Granite
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Granite is a natural rock which forms from rapidly cooling volcanic magma. It is this exposure to extremely high pressures and temperatures at formation that makes it highly resistant to heat – easily handling today’s hot frying pans and pots.
Granite is unsurpassed by any other man made or natural surface. In hardness it is rivaled only by diamonds which are actually used to cut and polish granite. This makes granite an ideal and stylish fixture material for bathrooms and kitchens. It is extremely scratch and wear resistant and can keep its luster longer than most other materials. An added bonus of this hardness and density is natural water-proofing. A granite benchtop is easy to care for and maintain and allows absolutely no room for bacteria and mildew which can become problems with most other alternatives.
Granite's most phenomenal feature is its amazing natural beauty. Granite is available from quarries in Europe, India, Brazil and other regions of the world rich in natural stone and comes in a large variety of textures and colours . As no two pieces of granite are created the same, it brings a true uniqueness to every kitchen and bathroom.
Granite benchtops are a good choice for people who spend a lot of time at work and don’t have extra time to waste on cleaning and maintenance. Granite is highly resistant to mould and mildew build-up and so a granite benchtop can stay clean for weeks with only a quick occasional wipe.
When it comes to adding value to homes, most experts in the housing industry would agree that no other surface can surpass natural granite. Installing granite benchtops is one of the most effective ways for home investors to upgrade parts of their property in order to gain a premium re-sale price.
Granite benchtops also make an impressive design statement for studios, apartments and other smaller spaces. A granite benchtop in one corner will draw attention to your kitchen and make your area appear more spacious.
The word granite comes from the Latin granum, a grain – in reference to the coarse-grained structure of a crystalline rock. It is a common and widely occurring type of intrusive felsic igneous rock. Granites are usually medium to coarsely crystalline, occasionally with some individual crystals larger. It is nearly always massive, hard and tough and it is for this reason it has gained widespread use as a construction stone.
The red pyramid of ancient Egypt, the third largest of Egyptian pyramids, is a famous example of its use dating back to antiquity.
