Granite characteristics include strength and durability. It's a unique and elegant natural stone. It's also one of the oldest, hardest, and strongest stones available. A truly beautiful natural stone with hundreds of colors and patterns to choose from. It symbolizes strength and longevity. A sleek rich feel. The looks obtained from using this stone are versatile. From an unassuming elegance to a bold "look at me" statement. Granite is at home in a country farm house as well as in a modern high rise. It's all about the color and texture you choose. Granite is an affordable luxury. The term granite is derived from the Latin word granum meaning grain. It is full of small and large grains of crystals. This stone starts out as a molten mass of magma and then forms into the rock granite as this magma cools deep within the earth. Granites are classified differently in scientific and industry terms. The main minerals in true granites are silicates, feldspar, and quartz. The most important mineral is quartz. It's not granite without quartz.

Granite is a highly durable siliceous stone. Compared to marble, it is more resistant to the acids found in lemons, vinegars, and cleaning products and usually will not etch. It is an easy stone to live with. Granite characteristics make this stone virtually scratch proof. It will not scratch even when directly cut on. Things such as keys, coins, utensils, and appliances won't scratch it either. The characteristics of granite also make this stone heat resistant. It can withstandheat up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. You won't have to worry about any burn or char marks. Seams or joints in your stone can weaken it so you probably don't want to put a pot of boiling water near a seam.

Another granite characteristic is the lower water absorption rate when compared to marbles and limestones. Not all granites need to be sealed. Usually the darker stones are left unsealed. The crystals in darker stones are smaller or finer making it harder for any liquids to penetrate, including the sealer. Many of the lighter granites do need to be sealed because the crystals are larger. This makes it easier for liquids to penetrate. But, Sealing Granite isn't difficult.

Granite is also used for flooring, window sills, shower surrounds, islands, fireplaces, bar tops, and benches. There are fountains, columns, and accessories carved out of granite too. There are hundreds of colors and patterns to choose from. From simple whites to golden honey yellows. Exotic reds, ocean blues, deep chocolaty browns, and forest greens. From charcoal grays to jet blacks. There is truly a color for everyone. The texture or pattern of the stone is what will most likely influence which granite you choose. Some granites are speckled or have little flecks of color here and there while others have veining running throughout similar to marble. Figure out what your preferred color is and then look at textures or patterns in this color range. The pattern will change the whole look and feel of your room. This is a very affordable natural stone and creates a beautiful and unique atmosphere in any environment. It is one of the most durable naturalstones available.