Products made of this stone will not depreciate with time and will continuously add value to any property where they are installed. Unlike synthetics, granite presents a surface depth that seems almost three-dimensional. It has a luminance that's absent from other surfaces. Regardless of its finish, granite creates an immediate impression of elegance, and is considered a definite plus on any real estate broker's checklist.

Granite is sold both in tiles and slabs, and is frequently used not only for kitchen countertops, bar tops, and vanities, but also for walls, floors, fireplace surrounds, windowsills, and even building fascia. Its unique variations in color and veining turns make each specimen a natural work of art. It is cool to the touch, and presents an image of classic grace and beauty.
Granite, being an igneous rock (formed from volcanic activity), differs from marble, limestone, and travertine in that those are sedimentary stones composed mostly of calcite, a relatively soft and common mineral derived from animal skeletons and shells. Millions of years of compression and heat below the earth's surface turned them into stone.
Granite is one of the hardest stones available, having a rating of 6 on the Moh's Measurement of Hardness Scale. In contrast, marble is rated only a 3. And since their main component is calcium, marble and the others are more susceptible to damage by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages.

Several factors affect the price of granite, but the most important are supply and demand. Supply is the affected by the accessibility of the quarry, the uniformity of the stone within the quarry, and the stone's workability. A granite that is exquisitely figured, one that contains rare colors (e.g. blue), or one that is found only in a third world country will be more costly.
Granite is believed to have been formed as long ago as 300 million years. It began as a mass of molten rock, estimated at 1300 -1400 degrees F., formed by volcanic activity about 11-12 miles underground. Forces of nature caused the magma to gradually rise to the surface where it began to cool very slowly over the next million years or so, solidifying into granite.
Granite is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It may also contain hints of muscovite, biotite, hornblende, and pyroxene and other minerals. These minerals are what give it its various colors. The white mineral grains in granite are feldspar, our planet's most abundant rock, which makes up about 60% of the earth's surface. The light gray, glass-like veins are quartz, and the black, flake-like veins are biotite or black mica.

Other minerals imbue the stone with a rainbow of colors, depending on their source, and these varieties are often given unique names. One coarse grained type, for example, is called pegmatite, which is often rich in rare elements such as uranium, tungsten, and tantalum.
Granite is crystalline in structure, so it always has tiny pits or spaces between the various mineral crystals. They are not visible prior to polishing, and usually remain unobtrusive on finished pieces once the surface is highly polished. Granite also contains natural fissures that may appear to be cracks, but they are not structural defects and will not impair the function or durability of the material. They occur naturally and are considered to be part of the beauty of stone.

Although granite is very durable when it's installed properly, it's not unbreakable. It can be chipped or cracked if it's struck a sharp blow by a heavy object. It can also break if it's dropped during installation. It is not flexible, and will crack if it is forced to twist or bend. Therefore, granite should only be handled by professionals and must always be adequately supported by proper framing or cabinetry.

Granite is the least susceptible of all natural products to scratches. If not abused, it will hold its luster forever. However, harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners will dull the surface over time.
Granite will not scorch or burn through ordinary use. It's also resistance to stains. However, a few varieties may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact. Usually, no evidence remains when the liquid is removed and the granite dries, but this could be a problem with dark pigmented liquids or oils. A stone impregnating sealer should always be applied to its surface after installation.

The quality of granite is highly subjective. The "best" granite is the one that best suits the need of the buyer, both for aesthetic and practical reasons. However, it is often rated on its luster when polished, its surface porosity, and its mingling of colors. The quality of the finished product lies more in the workmanship of the fabricator than in the product itself.
Granite is a primordial stone with naturally occurring variations in color, tone, granularity, pattern, etc. These variations, referred to as 'movement', should be expected and are the source of its natural beauty.

Also, keep in mind that the veining in the granite can effect color perception. Sometimes two different grain sizes occurring in the same slab will appear to be of a different color. Mineral concentrations may cause patches that appear darker or lighter.
Consumers who are less acquainted with the material may expect the granite ordered to be identical to the sample they were shown. While the samples are intended to represent the quarry's product, each slab may differ slightly in color and veining. Indeed, even a single granite slab will have color variations from one end to the other. This lack of predictability gives the product its unique character and adds an element of nature into human-designed spaces. Indeed, each specimen is an original artwork.

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