Granite countertops are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, and for good reason! It isn’t just beautiful, it’s an incredibly durable natural stone. Granite is up there with quartz and marble worktops in popularity, but how much do you know about granite? Let’s dive into 10 facts about granite to make you a countertop connoisseur:
Here are 10 Interesting Facts About Granite…
- Ancient Origins: Granite is a completely natural rock formed over billions of years. It starts as molten magma deep within the Earth, slowly cooling and crystallising over time. Imagine the incredible amount of time and pressure it takes to create such a solid rock.
- Continental Crust Cornerstone: Amazingly, granite is the main component that makes up most of the Earth’s continental crust. So, the solid ground beneath your feet is likely packed with granite. Next time you’re hiking or exploring a mountain range, remember you’re walking on one of the Earth’s oldest and most abundant rocks.
- Igneous Rock Recipe: Granite falls under the category of igneous rocks, formed from the solidification of magma or lava. In the case of granite, the magma cools slowly underground, allowing larger crystals to form. Interestingly, granite is made from at least 20% quartz, up to 65% alkali feldspar, and other minerals. The feldspar content is what gives granite its characteristic coarse-grained texture.
- A Colourful Mix: The mineralogy of granite is what determines its colour. Predominantly white granite has more feldspar, while pink or grey hues come from the presence of minerals like biotite (black mica) or muscovite (white mica). These minerals can also create flecks and swirls within the granite, giving each slab its unique character.
- Rock Hard: Granite is one of the hardest substances on Earth, making it perfect for worktops that resist scratches, chips, and everyday wear and tear. In fact, the only thing harder is a diamond! This hardness comes from the tight interlocking crystals that form during the slow cooling process.
- High Heat Tolerance: With a melting point of a scorching 2210 degrees Fahrenheit (1210 degrees Celsius), granite can handle the heat from even the hottest pots and pans. You can place a hot pot directly on a granite kitchen worktop without damaging the surface. A great granite fact to remember for your next pub quiz!
- Granite Comes in Many Colours: While most commonly thought of as grey or white, granite can come in a wide variety of colours, including black, green, blue, and even red. These colours are determined by the specific minerals present in the granite. This adds to the allure of granite and how it can seamlessly blend into home interiors.
- Art and Sculpture: Granite’s ability to take a polish and hold intricate details makes it a valuable material for sculptures and artistic creations. Many famous statues, including Michelangelo’s David, are carved from granite.
- Moon Granite? Recent studies using remote sensing techniques have hinted at the existence of a large granite-like body beneath the surface of the Moon. This discovery challenges our understanding of lunar formation and suggests the Moon may have had a more geologically active past than previously thought.
- Ancient Monuments: Some of the world’s most famous ancient structures were built from granite, including the Great Pyramid of Giza and the statues on Easter Island. These structures are a testament to the strength and longevity of granite.
The Everlasting Allure of Granite
From its ancient origins deep within the Earth to its versatility as a building material and worktop favourite, granite is a truly remarkable stone. It tells a story of our planet’s geological history and continues to be a valuable resource for humanity. So, the next time you see or use granite, remember our facts about granite and take a moment to appreciate its beauty, strength, and journey through time.
If you’d like to know more about our granite, marble or quartz worktops, call us today and speak to one of our experts.