Granite is one of the most popular building materials. It has been used for thousands of years in both interior and exterior applications. Granite dimension stone is used in buildings, bridges, paving, monuments and many other exterior projects. Indoors, polished granite slabs and tiles are used in countertops, tile floors, stair treads and many other design elements. Granite is a prestige material, used in projects to produce impressions of elegance and quality. Some interesting uses of granite are shown below.
What is “Granite”?
The definition of “granite” varies. A geologist might define granite as a coarse-grained, quartz- and feldspar-bearing igneous rockthat is made up entirely of crystals. However, in the dimension stone trade, the word “granite” is used for any feldspar-bearing rock with interlocking crystals that are large enough to be seen with the unaided eye. By this classification, rocks such as anorthosite, gneiss, granite, granodiorite, monzonite, syenite,gabbro and others are all sold under the trade name of “granite”.
| Granite Countertops |
| One of the most familiar uses of granite in the United States is in kitchen countertops. The countertop pictured above was made from a solid slab of granite that was cut to custom shape and edge-finished. Increased demand for granite countertops has inspired a large number of kitchen contractors to acquire the expertise and equipment to install them. As a result they can usually be ordered from and installed by a local dealer instead of a company located hundreds of miles away. For this product, increased demand has actually reduced the installed price to a level that is within reach of the average homeowner. Pictured above is a pink granite kitchen countertop. (Image at right by North Georgia Media © iStockphoto.com.) |
| Granite Building Stone |
| The building above was built with granite blocks. Granite blocks for construction can be rough on all sides or finished on one or more sides. In this photo, a combination of rough and finished granite surfaces produce an elegant appearance. Note how most of the blocks used in this wall have both rough and finished sides. This yields tightly fitting joints but a rough surface texture. However, blocks used at window sill and roofline levels are finished on all sides. Rough-cut blocks are the least expensive and provide a rugged appearance. Finishing the blocks is expensive but yields a more refined appearance. (Image at right by Jim Plumb © iStockphoto.com.) |
| Granite Paving Stone |
| Granite paving stones or “pavers” can make a colorful and interesting way of paving a driveway or patio. The beauty of natural stone, combined with expert craftsmanship and design can produce a unique and lasting result. In the past granite blocks were often used to pave city streets. However, concrete and asphalt have replaced most of this work because of the lower material and construction cost. (Image at right by Arkady Mazor © iStockphoto.com.) |
| Granite Memorial |
| Granite is the stone most often used as a grave marker in the United States and many other countries. It is a durable, attractive material, especially when polished. Granite is also the rock type most often associated with “permanence”. This psychological association increases the appeal of granite as a memorial stone. (Image at right by Annene Kaye © iStockphoto.com.) |
| Azurite Granite as a Gemstone |
| One of the most interesting types of granite ever found has been named “K2” after the second tallest peak in the world. At the base of the mountain is found a limited exposure of granite with bright blue azurite orbs that are typically about 1 centimeter across. Most people can’t believe that azurite actually occurs within granite. The material is being cut into gems and has made its way into the U.S. gem market. Learn more about K2 Azurite Granite. |
| Granite Monument |
| Granite does not need to be quarried to be used. Mount Rushmore, a granite monument in the Black Hills of South Dakota is a tribute to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln that is carved directly into the mountain. (Image at right by Jonathan Larsen © iStockphoto.com.) |
| Granite Slabs |
| Projects begin with an idea and a rough piece of rock. If you have read this far you are definitely interested in granite. A trip to a local stone yard might inspire you to enrich your surroundings with some interesting granite features. (Image at right by Luis Carlos Torres © iStockphoto.com.) |