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What is Granite?

Answer: Granite is a stone formed magma deep within pockets of the earth's crust. The Stone undergoes a metamorphosis where the crystalline structure of the minerals within the stone are change creating the physical characteristics we find in Granite.

 

Why use Granite?

Answer: Granite is the most preferred product for not only kitchen countertops but also for vanities, islands, bar tops, tabletops, backsplash, and fireplace surrounds. One of the easiest ways to increase the value of your home is by adding granite countertops.

 

Is a higher priced granite better quality than lower priced granite?

Answer: N, the price of granite is based primarily on two factors. One is availability ( the lower the supply the higher the cost ) and the second is where it is quarried ( with the associated transportatopn and labor costs ). Granite from Stone City L.L.C., no matter what the cost, will be a high quality stone.

 

Why does some granite appear to have cracks?

Answer: A crack is a break in the granite caused by a mechanical force of some sort. Cracks will be entirely through the granite from top to bottom. Granite does naturally have fissures. These fissures are more prevalent in granites that have multiole colors. The carious minerals flowing at different viscosities cause the fissures at the time the granite is formed, they are natural and do not weaken the granite. It would be very rare for a fissure to extend from the top to the bottom surface of a slab.

 

Is there an issue with bacteria growth on my granite kitchen countertops?

Answer: The Marble Institute of America (MIA) states: ¡§Bacteria require several things in order to thrive and grow: oxygen, sunlight, water, nutrients and a substrate to form on. The minerals found in granite are toxic to bacteria. As a result there is no habitable environment for the bacteria to live and grow on a granite surface.¡¨ The MIA has also conducted independent research on bacteria growth on countertop materials. Granite was second in inhibiting bacteria growth only to stainless steel.

 

Can I place hot items directly on my granite countertops?

Answer: Yes. Granite will tolerate temperatures in excess of 1200 degrees (F.). You can safely place items from your oven/ stove top or grill directly on the granite without a trivet or hot pad. WARNING: Due to the extreme temperature differences, hot glass dishes may crack when placed on the cool surface of the granite; this is known as thermal shock. For this reason alone glass or Pyrex dishes should be placed on a trivet or hot pad.

 

Can I use my granite counter top as a cutting board?

Answer: Yes, diamond-tipped tools are needed to cut through the granite. Regular steel knives are no match for the hardness of granite; however you will need to sharpen your knives more frequently.

 

Why are customers encouraged to view their slabs prior to fabrication?

Answer: Because granite is a natural material, color variations, and veining are typical and normal. There may be vast differences between samples viewed and a customer¡¦s actual material. Because this material is a natural product, consistency cannot be guaranteed, even within a single slab.

 

What should I clean my granite with?

Answer: For everyday cleaning mild dish soap and water should be sufficient. There are also a vast number of granite cleaners available at your local home improvement stores. To avoid water streaks, wipe counters dry after cleaning. Windex or similar products are not recommended for daily cleaning because of the acidic levels. These types of cleaners also contain dyes and should not be left on the counters for an extended period of time.

 

Can I stain granite?

Answer: Almost anything can be stained. Granite is a porous stone and therefore is subject to the potential of staining. The porosity varies depending upon the minerals that are present in the granite.? To protect the granite surface from staining it should be sealed at least once per year. Stone City LLC recommends twice per year just to assure it is done ?at least once. Any stain that occurs in granite can be removed. Oil will penetrate this seal and can be difficult to remove. Oil spills should be cleaned up immediately. If oil has penetrated the seal, clean up as much of it as you can, then sprinkle baby powder or baking soda over the stain, cover with plastic wrap and allow it to sit for 24 hours. This will encourage the oil to be absorbed by the powder. Depending on how long the oil was allowed to sit on the top, this may require more than one application.

 

Why does my granite have pits on the surface?

Answer: Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits ¡Vspaces between the various mineral crystals. You don¡¦t see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite countertops sometimes have natural fissures as well, which may look like cracks, but are not structural defects and are a naturally occurring result of the immense heat and pressure which formed the granite millions of years ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material.

 
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