Did you
see a beautiful slab of granite at one countertop store and asked for the same
type at another shop only to discover that the two slabs look nothing alike?
You are ordering a custom counter. Any kind of natural stone, including granite
and marble, used for countertops will always show variation from
one piece to the next. Why does that happen? It all has to do with how the
stone is formed millions of years in the past.
Granite Begins as Molten Magma
Granite
is an igneous rock, which means it begins life as molten magma deep under the
Earth's surface. As the magma cools under the immense pressure of the Earth, it
crystallizes and forms the building blocks for granite. Granite often includes
crystals of quartz, feldspar, and mica. The rate at which the rock cools
determines the size of the different crystals.
Marble is a Metamorphic Rock Made from
Limestone
Marble
begins its life as huge blocks of limestone. At some point a geological event
occurs that superheats the limestone, causing the mineral deposits in the
limestone to grow and fuse together in striations creating marble. The color
varies based on the other minerals that surround the white limestone deposit.
You will see marble that ranges from nearly white to dark gray.
Both Types of Rock are Found All Over the
World
Many
people think of granite as a rock found in the United States because so many of
our large monuments are crafted out of the stone. Likewise, marble is often
associated with Italy and the Mediterranean because of ancient sculptures and
temples crafted out of marble that still stand today. In actuality, you will
find deposits of both granite and marble on every continent. We source slabs
for our countertops from a variety of suppliers to give you a better selection.
The Color and Density of Stone Varies from
Location to Location
Because
no limestone deposit or lump of magma starts in the same shape or next to the
same mix of other minerals, every mountain across the planet produces different
outcrops of granite and marble. You can discover some truly exotic slabs that
are imported from Argentina, Zimbabwe, and Ukraine. Of course, you can also
select a stone that is quarried right here in America.
When
shopping for a slab of stone for your custom kitchen counter, The
Countertop Shop suggests that you approach the project like
shopping for a piece of art. Stand back and take in the unique motion and
textures found in each slab of stone in our showroom. You will know when you
fall in love with the piece destined for your home. Come visit us today to find
your perfect piece of granite or marble.
