Granite Myths

Granite worktops qualify as impervious to water and are actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products. Granite and Quartz is commonly used as building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.

Granite worktops are resistant to stains. Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite countertop, if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain. However, even water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark coloured spot but this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone.

Most stains can be removed from your granite worktops or granite fire surrounds. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.

While this may be true of marble worktops, granite worktops will shine years from now just as if it was brand new. Granite worktops are highly scratch resistant and will not show wear from daily use.

Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a re-application of a penetrating sealer should be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes less time than scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches.

Granite worktops are heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage. Impact from a heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.

Granite Worktops are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite worktops is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to grey coloured mineral.

Bacteria are found everywhere. If it is on a granite worktop, then it can also be found on a laminate or solid countertop. Use an anti-bacterial soap to wash your countertop if you are concerned.

Besides the fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished, they are otherwise very different. Marble is generally a calcious stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed). Granite, however, is an igneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled and then hardened below the earth's surface.

Granite worktops are usually competitively priced compared to other high-end surfacing materials. You will be amazed when you compare the price of granite worktops to other popularly famed "luxury surfaces". Granite offers you an unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance and longevity.

More Myths about Granite

Radon:

While granite and other natural stones may contain minute traces of radon, in terms of building materials, radon emissions from concrete, cement and gypsum should be of greater concern: "Radon is a naturally occurring gas generated by the decay of trace amounts of uranium found in the earth's crust throughout the world. It is an unstable gas that quickly breaks down and dissipates in the air." A full report is available at Marble Institute of America's web site at www.marble-institute.com

Bacteria:

Granite continues to be used and approved in food and medical applications. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has no records of granite harbouring bacteria, and has no reports of people becoming ill from bacteria in granite. With regular cleaning, granite is far less likely to support bacteria than butcher block or even laminate materials with top-mounted sinks. This claim has also been tested by the Hospitality Industry. Their article can be found at www.hi-tm.com under "Publications and Reports."

Granite is Higher Priced than Solid Surface Materials

With increased technology in the stone processing industry, granite worktops are now available for the same price as artificial, manmade solid surface materials, and granite worktops offer a wider variety of colours and patterns to choose from.

Granite worktops can be re-finished and, in cases of chipping or breaking, can be repaired with coloured epoxies that can take a polish.

Granite worktops are very easy to maintain. Clean with a neutral soap and water, wipe off film with a solution of vinegar and water, and on occasion, from one to every five years, additional impregnators can be applied.