What is Granite?

Granites are one of the oldest, durable and respected building materials found in nature. Granites are coarse-grained, intrusive stones formed from molten masses or magma deep inside the earth and they belong to the igneous group of natural stones. When the mass beneath earth's surface start to cool down, several crystals of various sizes are created depending on the speed of the cooling process. These crystals later on form the granite stone. But some geologists think that they are actually metamorphic in nature and formed due to metamorphism , rearrangement and recrystallization taking place without a liquid or molten stage.
Granites are very hard crystalline and are found in amazing number of colors, texture and mineral compositions. They are mainly made of three minerals- quartz, feldspar and mica or hornblende. There are three types of granites based on the size of the crystals. Granites which have feldspar crystal size of about 1/16 - 1/8" in diameter are known as fine grains and those which have about 1/4" in diameter are known as medium grains. Also there are granites that have bigger feldspar crystals (1/2"), they are known as coarse grains.

Basic Characteristics of Granite:

* Hard and strong-which make them one of the most durable natural stones.

* Contain high resistance power- so they do not deteriorate easily and can resist natural weathering and wear and tear

* Found in various color, shade, texture- as these stones are resistants to natural weathering and wear and tear, they are ageless and are liked by both how owners and architects.

* Due to hardness, polishing it to bring out its natural beauty is quite a lengthy process.

Usage:
The texture of a granite stone decide whether it is to be used a decorative material or building purpose. The building granites are used to make exterior or interior wall facings, stairs, paving etc. On the other hand Masonry granites are used for bridge piers, arch stones, abutments etc.

Fact fife:

GROUP: Igneous

COMMON MINERAL GROUP: Siliceous

COMPOSITION: Quartz, Feldspar, Mica or hornblende

POROSITY : 0.4-1.5%

ABSORPTION : 0.2-0.5

WEATHERING: Usually granites have high resistance power against weathering, but some some varieties, specially darker granites may slowly fade or loose color if exposed continuously to moisture like in coastal environment, fountain or spa.

TENDENCIES: Though granites absorb liquid agents like oil,they are not too much affected by acids, oils, foods and drinks. But some of them specially well polished granites might be etched by hydrofluoric and concentrated acids.

COLOR: They are found in hundreds of different colors and varieties. They also have different patterns and texture.

FINISH: Can be extensively polished, honed or textured.

Advantages of Granite/Reasons for its popularity:

Today granite is the most popular and widely used natural stone found everywhere from households to office blocks. There are several reasons for its popularity.
* Granites are found in over a hundred variety of beautiful and amazing color
* Granite is hard and stronger than most other natural stones like sandstone, limestone, marble etc. Hence it is very durable and its color does not fade for a long time.
* It is not too costly.
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Please remember that contrary to common belief, granites do stain if not cared at all, though they might not stain as much as other stones. Granites that have bigger grains or different grain sizes are more absorbent than others. Water and soil repellent are the basic treatments for granites.