Granite Countertops: Lethbridge Homes’ Top-Performing Material
Granite is an igneous rock that is composed primarily of four minerals. The four minerals that make up granite include quartz, feldspar, mica, and usually hornblende; however, granite is not a homogeneous rock, and its composition varies depending upon its location. Other less common components give granite a wide variation in look and colour. Magma cooling very slowly far under the earth's surface allows crystals of the four minerals to grow large enough to be easily seen by the naked eye.
Granite is very dense. It can be readily cut into large blocks and it takes an extremely high polish. When granite is weathered and eroded, the feldspar and mica break down into clay minerals, leaving the very resistant quartz grains behind. Most beach sand is composed of quartz grains derived from granite.
To bring granite countertops to Lethbridge homes, this special stone material must first be quarried from the following countries:
• Canada
• India
• Brazil
• Finland
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Namibia
• Zimbabwe
• South Africa
You may be surprised to see Canada on the list. But, the “Canadian Shield” quarries in Northwestern Ontario are among the largest producers of granite in the world. Not only is this area known for its huge output, but it also yields some of the finest, most-prized specimens. So, you never know how many countertops in Lethbridge homes actually originated right here in this beautiful country of ours.
The Four Main Minerals
Granite is comprised of these four minerals:
- Quartz: Quartz is a common mineral that is found in many different types of rocks. The chemical formula is silicon oxide. Impurities in the rock at the time of formation cause the quartz crystal to produce different colours. Quartz can be coloured yellow, milky white, rose, brown, black, blue and purple amethyst.
- Feldspar: Feldspar is the most abundant mineral in rocks that are located at or near the earth's surface. Feldspar can have glassy white, blue, green, pink or red crystals. When feldspars are exposed to the atmosphere, they weather easily. Clays are formed by weathered feldspar.
- Hornblende: Hornblende is a mineral that usually contains magnesium, iron, silica and aluminum. Hornblende can be black, brown or green in colour. It occurs in the crystals of many igneous rocks.
- Mica: Mica can be clear, black, green, red, yellow, brown, purple lepidolite and other colours. Biotite mica is dark green or black in colour because it contains metals such as iron and magnesium.
Why Choose Granite for Your Home?
Having a granite countertop for your Lethbridge home is a perfect choice as it is consistently rated as the top-performing kitchen countertop material. Granite is popular for countertops and other installations due to its extensive design possibilities and superior performance. Bacteria and stains are not a problem under normal use, proper cleaning and sealing. However, most granite is porous to a certain degree and thus susceptible to staining if not properly sealed.
With proven value and durability, granite excels as an indoor or outdoor kitchen countertop, bathroom countertop, patio, fireplace, tub deck, shower bench or ledge, or backsplash. With such an impressive resume, it's no wonder that granite countertops remain among homeowners’ most desired features when remodeling or buying.
Colours and Finishes to Suit Any Home Decor or Colour Scheme
Granite comes in an almost limitless choice of colours and patterns. Granite is quarried from locations all over the world and each piece will have unique patterns and colours: from golden browns and soft grays to vibrant pinks, vivid reds and deep purples, to the darker shades of blues and blacks. From a design perspective, granite is a dream. A broad spectrum of colours and an interesting array of patterns offer endless possibilities – far more than any other countertop material.
The finish of the countertop can also change its appearance. A polished finish produces a mirror-like quality which enhances the depth of the granite colour. It gives a physically smooth surface that is easy to clean. In contrast, a honed finish results in a muted and flat-looking countertop. Alternate finishes such as flamed and burnished finishes create a rough surface with a great deal of texture, and are not suitable for countertops.
If you want to learn more about having our team install a custom granite countertop for your Lethbridge home, contact us today!
Some of our granite suppliers are:
Numerous overseas suppliers
For more information about Granite Plus Inc’s granite products, please contact us!
