Granite is originally created from liquid magma in the earth forcing itself through layers of rock. The magma is initially very hot and malleable, but it eventually cools down into a solid state. The trace elements found in this magma are mica, feldspar, and quartz. Throughout the slow cooling process, other adjacent rock elements are added. The magma is under high pressure and cools down slowly, causing it to become one of the hardest rocks in the world. A granite table is one of the most popular choices because its superior strength will keep the surface from breaking, chipping, or melting.
The ever swirling movement in the molten rock creates a unique grain in the granite known as “movement”. Other elements such as zircon, garnet, and pyrite also affect the grain and color. Each slab of granite is unique because of the different combinations of elements. This is why homeowners love to use granite countertops because it allows them to have a one-of-a-kind surface.
Very large blocks of granite are extracted from quarries that contain veins of granite. Some of the most common places to find these veins are India, Norway, Africa, and North America. The pricing of these stones greatly depend on their demand and supply. As a general rule, blue and red toned granite are the more costly because their supply is not abundant. The blocks are then sliced into slabs with wire saws. A simple saw would not be able to cut through granite so abrasives like sand and diamond are added to help the cutting process.
After cutting, the granite counter is ready to be shipped out to either distributors or consumers. To prepare for delivery, the stone is shaped to meet customer specifications. Customers are able to choose the edging style such as straight, bevel, or rounded. The finishing coat is also customizable and is available in matte or high gloss.
Sometimes a granite countertop can be purchased directly from the manufacturing company while at other times it needs to be bought from distributors. The distributors are often given roughly cut slabs of granite which they can shape according to the customer’s needs. Most distributors are equipped with granite cutting tools in order to shape the stone. If a customer purchases the granite countertop directly from the manufacturer, it is usually pre-cut into a specific shape. Buying directly from the company is usually a cheaper solution but it also allows less variety.
