen & Bath offers top quality granite countertop in a wide variety of colors in both 2 cm and 3 cm thicknesses. Each slab is unique and naturally beautiful, ideal for any remodeling project in the home. It is versatile, durable, function, heat resistant, and low maintenance.

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MANY CHOICES AND COLORS

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Granite is derived from the Latin word granum, which means “grain.” It is also known in some circles as fire rock, no doubt referring to its origins as cooled molten lava. However, true granite is light-colored due to its composition of quartz, which is colorless, and potassium feldspars, which are whitish. Variations in color and veining are due to the presence of other minerals such as mica. The typical colors of granite colors are gray, white, pink, and red.
However, other igneous rocks that are very similar to granite, but are not actually granite, may be used pretty much the same way as granite. These include basalt and granodorite, which provides a wider choice of darker colors and patterns

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Usage

Granite countertops and backsplashes are very popular. Three-quarters of US homes use it in their kitchen and bathrooms because it is so beautiful. It is the favorite material by many homeowners for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity countertops, backsplashes, and fireplace surrounds. It also makes an attractive floor.

Benefits of Granite Countertops

Granite is popular because of its unique features. Formed from slow cooling magma in the Earth’s crust, the crystals are visible to the naked eye. It is an igneous rock, and composed mainly of quartz and feldspar, and the most abundant stone in the world. It is extremely durable, heat- and scratch-resistant, and quite distinctive. No two slabs are exactly alike, which is part of its allure.

Affordable Granite Countertops

Some may say that granite is expensive, but the fact is as a natural rock, it is actually quite affordable. You can get some slabs for as little as $50 a square foot. Of course, some stones can be much more expensive.
As mentioned above, granite is abundant, so supply is not really a problem. However, quarrying it from the Earth to your kitchen can take a long time. Refining it from a 40,000 block of stone to the 2 cm to 3 cm thick slabs you see in our showroom involves a long and complicated process.

Why Granite?

Granite merits 6 in the Mohs scale which measures the hardness of minerals. In comparison, quartz scores an 8, while a diamond scores a 10. While granite may not be as hard as quartz, it is lighter and therefore more desirable for countertop material.

It is also the material used for monuments and building facings because it is so durable, and will last for decades with little or no maintenance. It will do the same for your kitchen and bathrooms. Some people consider it an investment piece for this very reason.

How durable is Granite?

Granite does not stain or scratch easily. It is so durable that you can use a knife directly on it without damaging it in any way. It can also withstand heavy loads, and stand up well in both interior and exterior situations. Indeed you can choose to bring it to a high gloss for ornamental purposes.

Lastly, granite is just as durable as stainless steel, and hold up well under a considerable amount of use and abuse. It is heat resistant, which makes it an ideal material for fireplace surrounds when used in smaller sections rather than a solid slab. Rapid fluctuations in temperature break solid slabs of granite, but not when they are in smaller pieces.

How healthy Granite

Granite and other granitic rocks are generally porous. The porosity will depend on the density of a particular slab, and some may even show pitting and fissures. These are natural features of some rocks, and not flaws. Some granite slabs are so dense that they are not porous at all. However, when granite is porous, it can stain, so it needs sealing. The seal will also prevent bacteria from flourishing. When porous granite is properly sealed, it will not stain or harbor bacteria, so it is safe for use in food preparation.
Some people claim that granite gives off radon, a radioactive gas emitted by radium believed to cause lung cancer. Granite does give off radon, but in miniscule amounts. Studies show that the amount of radon emitted by granite is less than that found in nature, particularly soil.

HOW TO CLEAN GRANITE

Granite requires very little care in general. Keeping a sealed granite surface clean involves just a daily washing and wipe down with mild soap, warm water, and soft cloth. You do not need any special cleaners to keep it in pristine condition and sparkling. Here are other things you should do for your granite surface:

  • Make sure you wipe any spills immediately, especially oil, vinegar, lemon, coffee, or wine.

  • Avoid placing hot pans or pots with greasy bottoms directly on the granite to avoid leaving permanent stains on the stone. Granite may be heat resistant, but the seal is not.

  • Remove any deeply-ingrained stains by using a poultice of baking soda and water.

  • Do a weekly hot water wash to remove soap scum, and gently scrap away any solidified scum using a razor blade

  • Remove stains and scum

  • Do not use abrasive cleaners, especially those containing bleach or ammonia.

  • Use a solution of rubbing alcohol with 91% isopropyl alcohol and water to sanitize the granite.

VALUE ADDED TO YOUR HOME

Ultimately any interior designers claim that updating kitchens and bathrooms can make a home more appealing to home buyers, which is why they are on the top of the list in any flip. According to some estimates, granite countertops increase the value of a home by more than the cost of a remodel. This can also translate to a higher offer from homebuyers, if selling is the purpose of the remodel. However, the real value of a kitchen or bathroom remodel is providing homeowners with the functional and esthetic benefits of granite.

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