Granite Benchtops from Gran Marbello. Classic Style and Value

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GRANITE

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What Is Granite And How Is It Formed?

Granite is an igneous rock made up of primarily quartz, feldspar, micas, amphiboles, and a mixture of additional trace minerals. These minerals and their variation in abundance and alteration give granite the numerous colors and textures we see in granite countertops.

Formally, granite is a plutonic rock that is composed of between 10 to 50% quartz (typically semi-transparent white) and 65 to 90% total feldspar (typically a pinkish or white hue).

Granite is an intrusive igneous rock, which means it was formed in place during the cooling of molten rock. Generally, the slower the molten rock cooled, the larger it’s mineral crystals with K-Feldspar megacrysts forming in special circumstances greater than 5cm.

During formation of granite it is buried below kilometers of rock and sediment necessary to produce enough

heat to melt rock. Of course, the granite we see today is near surface, and thus at some point was uplifted, causing overlying sediment to be shed via erosion. This transition from high pressure and temperature to atmospheric temperature and pressure can cause the granite to slightly expand and crack.

This, in addition to seasonal variations in temperature can leave you with a weakened and less desirable granite to use for countertops.

COMPARISON OF GRANITE VS. QUARTZ COUNTERTOPS

Here, I’ll directly compare both granite countertops and quartz countertops with physical, chemical, and geologic parameters.

QUALITIES

Mohs Hardness

Melting Point

Natural Radiation

Source

Natural Fractures

Porous

Quartz (Quartz Arenite)

7 (pure quartz)

1670 °C

None

Man-made

None

Granite

6-7 (depending on mineralogy)

1215–1260 °C (dry)

Trace amounts

Natural

Small but variable amounts

Very slightly

Which One Should You Choose?

The debate breaks down into a few large picture questions that you have to ask yourself. Despite the price difference in the two countertop options there are really two variables that you should take into account.

One variable is whether you prefer a man made stone or a natural stone. You will find much more beauty in granite and there is certainly an excitement involved in picking out the small imperfections and color variation.

I’ll give this one to granite as it has a unique and impossible to replicate feel that never disappoints in upgrading your kitchen countertop. The other variable is ease of use in a number of different factors. Quartz countertops are sealed and therefore not porous, they are primarily made of quartz, which means they are more durable than granite.

You’ll find that quartz countertops are easier to clean, maintain, and forget about. If your primary concern is having a countertop that you can ignore and heavily use, quartz composite is the way to go.

GRANITE

The timeless beauty of granite. Millions of years in the making, its unique colors and depth will be the center showpiece of your spectacular kitchen.

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