Questions and Answers on Granite

Does granite have any pits or fissures?

Yes granite has natural pits and fissures that are part of the stones natural structure.  Some types of granite have more of such characteristics than other types, and can be minimized by applying sealer to the surface of the counter.

Can granite be repaired?

It is very hard to damage granite.  If any damage occurs it can be sealed with a mixture of epoxy and ground up chips of granite.

Does granite stain?

In general, no.  All stone, however, is porous to some extent, but granite has very little porosity.  Most colors will never show any moisture.  A few colors may show some moisture if exposed for a period of time.  For example, a puddle of water left on the counter for 30 minutes, for some colors, may show a dark spot when the water is wiped away.  This spot will then dry up and no evidence will show.  Only a few colors demonstrate this trait.  Our installers will seal the countertops after they are installed.

Can I set a hot pot on my granite countertop?

Granite is formed by extreme heat and pressure combined beneath the earth’s crust.  It cannot be affected by heat from a cook top or frying pan.  A lit flame placed under the granite will have no melting effect and will not leave any burned or scarred marks.

Does granite stain or burn? 

No.  You can't burn it with ordinary use.  Granite does not stain.  The only caveat is that a few colors may absorb some moisture with prolonged contact.  Usually, no evidence remains when the liquid is removed and the granite dries. However, there could be a problem with dark pigmented liquids.  Although granite has a sealer applied at the fabricator, a stone sealer is recommended for all granite after installation.

Can I cut on my Granite countertop?

Only if you want to ruin your good knives.  Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface.  Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.

Can my granite top be damaged?

Like any solid surface, high impact blows can harm granite.  Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to sharp, hard objects.  Unsealed, granite can absorb stains such as oil, which can ultimately cause dark spots or discoloration.  Heat from pots and pans or burning liquids will not affect granite under normal circumstances.

Can granite chip?

Only in cases of severe abuse with a hammer or impact tool.  A chip can be filled with granite dust and epoxy mixture. On the rare occasion a chip occurs on your countertop, do not throw out the chipped piece.  The chipped piece can be used  to fix the countertop, so that no one will be able to tell it was ever chipped.

Do granite seams show?

Because granite is a natural material and is mined from the quarry in blocks usually no more than 10’ long, you will most likely end up with seams.  Also, because granite is sold in rectangular pieces, you may want to use seams to reduce your costs, such as in “L” shaped corner.  The visibility of seams will depend on the granularity, color and pattern.  A small, uniform grain (such as Uba Tuba) will not be as apparent as a larger varied grain (such as Peacock Green).  A dark color (Platinum) will be less apparent than a light color (Imperial White).  A dramatic pattern with swaths of color (Kinawa, Paradiso) will show more seams than a uniform pattern (Dakota Mahogany).  Most customers have found that the beauty of natural granite outweighs the concern of seams.

How are seams made?

Seams are done where the two pieces of stone are put together.  The seams are joined with epoxy that is mixed with the color that matches the stone.  Then the joined area is smoothed, leaving only a very thin line visible and in some cases invisible. We specialize in blending seams, so chances are you will not notice the seams.

How is granite formed?

Granite is an igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture.  It is composed primarily of feldspar, quartz, and mica.  It starts off as a liquid magma deep with the earth’s core where it is cooled and compressed over millions of years under tons of pressure.  It is then quarried, cut and polished.  After that process it can be applied in various ways like kitchen countertops, vanity tops, fireplace surrounds as well as Jacuzzi surrounds and other custom designs.

Southwest-Granite.com