Granite:
Granite is a naturally occurring igneous rock formed from magma. Most of the granite on the Earth has been in existence since the Precambrian Age.
Composition and Quarrying:
Granite is mostly composed of SiO2 and Al2O3. It contains little amounts of K2O, Na2O, CaO, FeO and Fe2O3. It also contains very little amounts of MgO, TiO2, P2O5 and MnO. The availability of granite is quite widespread. Nearly, all regions of the world have granite in some quantity. It is mostly quarried in Saudi Arabia, India, Portugal, Brazil, USA, Brazil, Finland, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Zambia, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, Argentina, China, Italy, Spain, Canada, South Africa and Norway. In America, the biggest granite quarry is in Barre, Vermont. Incidentally, it is also the biggest granite quarry in the world.
Uses:
Granite is widely being used in construction since the ancient times. In fact, many of the historic monuments that we see today are made of granite. Egyptians used granite largely in the construction of pyramids.
In the sports world, curling stones have traditionally used granite. They use the Ailsa Craig granite. In addition, rock climbers like granite, because it provides good surface for climbing. Granite finds use in memorials and gravestones as well.
In modern households, granite finds its use largely in flooring and countertops. Kitchen countertops use polished granite because of their durability and aesthetics. In New England, people used granite to build their home foundations.
Color:
Impurities present in the stone determine the color of the granite. The colors can range from black and dark grey to pink. If you are looking for commercially available granite colors, you will come across hundreds of shades in the market. Feldspar is the main contributor to the color of the granite. It gives it a gray, pink, green, white and sometimes bluish color.
Cleaning:
Granite in households is mostly used in countertops. They are preferable mainly due to their durability and aesthetic value. It is essential to clean the granite from time to time to maintain its beauty. While cleaning, use a microfiber cloth to remove the dust from the granite. Every day, wipe the surface with a cloth and water. Once in a week, it is necessary to use a neutral stone cleaner, which is neither acidic nor basic, as harsh chemicals can result in scratching, etching and pitting of the granite surface. In addition, place hot vessels and acidic liquids such as citric juices on coaster, so that they do not come in direct contact with the surface. Do not drag pots and pans over the surface, as that will result in scratches.
Precautions for Polishing:
Granite is a hard stone and thus, it is difficult to polish, so never try to polish granite tiles yourself. Rely on an experienced professional to polish your countertops. Trying to do it yourself could result in worsening your granite. It might also result in irreversible damage. Therefore, you should maintain it properly to preserve its shine, whereas polishing and restoring the granite is best left to the professional.. At Colonial Floor and Stone Care will be able to help you with all your stone needs. Look at our website at www.colonialfloorandstonecare.com for any information you may need to for your Granite.
