IN THE NEWS

• What is Granite?
• How is Granite Different from Marble?
• Facts about Granite
• 10 Myths about Granite
• Soapstone
• Edge Selections

What is granite?

Granite is an igneous stone formed by the cooling of molten rock millions of years ago. It has been prized for thousands of years for its great durability, hardness and density. These qualities lend themselves to the stone being polished, a process widely used to enhance the appearance and natural beauty of granite.

Granite is a tough, durable rock composed primarily of three different minerals. These minerals are easy to see due to their different colors. The white mineral grains found in granite are Feldspar, which is the most abundant mineral found in granite. The light gray, glass-like grains are Quartz, and the black, flake-like grains are Biotite or black mica. Garnet, the deep red to purplish colored stone can also be found in many slabs of granite.

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How is Granite different from Marble?

Marble is simply limestone that has been compressed and/or heated deep within the earth's crust. Unlike granite, marble was never molten rock, but it may have been heated and squeezed enough for the limestone grains to bend and flow. Marble is also made up of only one mineral -- Calcite -- a relatively soft mineral with a hardness of "3". Calcite is a common mineral -- all limestones and nearly all seashells are made of it, but it does not occur in granite. Because marble is made entirely of Calcite, it is much softer than granite.

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Some Facts about Granite:

• Cleans easily with mild soap and hot water
• Granite is one of the hardest stones, making it extremely durable
• Polished granite varieties are scratch resistant and difficult to stain
• Variation in stone is natural and makes each piece unique
• Many colors and patterns based on the mineral composition in each piece
• Adds value to any home

Are you planning a remodeling project for your home? Perhaps building a new home? If you are considering using an imitation or man made material for your kitchen, bathroom or fireplace, these are some facts about granite you should know prior to making your decision.

• According to the National Association of Home Builders, the number one remodeling project in America is Granite Kitchen Countertops.
• Granite is over 150 times more bacteria resistant than plastic laminate, concrete tile, or wood.
• The Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management shows granite is second only to stainless steel in cleanliness.
• Granite is the second hardest material on earth (second only to diamonds), making it scratch resistant. Granite is a durable material known for its strength. It provides a carefree surface that is easily maintained. If sealed properly and regularly, it is impervious to stains and heat.
• When sealed properly, granite is stain resistant and easy to maintain.
• Sealing of granite is as simple as wiping down your counters and only needs to be done once a year.
• The fact that other solid surfaces attempt to make their products look like granite speaks volumes about which product is the most beautiful.
• Granite is a natural material. It provides beauty and elegance that will be appreciated a lifetime. Since each piece of granite is different in color, your countertops will be unique and distinctive.

Do's:

• Do reseal your countertops every year.
• Do use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Some foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the surface of many stones.
• Do dust surfaces frequently, especially on darker stones.
• Do blot up spills immediately such as fruit juices, wine and harsh chemicals as they may penetrate into the stone and cause stains.
• Do use a squeegee after showering for shower and bathtub care to help minimize soap scum buildup.

Don'ts:

• Don't use too much dish soap for cleaning, as it may leave a film and cause streaking.
• Don't use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids, the high acid content may etch the surface.
• Don't use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners. These products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface.
• Don't mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.
   

Dr. O. Peter Snyder Jr., who conducted this study, says, “We hope our research will help consumers make healthy decision when selecting a countertop surface for their kitchen.”

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10 Myths About Granite

1. Granite requires a lot of maintenance. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a re-application of a penetrating sealer should be applied, which only takes about 15 minutes—less time than scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches.

2. Granite stains easily. If properly sealed, granite is resistant to stains. Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain. However, even water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark colored spot but this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the unsealed stone

3. Stains in granite are permanent. Most stains can be removed. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.

4. Granite is absorbent. Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products. Granite is commonly used as building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.

5. Granite will lose its polish over the years. While this may be true of marble, granite will shine years from now just as if it was brand new. Granite is highly scratch resistant and will not show wear from daily use.

6. Heat will cause granite to chip and crack. Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage. However, we recommend that you continue to set hot objects on insulating material. This is especially true with electric skillets. Impact from a heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.

7. Dark colored granites are harder than light colored granites. Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to grey colored mineral.

8. Granite’s tiny pores and fissures harbor bacteria. Bacteria are found everywhere. If it is on a granite top, then it can also be found on a laminate or solid surface top. Use an anti-bacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are concerned.

9. Granite and marble are essentially the same. Besides the fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished, they are otherwise very different. Marble is generally a calcious stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled and then hardened below the earth’s surface.

10. Granite is expensive. Granite is usually competitively priced compared to other high-end surfacing materials. You will be amazed when you compare the price of granite to other popularly famed “luxury surfaces”. Granite offers you an unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance and longevity.

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About Soapstone/ Care & Maintenance

What Is Soapstone?

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock called Steatite. There are two different materials popularly called Soapstone. The first material is Talc; the softest mineral on earth. Talc is mostly used in the manufacturing of cosmetics, refractory materials, sculptures, and everyday items such as toothpaste, baby powder and even chewing gum.

The second material is the rock Steatite which is the material which is used in the fabrication of countertops, sinks, masonry heaters, flooring, and many other architectural applications. Steatite was also used to "coat" the famous "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Steatite is composed of several minerals, but the most abundant is Talc. Steatite, because of its additives is harder than Talc alone, hence suitable for the applications cited above. Soapstone (Steatite) in its initial state only comes in shades of gray, unlike Talc, which is available in a variety of colors.

Soapstone is softer than most other naturally occurring minerals. Although soft, Soapstone is a very dense (non-porous) stone, more so than marble, slate, limestone and even granite. Since Soapstone is impenetrable, it will not stain, no liquid will permeate its surface. Other stones, including granite, have a propensity to soil; this is why Soapstone (Steatite) is widely used in chemistry lab-tops and acid rooms.

Maintenance

The only maintenance required for soapstone (Steatite), is the application of mineral oil, to enhance the natural darkening process the stone goes through. Once mineral oil is applied, the stone will turn into a very dark charcoal gray, sometimes black. Often times, varieties of soapstone will keep a hint of green. Steatite (soapstone) is virtually heat proof and used in the construction of masonry heaters because of its excellent thermal qualities. It is also used in creating pizza stones, cooking pots, oven interiors and numerous related applications. You can take a pot right from your stove and place it on your soapstone countertops without harm.

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Edge Selections:

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