Granite

Among other species, granite has long been in use as a construction material, as well as a decorative stone. It’s taken from quarries in blocks and cut into slabs of a specific width, thickness, and length, that can be processed further into tiles. 

All types of granite are suitable for use, being strong, water-resistant, wear and tear-resistant, and durable. Countertops, walls, and floors made from this material can easily last for centuries with minimal care and maintenance. 

• Tiles are excellent for wall panels and granite floorings.
• Kitchen granite countertops are a popular solution made of large slabs with moulded edges. The style is usually extended to backsplashes and, less often, stone basins. 
• Granite paving stones are a good solution for patios or driveways. 
• Granite slabs make extremely durable and element-resistant stone benchtops.
• Crushed, it’s used as a base material in road construction, for planter walls, and in landscaping.

Similar to marbles, granite types are determined by the combination of the minerals which give them their colour. 

White varieties contain high amounts of white quartz and feldspar (opaque white) minerals. It often comes with tiny black specks, but it’s possible to find super white granite, too. It’s also a true classic with refined, timeless beauty.

• Moon White: Characterised by delicate grains and an abundance of specks and swirls.
• Bianco Antico: A soft grey background embellished with pink and taupe spots. 
• River White: White base with light and dark grey veins and deep red spots and specks. 

Natural species contain a minimum of 20% quartz, which makes pitch-black granite stone impossible to exist. Most “black” natural versions are actually very deep grey. What is commonly seen as a true black granite is often engineered stone.

• Black Galaxy: This is a black stone with small white and gold specks, ranging in size from really small to large.
• Black Pearl: Deep and versatile semi-solid black marble features tiny specks of gold, silver, green, brown, and grey.
• Uba Tuba: Brazilian originated deep black rock comes with shiny specks in grey, green, and gold. 

Pink varieties often feature specs of milky and opaque white, together with dark brown. Red versions are basically a dark variation of pink stone with a similar mineral composition and hues ranging from pale red to deep brown.

• New Venetian Gold: Beige and golden with light veining of deep grey, red, and brown makes an excellent choice for granite countertops. 
• African Juparaná: A pink variety originating from Africa features strong contrasts of black and grey speckles. 
• Archipelago Red: A mix of deep reds and browns from Finland makes its applications impossible to ignore. 

Similar to the black variety, blue granite is either not really blue (but appears blue-ish), or not natural. 

• Azul Tango: A blue rock from Argentina is almost deep grey in appearance, with intense, dark blue undertones. 
• Sidney Blue: Australian blue variety is similar to Azul tango, just in a lot paler shade. 
• Blue Fantasy: This version from India gradually flows in shades from blue to violet, with pink speckles.  

Green blocks come from a family of different rock types that contain green minerals in abundance. 

• Anemone: German stone with uniform, leafy-green grainy structure. 
• Atlantic Green: A variety from Canada is a mix of deep greens and dark greys, veining smoothly over the surface. 
• Najran Emerald: Also known as Red Sea Green, it’s a mix of pale greys and greens with hints of light brown and gold.  

A typical grey granite features a plethora of flecks in other colours. Their neutral shade makes a perfect choice for all kinds of applications.

• New Caledonia: Characterised by shades of white and grey, ranging from pale to deep charcoal. 
• Steel Gray: This durable stone features a palette of grey shades. 
• Albero: A grainy mic of greys, browns, and blacks reminiscent of white noise on old TVs. 

• Polished: Sleek surface with a discrete gloss, often used for granite countertops and kitchen islands.
• Honed: Muted, smooth surface with minimal texture, resistant to scratches. Further processing creates leathered surface.
• Brushed: More notable texture than honed also conceals scratches and marks well.
• Flamed: A hot torch flame passes over the surface to create a semi-rough, textured finish with non-slip properties.
• Caressed: A leathered finish with some added shine. The process also seals the stone’s pores to protect it from moisture.
• Bush Hammering: A hammer struck against the surface provides a weathered look with lightened stone colour and a slightly textured surface. 

Granite maintenance requirements are extremely low. It needs to be adequately sealed, but resealing is less frequent than with other rocks, such as limestone or travertine. 

Cleaning includes vacuuming or dusting with a dry cloth and wet mopping with stone-specific cleaners.

There are three basic grading levels that determine both quality and price. 

Level 1 is commercial or builder’s grade or builder’s grade, used mainly in construction projects. These sllabs are typically cut thinner than others. 

Level 2 is considered a standard quality, typically originated from Brazil or India.

Top Grade quality is typically divided into seven or more sub-levels. The best quality slabs are usually made into countertops.