FAQ

What is Granite?

Granite is igneous rock, which provides a clue to its origins. “Igneous” come from the Latin igneous meaning “fire” (also the root word of ignite) and indicates that it was formed by liquid, fiery magma and melted just like volcanic lava. In fact, its chemical composition is similar to that of lava. However, unlike lava, the molten rock never reached the surface; It solidified deep inside the earth, where it slowly cooled and crystallized.

The granite that comes from the Canadian Shield is estimated to be approximately 3.8 billion years old. Splits and rifts caused by the earth’s plates shifting (due to seismic activity) forced the granite to the surface in the Precambrian age, more than 570 million years ago. Luckily for us, the Canadian Shield is known around the world for producing some of the most beautiful, durable granite in the world.

How Durable is Granite?

Granite is one of the longest lasting and toughest natural stones on the market making it the perfect choice for any outdoor or indoor project. In 1822, an Austrian mineralogist named Friedrich Moh created a measurement of relative hardness based in a stone’s ability to withstand scratches.

It looks like this from soft to hard:

Talc
Gypsum
Calcite
Fluorspar
Apatite
Feldspar
Quartz
Topaz
Corundum
Diamond

Because granite is composed of mainly feldspar and quartz, it has an exceptional resistance to scratches, which is why it is chosen for high traffic areas and has been considered one of the best building materials for thousands of years.

Does Granite Stain?

Protecting your marble and granite is an important way to maintain the original quality and luster of your investment. Here are some ideas on protecting your natural stone:

Sealers are the most popular method of protecting granite and marble. Both solvent and water-based sealers are available, and work by penetrating into the pores of the stone. This helps to build an invisible barrier that allows for easier cleaning, protection against scratching/stains and creating a harder, less slippery surface. Sealers are easy to apply and is recommended to be re-applied based on usage. Generally a good rule of thumb to follow is the more traffic on the granite or marble surface, the more frequently you should apply the sealer.

For daily care, dish soap diluted with water is best. This will help preserve your marble and granite.

Why Choose Granite?

Granite is durable, hard, beautiful, easy to clean and maintain, and there is large amount of variety in colour and edging that will suite any project.

Granite is very easy to clean and maintain
Granite countertops increases the value of your home and provides timeless beauty
Granite is virtually impervious to abrasions, stains, and extreme heat

Liquids cannot penetrate granite countertops, if properly sealed
Large variety of edge treatments that can be done to granite countertops
Granite is more resistant to bacterial contamination

Why Choose Marble And Granite Over Synthetic Material?

If you are thining of Corian, Formica, porcelain, concrete or ceramic tile for your countertop, consider natural stone like granite instead.

Natural stone is:

durable,
long-lasting and
color selection is generally far more extensive.

Natural stone is not only affordable but its resilience proves cost effective over time. Other synthetic materials may require periodic replacement and/or costly repairs.

Because of it’s natural beauty consumers often prefer granite and marble, over synthetic materials. Often, synthetic products usually aim to mimic the color variations found in granite or marble, so why not just purchase natural stone.

Granite is considered an ideal choice for kitchen countertops:

Granite is very easy to clean and maintain
Granite countertops increases the value of your home and provides timeless beauty
Granite is virtually impervious to abrasions, stains, and extreme heat

Liquids cannot penetrate granite countertops, if properly sealed
Large variety of edge treatments that can be done to granite countertops
Granite is more resistant to bacterial contamination

How To Protect Your Marble And Granite?

Protecting your marble and granite is an important way to maintain the original quality and luster of your investment. Here are some ideas on protecting your natural stone:

Sealers are the most popular method of protecting granite and marble. Both solvent and water-based sealers are available, and work by penetrating into the pores of the stone. This helps to build an invisible barrier that allows for easier cleaning, protection against scratching/stains and creating a harder, less slippery surface. Sealers are easy to apply and is recommended to be re-applied based on usage. Generally a good rule of thumb to follow is the more traffic on the granite or marble surface, the more frequently you should apply the sealer.

For daily care, dish soap diluted with water is best. This will help preserve your marble and granite.