GRANITE FACTS & FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is granite?

Granite is an igneous stone formed by the cooling of molten rock many years ago. It has been prized for thousands of years for its great durability, hardness and density. These qualities lend themselves to the stone being polished and used for many purposes today.

There are many types of granite which are quarried in many countries throughout the world. The configuration of minerals in the granite such as quartz, feldspar, mica and hornblende results in an infinite variety of colors and patterns. As a result, variations of color and appearance are inherent even from slabs quarried from the same location. Of course that is also what gives granite its charm, individuality and unique quality.

The timeless elegance of granite makes it the most prestigious, practical and beautiful countertop material on the market today.

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• Granite is over 150 times more bacteria resistant than plastic laminate, concrete tile, or wood.

• The Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management shows granite is second only to stainless steel in overall cleanliness.

• According to the National Association of Home Builders, the number one remodeling project in America is Granite Kitchen Countertops.

• Granite is the second hardest material on earth (second only to diamonds), making it extremely scratch resistant.

• Sealing of granite is as simple as wiping down your counters with a wet cloth and drying them with a dry cloth. This process should only take about 15-30 minutes and when using our sealers it only needs to be done every 3-5 years in interior use.

• The fact that other solid surfaces attempt to make their products look like granite speaks volumes about which product is the most beautiful. Real granite has exceptional depth, colors, and unique characteristics unmatched by any other countertop surface.

• Granite is a natural material. It provides beauty and elegance that will be appreciated a lifetime. Since there are over 400 different colors available, your countertops will be unique and distinctive along with matching your traditional or modern decor.

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Granite is one of the most aesthetically pleasing stones but also one of the hardest. Unless you are heavily abusing your countertop with a hammer or another excessive force, granite is very unlikely to chip. In the rare event it does happen you should save your chips to be used to repair the damaged area.

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Because marble is made almost entirely of calcite, it is much softer than granite. It, Like granite, is very beautiful and unique however requires more maintenance and requires slightly more caution against chipping.

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Absolutely. Simply wipe down your countertops with a mild soap and water mix or an ammonia-free window cleaner to keep them looking like new for many years to come.

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Not likely if sealed properly. On the rare occasion a stain is left flush the area with plain water, dry with a clean soft cloth and repeat as necessary. In most cases repetiton of the process mentioned will clear any stains left. In the rare event a oil stain occurs a stain removal pultice paste may have to be used. Please call Elegant Creations for more information on this paste and application instructions.

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