From Mount Rushmore to Your Kitchen, Granite Makes a Big Impression

The Amazing Metamorphosis of Quartz and Feldspar into Granite. 

If it’s time to replace your bathroom or kitchen counters, you’ll find that few materials are as durable, versatile, and beautiful as granite. Sometimes referred to as a “dimension stone,” which means that it can be cut into large, flat slabs or blocks, granite is easy to clean and polish, typically withstands abrasion and weather damage, and has a hefty load-bearing capacity.

But have you ever wondered what gives granite its array of different patterns or why it comes in a range of colors? You may have seen granite counter tops that are speckled with gray and pink, white with dark spots or stripes, or stunning swirls. The color variation is due to the composition ratio of the stone, and granite’s seemingly endless lineup of colors and patterns means that it can match the décor scheme of most homes and buildings.

How It’s Made

An igneous and plutonic rock, granite is formed when magma cools and crystallizes, a process that occurs below the surface of the Earth. Geologists consider granite to be the Earth’s most abundant rock type, making up an estimated 70 to 80 percent of the continental crust, so it’s no wonder that granite deposits can be found throughout the United States, especially in mountain ranges. Major U.S. sources for granite dimension stone include the states of Georgia, Idaho and South Dakota.

Granite is mainly composed of feldspar and quartz, but it may contain any number of trace minerals as well, including muscovite and mica. If the rock contains a high ratio of feldspar, more pink will be present in the stone. Darker hues may indicate the presence of biotite or a significant amount of quartz in the granite. The differences in the rock’s patterns and composition means that no two slabs are exactly alike, so wherever you utilize granite, your finished product will be completely unique.

Make It Your Own

Not only for interior applications, granite can also be seen in paving stones and walkways, and the natural material has been used for thousands of years. You may not even realize that you’ve seen the amazing diversity of granite at famous sites: Mount Rushmore is carved in granite, and Yellowstone Park’s trademark cliffs are composed mainly of granite, too.

Here at Stone City, we love to talk about granite and will help you find the perfect color and pattern for your upcoming remodeling project. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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Achieving Decor Mastery With Any Scheme.

How Can Granite Complement My Interior Design?

One of the outstanding aspects of granite is that it goes well with virtually any interior. When you’re planning the interior design of your home, you want to make sure all the elements work together. Since you’ll often live with your selection for many years, it’s well worth planning things carefully.

When selecting granite countertops for your kitchen and bathroom, you should consider features such as color, shape, and functionality. Features that work with multiple interior styles are a bonus, in case you change your home’s look, your countertops will still fit in. Here are a few tricks for keeping your interiors as chic as possible.

Try Subtle Colors

You don’t have to sample the whole rainbow to create a lasting impression. Interior designers love monochromatic, neutral colors because they automatically contribute to relaxing combinations that still stand out.

Granite surfaces that incorporate grays, off-whites and muted tones also reflect their surroundings. You can change the whole feeling of a space by inserting a few brighter fixtures here and there. In other words, granite is perfect if you can’t get enough of seasonal redecorating.

Don’t Fear Contrast

People often shy away from contrasting hues because they believe the differences will be too stark. In reality, these colors go extremely well together even if one isn’t as strong as the others.

For instance, painting your house with bright reds and greens may seem visually jarring. If you dial things down with marbled green granite countertops and switch the red walls for earth tones, however, you’ll end up with a more harmonious feel, while retaining an interesting contrast.

Keeping one item subtle also gives you more freedom to add spots of brightness in other ways. Dark red granites with elements of black and deep brown, for example, really make accessories like flowers pop in the bathroom. In the kitchen, try combining a granite countertop with a slightly darker back splash to draw more focus to the work zone or make your wood cabinets appear richer.

Break Things Up Intelligently

Finally, remember that most granite incorporates different colors. Use this to your advantage.

Some granite features marble patterns with broad swaths of uninterrupted color. Other varieties are a bit more uneven, displaying many blocks of color in the same amount of area. You can even select granite composites that appear to be made from joined tiles and blocks. There are myriad options to choose from.

You should pick granite patterns that not only appeal from a standalone perspective but also function well with a range of other decor. Smoother patterns, for instance, may work better in spaces that have lots of activity, like kitchens and fireplace hearths. If your kitchen or bathroom features a clean, white aesthetic, on the other hand, a rambling pattern with lots of color blocks could add the perfect amount of visual interest.

Ready to discover how granite fixtures can boost your interior design skills? Visit us at Stone City for more great tips.

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