Granite
Granite is one of the hardest of all natural stone countertops. Only diamonds, rubies, and sapphires are harder than granite and it has to be cut with a diamond blade! Granite is an igneous rock that is formed when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth’s surface forming large, easily visible crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. Granite quarries can be found worldwide including in the United States. Due to the nature of granite it comes in an amazing array of colors and no two slabs are exactly alike. It is frequently, but not always, found in earth tone shades. Brown, black, gray, cream, etc., are the neutrals and it can be found as bold as green, blue, and even purple.
Granite is extremely durable as it is heat resistant, scratch resistant, and stain resistant.
Unlike other types of stone, it can safely be used outdoors and for fireplace surrounds. It requires minimal maintenance of occasionally being re-sealed. We seal your granite countertops upon installation but it is important to examine your stone at least once a year. If upon examination you see that water no longer quickly beads up (like it would on a freshly waxed car), it is time to re-seal. Crossroads Stone offers annual maintenance in which we put you on an annual calendar reminder and we come out and re-seal for you for a small charge. Or, is it very easily done yourself with little effort. You can buy granite sealers at your local home improvement store - call us anytime and we’re happy to make a recommendation! It is as simple as wiping the sealant on with a dry cloth - then you’re done!