FAQ's
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What is granite?
Granite (Igneous stone) is composed of quartz, feldspars and mica as well as
traces of a wide variety of other minerals. Granite is a coarse grained igneous
rock. It is formed from slowly cooling magma which is subjected to extreme
pressure from deep inside the earth. The different grades of granite are
determined by the formation and percentage mix of quartz, mica and feldspar.
Crystal size is somewhat determined by the rate at which the granite cools. The
slower the cooling process the larger the crystals grow. Granite gets its beautiful
array of colors and patterns from minerals that are melted into the liquid mass
as it is formed. A broad range of elegant patterns and colors makes granite the
most versatile and durable of all stone. It is also the most versatile and easiest
stone to maintain.
What is marble?
Marble (Metamorphic stone) has been valued for thousands of years for its rich
palette of beautiful colors and elegant veining patterns. Marbles are formed from
limestone or dolomite that has undergone enough heat and pressure to meta-
morphosize into a crystalline structure. This metamorphosis takes place when the
weight of overlying material, pressure from crystal collisions and heat from the
earth’s core generate temperatures in excess of
1800 F. Calcium and dolomite are the main components in marbles makeup.
Marble is a softer stone and can be scratched or stained easier.
What are the other types of stone?
Travertine (Sedimentary stone) is a cream or reddish color formed by the
accumulation of calcite from limy springs, lakes or streams. This can be used as
counter tops or for floors.
Limestone (Sedimentary rock or stone) is a rock which consists of calcite, it
is composed of the organic remains of sea animals, corals etc.
Slate (Metamorphic stone) is a fine grained rock formed from clay,
sedimentary rock shale and sometimes quartz.
Soapstone (Sedimentary stone) is a dense material that wears well. A rock
formed by a variety of talc.
Onyx (Metamorphic stone) is a translucent, crystalline calcite stone found in
cave deposits. This can be backlit with different colored lights and is very unique
in appearance.
Serpentine (Metamorphic stone) Green marble-A mineral or rock made up of
a hydrated magnesium silicate.
Granite (Igneous stone) is composed of quartz, feldspars and mica as well as
traces of a wide variety of other minerals. Granite is a coarse grained igneous
rock. It is formed from slowly cooling magma which is subjected to extreme
pressure from deep inside the earth. The different grades of granite are
determined by the formation and percentage mix of quartz, mica and feldspar.
Crystal size is somewhat determined by the rate at which the granite cools. The
slower the cooling process the larger the crystals grow. Granite gets its beautiful
array of colors and patterns from minerals that are melted into the liquid mass
as it is formed. A broad range of elegant patterns and colors makes granite the
most versatile and durable of all stone. It is also the most versatile and easiest
stone to maintain.
What is marble?
Marble (Metamorphic stone) has been valued for thousands of years for its rich
palette of beautiful colors and elegant veining patterns. Marbles are formed from
limestone or dolomite that has undergone enough heat and pressure to meta-
morphosize into a crystalline structure. This metamorphosis takes place when the
weight of overlying material, pressure from crystal collisions and heat from the
earth’s core generate temperatures in excess of
1800 F. Calcium and dolomite are the main components in marbles makeup.
Marble is a softer stone and can be scratched or stained easier.
What are the other types of stone?
Travertine (Sedimentary stone) is a cream or reddish color formed by the
accumulation of calcite from limy springs, lakes or streams. This can be used as
counter tops or for floors.
Limestone (Sedimentary rock or stone) is a rock which consists of calcite, it
is composed of the organic remains of sea animals, corals etc.
Slate (Metamorphic stone) is a fine grained rock formed from clay,
sedimentary rock shale and sometimes quartz.
Soapstone (Sedimentary stone) is a dense material that wears well. A rock
formed by a variety of talc.
Onyx (Metamorphic stone) is a translucent, crystalline calcite stone found in
cave deposits. This can be backlit with different colored lights and is very unique
in appearance.
Serpentine (Metamorphic stone) Green marble-A mineral or rock made up of
a hydrated magnesium silicate.
How often do you have to seal Granite?
Traditionally, homeowners have been told to seal their granite annually.
