|
Igneous rock is formed by volcanic action or intense heat, which liquefies rock
deep in the Earth and which solidifies upon cooling. Granite, the most common igneous
rock, is millions of years old and has a crystalline, granular structure, with a
range of colors and consisting mostly of quartz and feldspars, accompanied by one
or more dark minerals such as mica. The color of igneous rock depends mainly on
the color of the prevailing feldspars. The granite offered for residential and commercial
applications comes from open pit quarries found all over the world. There is a large
assortment of granites available to suit specific tastes or design applications,
ranging from consistent grain structures and colors to multicolored stones with
veins or movement resulting from the uneven distribution of minerals. “Consistency”,
when applied to natural stone, is a term of relative value that needs to be understood
in the context of the origins and composition of the product. Because of the way
granite was formed millions of years ago, it is synonymous with quality, strength,
permanence, solidity and hardness. These characteristics make it an ideal choice
for a kitchen countertop surface.
Most granite used for countertops is polished to a high-gloss finish giving it a
mirror-like appearance. On closer inspection however, many granites have certain
natural characteristics such as “pitting”, “fissures” or “dull spots” that may at
first cause some concern. It is important to understand the geological reasons for
these characteristics to fully appreciate the beauty of stone.
A characteristic referred to as “pitting” is normally due to the fact that granite
is a natural product that has a crystalline structure, sometimes resulting in small
spaces between the varying mineral crystals. In some cases, certain tiny crystals
may also be removed during the polishing process, causing the pits to become more
visible. Various steps are taken during the finishing process to reduce the visibility
of these pits, but they cannot be totally avoided in all granite types. Pitting
will not become worse with regular use or with the passage of time.
Many types of granite have small “fissures” or hairline cracks on the surface of
the slab, usually more visible in the larger quartz crystals. These surface fissures
should not be confused with structural cracks that permeate the entire slab. Fissures
are a natural result of the heating and cooling of the stone during its formation
millions of years ago. Fissures will not grow or expand over time.
The final appearance of the polished surface of each type of granite is determined
by the specific composition or “mix” of quartz, feldspars and other minerals. While
the overall appearance will be that of a high-gloss finish, some components within
the granite may not accept the same level of polish as the rest of the crystals,
which can result in "dull spots" or "watermarks." Often these spots are visible
on the darker crystals present in some granites. The hardness, composition and any
other characteristics are taken into account during the polishing process and all
efforts are made to achieve the highest level of gloss possible for each specific
material.
While the type and specific composition determines the amount of pits, fissures
and dull spots, some granites exhibit these characteristics more than others, and
they may also be more or less visible depending on the lighting conditions present
in a room. Lighting plays an important part in the overall appearance of a finished
granite countertop surface.
Pits, fissures and dull spots do not compromise the integrity of the stone in any
way; they are natural characteristics of stone and will not impair the function
or durability of the material. They are an expression of nature and add to the allure
of the stone, which sets it apart from man-made surfaces.
Marble is formed from the re-crystallization of limestone under intense pressure
and high temperatures within the Earth. During this process, other minerals are
introduced into the structure, which produce the beautiful colors and veining that
characterize marble. Its color varies from white to black, being sometimes yellow,
red and green, and frequently beautifully veined or clouded.
Marble used for countertops have either a polished or silk finish and provide a
cool, sophisticated ambiance to any kitchen. Due to the natural characteristics
of these stones, marble countertops require some special care and maintenance. Your
marble countertop will be sealed after installation and a sealer should be applied
annually. With marble, there is always a possibility of scratching and staining,
as the stone is not as hard as a granite surface. Polished marble is especially
susceptible to acids and any spills should be immediately cleaned up. Should a stain
occur, it can usually be removed with a stain-removing poultice. Marble should be
cared for as you would a fine wood finish. Using coasters, and cleaning up spills
immediately, will help preserve its beauty. After regular use, your marble countertop
will develop its own unique patina and personality.
Soapstone is composed largely of talc, which gives it the soapy feel, as well as
chlorite, dolomite and magnetite. It is very dense and inert to acids and alkalis,
making it a good countertop surface. Freshly quarried soapstone is light gray in
color with some spots and patterning, and occasional light or dark veins. Your soapstone
countertop will be oiled liberally with pure, clear mineral oil after installation.
The oil should be allowed to sit for about an hour, and then the excess wiped off
with a cloth. You should repeat this process weekly for a few months, decreasing
the frequency to once a month and ultimately to three or four times a year as the
stone remains naturally darker between oiling. This darkening also enhances the
natural features and variations in the stone and it will eventually develop a rich
deep patina. Though soapstone scratches easily, the scratches become quickly invisible
with oiling, or use 80-grit sandpaper, if necessary, followed by an oily cloth.
Quartz-based stones vary widely in color because of different materials and clays
within the stone. These stones can be found in varying hues of light gray, yellow,
green and red. It is suitable for countertops and will be sealed after installation,
with annual sealing recommended.
|
