Granite is igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and texture. It is stronger than sandstone, limestone, and marble and is correspondingly more difficult to quarry. It is an important building stone, the best grades being extremely resistant to weathering. It is composed of potash feldspar, oligoclase and quartz, with a small amount of mica and minor accessory minerals, such as zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite, and sphene.

Properties of granite

Granite is usually whitish or gray with a speckled appearance caused by the darker crystals. Potash feldspar imparts a red or flesh color to the rock. Granite crystallizes from magma that cools slowly, deep below the Earth's surface. Exceptionally slow rates of cooling give rise to a very coarse-grained variety called pegmatite. Granite, along with other crystalline rocks, constitutes the foundation of the continental masses, and it is the most common intrusive rock exposed at the Earth's surface.

Advantageous features of granite

Granite is an antibacterial stone and can be polished to a great degree, making it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Granite is available in a polished finish and a flamed finish because at times a bright luster isn't the best solution, so granite is given a flamed finish that exposes the surface of the stone and shows off the stones unique texture.

Planning a DIY granite project

If you are planning a do-it-yourself project to install your own granite tiles then it is strongly suggested that you get yourself a tutorial, videos and instructions to guide you from the start to the finish. This is readily available with the DIY kits in the market.
You may want to set a wall tile, creating an old world kitchen or building a tub or shower surround. There are many questions you need to answer such as how much granite you require, the technique to lay it out and the tools you will require. You will probably need a circular saw and a grinder, which is free available in the market and does not cost too much either, some cement mix and polish equipment. You could install a granite countertop in your kitchen or bath for less than half of the price.

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