Known for its durability and versatility, granite has almost become a go-to material for kitchen remodels and new homes.
Known for its durability and versatility, granite has almost become a go-to material for kitchen remodels and new homes. With many uses, including in engineering, buildings, sculptures, memorials, and even the sport of curling, granite is probably best known as a popular option for countertops, usually in the kitchen and sometimes in the bathroom. If you’re working on a home remodel or are designing your dream home and have considered using granite in your new space, it’s probably because of those aforementioned benefits. Have you ever thought about how granite is formed in the earth? Here is a rundown of everything you need to know about granite.
What is Granite?
Granite is known as an igneous rock, which means that it is formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava from beneath the earth’s surface and often expelled through eruption. It has a course-grained structure which creates its durability and tough surface. Another fascinating fact is that granite is a natural source of radiation and contains trace amounts of uranium or thorium. Throughout history, this material has been used to create monuments and buildings, especially in Ancient Egypt. Most of the granite used today comes from the United States, China, India, Italy, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Spain.
Granite Qualities
In addition to its durability, many homeowners also enjoy the varying colors that granite offers. The color depends on the type of feldspar that the granite contains, which is a group of minerals that include alumina and silica. Common colors that you’ll find are milky white (plagioclase feldspars), brick red/ emerald green/ pale yellow (alkali feldspar), pink (pink alkali feldspar), and gray or white (white-colored alkali feldspar). These varieties help people easily create a color theme in the space to complement cabinetry, paint choices, and even furniture and fixture selections.
Get In Touch With Del Prete Masonry Today
For any questions regarding masonry construction, feel free to contact Del Prete Masonry. Our masonry restoration professionals have the experience and history of satisfied clients to prove that we’ll get the job done right, and cost-effectively. To get started with your masonry restoration project, please contact our office today at 410-683-0650 or email us at mike@delpretemasonry.com. We serve Baltimore City, County, Harford County, Carroll County, Anne Arundel County, and Howard County.
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Tags: countertops, granite, masonry