Homeowner

Granite

What you should know about selection and care

Granite is harder, more durable and much less porous than marble and because no calcium carbonate is present. It can withstand acidic substance contact without fear of damaging the natural polish. Under most conditions granite will not require future restoration but the procedure can be done if needed. Because of these characteristics, Granite is particularly well suited for kitchen counter tops, bar tops and dining tables.

Dark Granite


Pink Granite

Light Color Granite

Like Marble, Granite originates from many countries around the world and is widely produced here in North America. Domestic Granite is as colorful and durable as imported Granite and is used in many applications. Your stone dealer will guide your selection process based upon your needs and desires.

Although Granite does not offer all the decorative choices of Marble, it does reflect good taste and wise decision making. Granite is rich, luxurious and comes in a broad selection of colors. Unlike Marble, Granite normally does not exhibit veining. It does, however, have a prominent texture or grain (in fact, the word Granite comes from the Latin word meaning grain).

Granite is formed quite differently than Marble. It is the result of subsurface molten magma materials that cooled very slowly forming extremely hard and dense rock. The term applied to this process is Igneous. Although granites are generally classified as Igneous, some granites have metamorphosed due to heat and pressure, from their original condition into a rock with new minerals and/or structures, resulting in unique color and grain groupings that may even appear as veins. Granites are classified as fine-grained, medium-grained and course-grained and reflect the mixture of the four prominent minerals, Feldspar, Quartz, Mica and Hornblende. Coloring in Granite is governed largely by Feldspar which is usually the most abundant mineral. The colors and inherent shading of granite is a function of the mixture of the other three minerals. Uniformity of color and grain are a true feature of granite. Colors run from nearly white through gray, green, pink, red and black.

Available finishes for granite are generally the same as Marble. Polished (smooth surface that naturally reflects light), Honed (smooth and scratch free with very little or no light reflection) and Textured (rough to the touch, thermal or flamed finishes are the most common).

Caring for your Granite is important primarily because of your desire for cleanliness. Granite is truly a worry-free surface in terms of scratching, chipping and etching but because it is a porous material, it must be protected from permanent stains. Your dealer can supply a high quality impregnator (sealer) made in Germany for GranQuartz specifically designed to offer maximum protection while leaving your stone completely natural in appearance. We recommend the following GranQuartz Stone Care Systems:

• 113M 3-in-1 Countertop Cleaner/Polisher/Protector for regular care of counter tops and furniture, particularly important on kitchen surfaces. 113M is a very effective cleaner and is NSF approved.
• 214M Daily Cleaner/Conditioner For regular cleaning for granite floors.
• 314P Premium Impregnator for all granite surfaces and for all applications.

Marble

What you should know about selection and care

Marble is particularly well suited for decorative applications like fireplace surrounds, shower walls, floors and furniture. Marble is softer and more porous than Granite. Because of the high calcium carbonate content of Marble, polish restoration is easily accomplished and, after years of use, should be expected in the future. Marble is generally not recommended for surfaces that will come in contact with acidic substances like fruit juices and alcoholic beverages because of the danger of etching. Etching is the chemical reaction that occurs when acids contact the calcium carbonate in Marble. Etches are immediate and semi-permanent but can be removed by a marble restoration specialist just as stains are removed from carpet by a carpet cleaning specialist. It is said that natural stones like marble are the only totally renewable hard surfaces that are available for your home. Marble originates from many countries around the world and is formed in the earth over millions of years through heat and pressure. The vast range of colors and veining features are a result of substances that are introduced during the formation process. These substances are generally unique to the geographic area from where the marble orginates.

Marble

• Pinks, reds, yellows and browns are usually caused by the presence of iron oxides.
• Grays, blue-grays and blacks are a result of bituminous material.
• Greens and shades of green are caused by silicates, chlorides and mica.

The geological term used for the marble formation process is called Metamorphism. Marble has been used for thousands of years in all kinds of applications and will continue to be used for thousands of years. Enjoy the natural beauty of Marble without fear and take advantage of the vast decorative selection that is available from your stone dealer and/or fabricator.

Available finishes for marble are Polished (smooth surface that naturally and clearly reflects light), Honed (smooth and scratch-free surface with very little or no light reflection), Textured (rough to the touch) and Tumbled (neither smooth nor rough but intentionally made to appear aged or antiqued).

Caring for your marble surfaces is just as important as caring for hardwood, carpet or metal. Marble is a porous material and may absorb stains from oils, and other liquids like coffee, wine, etc. To protect your marble from permanent stains, we can supply a high quality impregnator (sealer) made in Germany specifically designed to offer maximum protection while leaving your stone completely natural in appearance. We recommend the following:

• 113M Countertop Cleaner/Polisher/Protector for regular care of counter tops and furniture.
• 214M Daily Cleaner/Conditioner For regular cleaning for marble floors.
• 314P Premium Impregnator for all Marble surfaces and for all applications.

Stone Care Tips

Guide to long term care

Natural Stone is the most durable and functional hard surface available but like carpet, wood and even synthetic surfaces, proper care is required to maintain its maximum beauty.

• Clean up food and liquid spills ASAP with absorbent cloth (lift food straight up and blot liquids- NEVER wipe or smear).
• Never use abrasive cleaners.
• Never use cleaners that contain acids (bowl cleaners, tile and tub cleaner, etc.).
• Never clean with bleach or ammonia.
• Avoid setting hot pans or dishes directly on the stone.
• Avoid hot oil and grease splatters and spills (even when properly impregnated, some stones could be adversely affected).
• Use napkins or coasters under glasses.
• Use good mats or rugs at outside doorways.
• Allow mud to dry before attempting to remove from stone (wet mud will smear and make the danger of staining greater).
• Do not mop floors with "clean water" (clean or undiluted water evaporates, but HARD MINERALS remain).

• Do not dust furniture with wood furniture spray (overspray may be harmful to stone surfaces).
• Do not attempt to remove etch marks from marble (contact your dealer for help when refinishing is needed).
• In selecting stone for your home you have selected a product with BEAUTY, RICHNESS and STYLE that will last for generations.
• Common sense care and caution will only enhance your enjoyment of the stone you have selected.