How Granite Countertops Work

Whoever coined the phrase "hard as a rock" might very well have been thinking of granite. Formed ov er millions of years from compressed molten rock under the Earth's surface, granite is extremely hard and durable.

With its heat-resistant qualities, granite doesn't blister; it's also unlikely to scratch or chip. When used for kitchen countertops, it's far superior to marble, synthetic and laminate. It's also better-looking and has a luminous, dimensional quality when polished.

Granite is made up of interlocking mineral crystals, the most common being feldspar and quartz. But an array of other minerals can be included, and these make each piece of granite unique. Feldspar is the white mineral you see in granite; the light gray veins are quartz; and the black is typically mica

Cleaning and Caring for Granite Countertops

Granite countertops add beauty, functionality, and value to a home. But because granite is a natural product, it requires special care to protect it and keep it looking its best.

To be sure granite countertops stay in nice condition after a hard day's work, take a few minutes every evening to clear them of clutter and gently wipe them down. Usually a soft cloth or sponge with hot water will be enough, but for a little extra cleaning power, a specially formulated stone cleaner can be used. Look for eco-friendly or "green" cleaners, as these will be gentle yet still effective.

To clean a splatter, first remove the dried-on food with a razor blade. Then wet the surface with your usual granite cleaner, or this DIY, inexpensive, safe one: equal parts water and alcohol in a spray bottle. Gently scrape along the surface to remove any remaining dirt. Use a soft sponge to wipe, then buff dry to a shine with a soft cloth.

Do not clean granite with acidic ingredients such vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice, as they can be abrasive, and avoid obviously abrasive products such as scrubs and steel wool pads. Also avoid cleaning products that contain bleach, degreasing substances, or ammonia. Dish soap should be used sparingly, because it eventually will dull the countertop appearance.

Avoid dropping hard items on granite countertops, as the countertop may nick or chip. And while you can place a hot pot or pan on granite, try to avoid doing so, as it may leave a mark.

Granite Countertops Toronto

Granite is a common and widely occurring type of intrusive, felsic, igneous rock. Granite has a medium to coarse texture, occasionally with some individual crystals larger than the groundmass forming a rock known as porphyry. Granites can be pink to dark gray or even black, depending on their chemistry and mineralogy. Outcrops of granite tend to form tors, and rounded massifs. Granites sometimes occur in circular depressions surrounded by a range of hills, formed by the metamorphic aureole or hornfels.

Granite Countertops Toronto