Granite and Marble Countertops in SoCal 
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is granite?
The term "granite" is used to cover a group of related stones, all of which have their origin deep in the earth’s molten mantle. As this extremely hot liquid material rises and cools, it forms a crystalline, granular structure, hence the term granite. Granite and other granite-like stones are formed of hard minerals such as quarts, feldspar and mica, which are fused together into a very hard stone ideal for kitchen counters because its polish is resistant to household acids such as citrus and vinegar and is hard enough to resist scratching from knives and pots and pans.
What are some of the uses of granite?
It is used on exteriors and interiors of homes and commercial buildings. The most common uses are for kitchen countertops. Some other examples include: fireplaces, bars, vanities, sinks, cabinet handles, outlet switch plate covers, tables, walls, benches, fountains, shower surrounds, flooring.... If you can imagine it, you can use granite
What is the composition of granite?
Formed of an aggregate of crystals molded together without any interspace between them, granites have three essential minerals in common: feldspar (50% or more), quartz (25-40%), and mica (3-10%). These minerals occur in different proportions, giving each piece of granite its own color, texture, and structural characteristics. Additionally, hornblende, magnetite, hematite, pyrite, zircon, garnet, corundum, and other minerals may be present in smaller amounts, adding to the unique coloration and texture of each granite deposit. Because of the variations, large scale projects should be quarried from the same deposit to assure consistent color and texture.
What colors does granite come in?
There is a broad spectrum of color ranging from nearly pure white to nearly pure black. Compared to marble it is very consistent in color and texture, however during it's formation, granite may also have been infused with other minerals providing patterned "movement" as well as color.
How durable is granite?
Because it has a very dense grain, granite is nearly impossible to scratch or chip and under normal use it will never stain. It is nearly impervious to weathering from temperature changes, airborne chemicals, and chemical erosion. in fact, granite tanks are often used to store highly caustic chemicals. Granite also harbors no bacteria or radon, it will accept pots and pans, and with minimal care it will last forever.
Where is granite found?
Granite is quarried from the earth with specialized equipment and machinery. It is found all over the world. A few parts of the world where granite is quarried: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, Finland, India, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Ukraine, USA, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
What’s the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals.
The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages
My little sample of granite has pits on the surface – will I have these on my kitchen counters?
Granite, which is crystalline in structure, always has tiny pits – spaces between the various mineral crystals. You don’t see them on a larger piece because the overall appearance is polished and mirror-like. Granite sometimes has 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 eons ago. These characteristics are part of the natural beauty of stone and will not impair the function or durability of the material. A product of nature cannot be expected to look manmade.
What is the weight of granite?
The weight of granite depends on its density. The average 3/4" thick granite weighs 13 pounds per square foot, 1 1/4" thick granite weighs around 18 to 20 pounds per square foot, and 2" thick granite weighs about 30 pounds per square foot. The darker stones are usually heavier than the lighter stones
What is the thickness of a granite countertop?
2cm =3/4", 3cm =1 1/4", 3cm is the prefered thickness for granite countertops.
Do I need underlayment?
Not with 1 1/4" granite. If you plan to use 3/4", you may. It depends on the type of granite you choose
Will granite chip?
It can. If it chips, it is usually around the sink or near an edge. The chip is usually small and not visible, but, you can feel it. This is easy to repair. A colored epoxy is used to fill in the small area. If you did get a larger chip, save the chip so it can be used to repair your countertop.
Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board
Will granite scratch?
No, not usually. The only things that may scratch it are diamonds, other pieces of granite, and some green kitchen scrub pads. Granite can only be scratched by materials which are harder than granite.
Do I need to seal my granite countertops?
This depends on the granite you choose. As a rule of thumb, "The lighter stones need to be sealed and the darker ones don't". Consult with your fabricator while choosing your stone.
What is etching?
Etching is when acids from items such as lemons, alcohols, and even some cleaning products leave dull spots or rings on a stone.
Will my granite etch?
It shouldn't. Granite is a siliceous natural stone and not highly reactive to acids like a marble or a limestone. If your granite is sealed, the sealer may etch.
Will granite burn?
No, it can withstand heat up to 1200F. You can set hot pots on your granite countertop without worrying about charring or scorching your granite. It is not recommended to place hot pots near seams or joints.
What are seams and do I need them?
Seams are joints where two pieces of stone meet or join together. Granite slabs are very big but larger kitchens may need a seam or two. If you have curves, arches, or really long spans of granite you will usually need seams. They are located in out of the way places. Hire a good fabricator and the seams are barely noticeable.
What is honed granite?
Strictly speaking, granite is called "honed" when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface is achieved. This gives a softer, matte appearance to the stone. Cold Spring uses a special process called "Velvet" which enhances and deepens the colors as well. Some fabricators can hone polished granite if they have special equipment to remove the polished surface, but this can sometimes result in wheel marks from the polishing head.
Will my cabinets support granite countertops?
Most cabinets will as long as they're sturdy. Granite spreads its weight out like a waterbed does. Your cabinets may need to be reinforced if they are not sturdy enough.
What is a fabricator?
This is the "granite or stone guy" who measures, cuts, shapes, and polishes the edges of your stone. He should also be able to answer any of your questions on specific granites and help you locate your stone of choice.
What is the granite installation time frame?
The actual granite installation usually takes a day or two depending on the size of your job. Preparations before installation, such as cutting, polishing and getting your stone to the shop can take anywhere from a week to a month or so. This will depend on the company you hire.
Matching granite countertops with cabinets?
If you're unsure of how well your granite countertop will match your cabinets, use granite color charts or samples. Look at the stone samples in different lighting and in different areas of your kitchen. To see how others have matched their cabinets and countertops, check out our online
What’s the best way to clean marble and other stones?
The old rule of thumb is never to use anything you wouldn’t use on your hands. Never use powdered cleansers or abrasive pads to clean your stone. Even "soft scrub" type cleaners contain pumice, which is powdered volcanic stone, and might damage your stone countertops or floors. Never use any product which is acidic; this includes substances like ammonia or many common liquid cleaners such as WindexTM.
You should always use sealers and cleaning products designed specifically for natural stone. There are excellent stone-friendly (and user-friendly) stone care products available at Intertile. Go to Stone Maintenance.
How much does a granite countertop cost?
Granite countertop costs will vary depending on your region and also the type of granite you choose. Exotics, hard to finds, and blues are usually more expensive. Sink cut outs, outlet holes, arches and curves, as well as special edgings and tear outs of old countertops add to the cost.