Granite is defined as a visibly granular, igneous rock generally ranging in color from pink to light or dark gray and consisting mostly of quartz and feldspars accompanied by one or more dark minerals. 

Granite is quarried at different locations throughout the world. Hundreds of colors and patterns are available from such countries as Italy, Spain, France, China, Brazil and The United States. Typically, blocks are extracted from the granite quarry located high in the mountains on the outskirts of a major city. These blocks, averaging 9 feet by 5 feet by 5 feet deep in size are transported down the mountain to the fabrication plant in the city. Once at the plant, these blocks are either cut into tiles or slabs. Average slab sizes are usually 9 feet by 5 feet and are typically 1 ¼" (3cm) or 3/4" (2cm) in thickness. After the tiles or slabs are cut, they are sent through a large multi-head polishing machine, which puts a natural shine on the face of the stone using abrasive compound bricks or diamond polishing discs. Several other finishes can be applied to the slabs or tiles at this time, such as a honed finish or, on some granite, a flamed finish. By far, the most popular finish tends to be the high polish.

Granites are available in a wide range of colors and veining. There are beige colors, emerald green tones, reds, blacks, violets, mauves and a host of others hues. Some colors have been in use for hundreds of years; others are fairly new to the market. Some stones are available in slabs and tiles; others are only available in either slab or tile but not both. The size of the quarry, its location, accessibility, and demand for the material will affect pricing. Labor costs in various countries also affect material costs. Technology is not the same in all countries, so beware of stones manufactured with inferior and outdated technology. These materials are usually not difficult to spot.

When granite is purchased within the same lot or bundle, variations in color and veining should be expected and considered. Each slab or tile, when viewed overall, should look like it belongs with the remainder of the lot. In most cases, bundles of slabs are cut consecutively from the same block to keep color and veining consistent.  When granite is purchased at different times or from different lots and bundles, extreme variation in color and veining can occur. As quarrying continues, materials from different sections of the quarry or from different depths of the quarry can vary greatly. In certain cases, quarries have run out of certain shades or the veining has changed so drastically that current lots no longer match previous lots. For these reasons, it is important to purchase sufficient quantities at the same time or verify that additional material of the same lot is indeed available for a later purchase.

Due to its high density, acid resistance, low absorption rate, and scratch resistance, granite can be used for a wide range of applications including floors, fireplaces, furniture and kitchen counter tops. One of the leading uses of granite is for kitchen counter tops. Hundreds of colors and patterns are available as well as numerous edge details to allow granite to fit in with any kitchen design scheme.

Because granite is a stone, seams cannot be "melted" together.  However, if a quality fabricator and installer is used, the appearance of seams will be minimized. The location and quantity of seams depends on the project design and slab sizes. It helps to have some idea of typical slab sizes during the design stages of a kitchen. Consult with your kitchen designer or architect to layout your project area in order to minimize these seams later on. Seams are normally filled with a color matched polyester adhesive to blend as closely as possible to the granite. If seams are cut and filled properly, you should not even notice them, but it pays to ask your fabricator/installer to see samples of a typical finished seam.

Once installed, the most important next step is to make sure your granite counter tops are sealed using a good grade, silicone-based, impregnating sealer. A good coat of sealer will help prevent staining from liquids that are spilled on the surface. A quality stone soap or stone polish should be used for ongoing maintenance. Do not use abrasive cleansers or harsh ammonia based cleaners. If you do not have access to stone maintenance products, a mild soap, such as dishwashing soap and water will suffice.

If you are think about adding granite to your home, here are some frequently asked questions to consider:

Does granite stain?

In general, no.  All stone is porous to some extent, but granite has very little porosity relative to other stones.  Most colors will never show moisture but some colors will show a dark spot if a puddle of liquid is left on the counter for a period of 30 minutes of more.  The spot will eventually dry up and evidence will show.  To be safe, be sure that your granite is sealed properly - either by the fabricator, or after the granite is installed.

Can I set a hot pot on my granite countertop?

Heat resistance is one the great attributes of granite;  It can not be affected by heat from a cook top or hot pan.  A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.

Can granite chip?

Only in cases of severe abuse, say with a hammer or high impact tool.  A chip can be filled with a mixture of granite dust and epoxy.

Can I cut on my granite countertop?

Only if you want to ruin your good knives.  Granite is much harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly.  Always cut on a wood or plastic cutting board.

My little sample of granite has pitting on the surface.  Will I have these on my kitchen counters?

Granite is crystalline in structure and always has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals.   You don't see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like.  Granite sometimes has natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects at all.  They are a result of the intense heat and pressure which formed the granite eons ago.  These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material.  A product of nature cannot be expected to look, nor do you want it to look manmade.

Information for this article was provided by the experts at ACD Custom Granite, Inc.   They are located at 1304 S. Roller Road in Ocean, NJ.   Phone: 732-695-2400