However, with the advancements that have been made in sealing products today,
some sealers only need to be reapplied every 2 to 4 years. Here at Stone Surfaces
of PA, we do recommend the application of a sealer once a year to assure
protection against any oil or other liquid substances that may have sat on the
stone for any length of time.
Is Granite really scratch proof?
Yes, absolutely! With Granite, you are able to cut directly on the surface, like
you would a cutting board. You will never scratch or dull the glossy finish on
your counter tops. No matter how sharp the blade may be, you will ruin your
knives before you ever mar your granite surface.
Will bacteria grow on Granite?
Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live.
Bacteria cannot eat granite. Unclean counter tops can harbor bacteria regardless
of what counter top material is used. Granite has performed extremely well in
testing, performing second only to stainless steel in its ability to resist bacteria
growth.
Is Granite a natural product or is it man made?
Granite is a natural product. It is quarried in its natural form directly from
the earth and it is cut and processed by a machine. Because of its extreme
hardness and mineral content, granite can be polished to a mirror-like finish
using the proper machinery.
What does "honed" granite mean?
Honed granite is granite that has not been polished to a shine. It is a smooth,
matte finish. Honed granite is lighter in color than its polished counterpart,
however the color can be deepened with a color-enhancing sealer.
Can you use marble in the kitchen?
Yes, you can use marble in the kitchen. However, because marble is susceptible to
staining, scratching, and etching, the use of it in a kitchen requires careful
consideration.
Traditionally, homeowners have been told to seal their granite annually.
However, with the advancements that have been made in sealing products today,
some sealers only need to be reapplied every 2 to 4 years. Here at Stone Surfaces
of PA, we do recommend the application of a sealer once a year to assure
protection against any oil or other liquid substances that may have sat on the
stone for any length of time.
Is Granite really scratch proof?
Yes, absolutely! With Granite, you are able to cut directly on the surface, like
you would a cutting board. You will never scratch or dull the glossy finish on
your counter tops. No matter how sharp the blade may be, you will ruin your
knives before you ever mar your granite surface.
Will bacteria grow on Granite?
Bacteria, like any other living organism, needs something to eat in order to live.
Bacteria cannot eat granite. Unclean counter tops can harbor bacteria regardless
of what counter top material is used. Granite has performed extremely well in
testing, performing second only to stainless steel in its ability to resist bacteria
growth.
Is Granite a natural product or is it man made?
Granite is a natural product. It is quarried in its natural form directly from
the earth and it is cut and processed by a machine. Because of its extreme
hardness and mineral content, granite can be polished to a mirror-like finish
using the proper machinery.
What does "honed" granite mean?
Honed granite is granite that has not been polished to a shine. It is a smooth,
matte finish. Honed granite is lighter in color than its polished counterpart,
however the color can be deepened with a color-enhancing sealer.
Can you use marble in the kitchen?
Yes, you can use marble in the kitchen. However, because marble is susceptible to
staining, scratching, and etching, the use of it in a kitchen requires careful
consideration.
| Kashmire Gold |
| Dakota Mahagony |
| Emerald Pearl |
| New Venetian Light |
| Juparana Austral |
| Juparana Bordeaux |
| Juparana India Gold |
| Lady Dream |
| Mocha Vyara |
| Paradiso |
| Santa Cecelia |
| Shivakashi |
| Tan Brown |
| Violetta |
| Giallo Veneziano |
| Verde Peacock |
| Black Galaxy |
| Labrador Antique |
| Granite |
| Baltic Brown |
| Impala Black |
| Volga Blue |
| Blue Eyes |
| New Caledonian |
| Giallo Antico |
| Blue Bahia |
| Viking Black |
| Marron Cohiba |
| Blue Pearl |
| Marble |
| Botticino |
| Breccia Onichiatta |
| Crema Marfil |
| Callacatta |
| Emperador |
| Dark Emperador |
| Statuaretto |
| Empress Green |
| Michaelangelo |
| Edge Profiles |
1/2 Bevel
| 1/2 Bullnose |
| 1/4 Bevel |
| 1/4 Round |
| Full Bullnose |
| Eased |
| *All six profiles listed above are standard edges and are included in your overall price. Fancy edges are also available to dress up your own personal style. |