GRANITES

GRANITE is an intrusive, igneous stone usually found in the continental plates of the Earth’s crust. Igneous stones are mainly formed through volcanic material underneath the Earth’s surface, or liquid magma that has cooled and solidified. Formed naturally over millions of years, granite is one of the hardest and most durable stones available. It is hardwearing, difficult to scratch and heat resistant making it a popular choice for worktops. A slow rate of cooling gives granites a very coarse-grained texture and a faster rate of cooling gives rise to fine- and medium-grained textures. During granite’s formation, mineral gases and liquids penetrate the stone and create crystalline formations of various colors.