
High-end granite is an essential part of many upscale homes. It’s ideal for countertops because of its versatility and extraordinary beauty. Granite stone is natural and available in various shades, including combinations of white, pink, black, gray, and more.
There’s a granite color for every type of decor. We have more than 100 styles in our inventory, and we hand-pick the best granite patterns to fit your space. One of granite’s best points is how it’s always unique. There’s nothing cookie-cutter about a granite countertop!
Have you ever wondered what it means for granite to be high-end and where granite comes from? Let’s find out below.
WHAT IS HIGH-END GRANITE
Four primary factors contribute to whether a slab of granite is high-end. These include the slab size, unique patterns, eye-catching colors, and stone origin. Among the world’s rarest granites is Van Gogh Granite, sourced from Brazil. This granite is notable for its mint green and aqua blue coloration, and its veining that is a burned-orange shade. It’s extremely rare for red and blue to be found together in one piece of granite.
We grade your granite based on established standards. There are usually three levels at which granite is graded. These include the following:
-
Commercial or builder-grade granite
-
Mid-grade granite
-
High-quality granite
A commercial-grade granite will have less range of color and be softer in its mineral content than what you would find with mid-grade and high-quality granites. When it comes to general physical characteristics, it’s difficult for an untrained eye to distinguish between the different grades. High-quality granite is usually detectable by its extremely vibrant colors and unique patterns.
Remember that granite is a natural stone. This is the reason why each stone is unique. High-quality granite tends to be incredibly unique. Among the most unique granite types are the previously mentioned Van Gogh granite, Blue Bahia, Lava Jewel, and Blue Pearl GT.
You may wonder how there are so many different kinds of granite with different appearances. That’s because a granite slab is so unique, it will be different even from other slabs taken from the same rock. The veining and patterns of granite are a significant part of its beauty and appeal.
THE SOURCE OF GRANITE
The granite for your countertops is gotten via mining from places that are called quarries. After extraction, the granite is brought to facilities where it is cut. Then, this is where it is made into slabs for countertops. Once the granite finally reaches your home and is installed, it instantly transforms your kitchen and can increase your home value.
Granite forms in volcanic chambers far beneath the earth’s surface, and it can take thousands of years for formation to occur. Why volcanos? It’s because the stone forms while magma crystallizes. The composition of granite is primarily quartz and another mineral called feldspar. Granite is among the hardest natural stones on the planet.
Brazil, Canada, and India are where most of the granite used in the United States is sourced. When it comes to high-quality granite, however, Mediterranean countries are the most frequent sources. This includes countries such as Greece, Italy, and Spain.
Different granite slabs have unique appearances because the minerals in them differ. The varying ingredients in granite and when they form into the stone during different periods of time contribute to your granite’s appearance. For example, if a region has more feldspar, the granite will seem pinkish. If it has more amphiboles, then the granite will have green overtones.
After granite is mined and cut into slabs, it is polished or textured. The process used depends on the desired final look of the stone.
HOW TO INSTALL YOUR NEW GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
Installation of granite countertops is never a DIY project. It needs to be done by professionals so that you don’t risk damaging your new countertops. If you try to do it yourself, you could end up with chips in your countertops. If you’re going with high-end granite, it’s even more important to have a top-of-the-line installation. These countertops are a significant investment, so you won’t want to take any risks.
HOW DURABLE IS GRANITE?
Granite has excellent heat resistance, which comes in handy in a busy kitchen. Your installed granite countertop is also excellent at keeping chipping, scratching, and cracking at bay.
Like any other countertop surface, you need to know how to take care of granite. While it’s extremely hard and durable, it is still porous. This means that it will absorb liquid and potentially stain, which is why you should seal your granite countertops. Experts recommend doing this between once a year to every three years, as necessary. It’s an easy process, and Bella Casa will show you how to take care of your granite to retain its original stunning beauty.