Where Does High-End Granite Come From?

Origin, extraction, and transformation of granite

Now that we’ve learned where the best, highest quality granite comes from, let’s go back a bit and understand where and how granite is quarried, transported, and transformed into versatile, unique countertops for your home or business.

How is granite formed?

Granite is known as one of the strongest stones in nature. As a natural igneous rock, granite is formed in the underground chambers of volcanoes over hundreds or thousands of years. This happens by crystallizing magma deep in the Earth’s interior. The mineral composition of granite is mainly composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, but may also contain trace amounts of other minerals, such as amphiboles. These ingredients of the stone determine its color and pattern.

The strength and aesthetic qualities of granite make it a popular construction material, especially for countertops, flooring, and monuments.

Extraction of granite

The extraction process of the large granite formation necessitates dividing the rock into manageable portions for processing. This segmentation occurs by drilling minuscule holes into the rock, each sized for transport. The strategically placed explosives cause the chunk to detach from the bedrock without splitting when triggered.

To mitigate unwanted damage, the explosion is planned in such a way that the blocks land on a sand bed. Hefty machinery comes into play, lifting these sizeable granite pieces and hoisting them onto rugged trucks. These trucks then carry the load to be subjected to further processing.

On arrival at the stone-cutting unit, the hefty granite blocks meet their match – hefty slicing machines that segment them into slabs a few cm thick. The innovative machine doesn’t stop at one slice but produces multiple slabs simultaneously. Equipped with a series of circular or diamond wire blades, it slices through the granite block much like an egg slicer. Imagine the amount of time it takes a tool to carve through a 10′ x 5′ x 10′ granite block as it takes around an hour to cut through just a foot of stone.

However, the advent of modern equipment, such as diamond wire-cutting saws, has significantly expedited this process, enhancing precision and speed. Consequently, the production of granite has become more economical, reflected in the lower consumer prices.

Hence, the once unattainable granite counters once limited to high end homes, have found their place in middle-class households, adding a touch of distinctiveness to them.

Granite polishing

By employing the process of polishing, the true colors and intricate patterns of granite can be revealed, enhancing its natural beauty. Additionally, this method renders the surface smooth to the touch. The machinery utilized for polishing incorporates substantial, diamond polishing pads. Multiple stages are involved in this process, with each stage utilizing a progressively finer diamond abrasive to gradually enhance the granite’s shine. Only one side of the slab undergoes polishing, while the edges and sides remain unpolished.

Transportation of granite slabs

Following the completion of polishing, the slabs are bundled together, typically in groups of 6-7 slabs, while maintaining the order in which they were cut from the block. This meticulous bundling method ensures consistency in veining and color between the slabs within each bundle. Subsequently, these bundles are securely packaged and transported to the United States via shipping containers aboard freighters. Upon arrival at US ports, the slabs are transferred to semi-truck beds utilizing large cranes. The stone slabs then commence their journey to their respective regions within the country, where they will be delivered for future fabrication. This process guarantees unique and original stone selections.

How granite is graded?

Typically, granite is classified into three levels: commercial/construction-grade granite, medium(mid)-grade granite, and high-grade granite. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

• Commercial/construction-grade granite, also known as entry-level or Level 1 granite, falls into the lower-tier category. It’s typically imported from China, pre-fabricated, and commonly seen in characteristics such as apartments and renovated homes. This type of granite slab is quite thin, roughly ⅜ inch, requiring a plywood backing to enhance its robustness. It also generally has softer minerals and a narrower color range compared to medium or high-grade granite.

  However, notwithstanding its lower grade, this doesn’t imply the slab is any less appealing. It usually features a simple design, thereby lending itself to minimalist aesthetics. Additionally, its affordability makes it an ideal choice for the budget-conscious shopper. Among the most common types of granite in this category are Black Pearl, New Caledonia, Santa Cecilia, and Venetian Gold.

• Mid-grade (Level 2) granite falls into the middle-tier category, delivering more color diversity and design variability than. Typically sourced from India or Brazil, these granite choices boast more intricate patterns, which are much admired by granite enthusiasts.

  This mid-grade slab is a bit thicker, around ¾ inch, thereby enhancing its durability. While offering superior resilience and an impressive aesthetic appeal, it remains less pricey than high-grade stones.

• Finally, high-grade granite (or the one of Level 3) epitomizes some of the finest quality stones available. Exhibiting extraordinary uniqueness, this granite category is normally imported from India or Brazil.

  High-grade granite usually comes with a thickness of ¾ of an inch or more, and it’s known for its rare hues, striking patterns, and veins, all contributing to an exceptionally unique finish. Lower grades of granite may display slightly duller or more commonplace patterns.

High-grade granite usually comes with a thickness of ¾ of an inch or more, and it’s known for its rare hues, striking patterns, and veins, all contributing to an exceptionally unique finish.

How do you know if you are buying high end granite?

It can be difficult for you to tell if you are buying high end granite because a high price does not always mean that the granite is actually better. In many cases, the price only reflects the product’s shipping and labor costs. For example, Chinese granite is often quite cheap because labor costs are fairly low in China. You may pay less for granite produced in the United States because the shipping costs are lower.

Here are some criteria to look for (some of which we have already mentioned above):

• Design and color: The more striking, unique, or rare the pattern, color, or design is, the higher the grade of the granite will be. High end granite comes in unique colors like red, blue, or purple, and it can also have unusual veins. The color saturation and brightness also make high-quality granite stand out. Lower grades of this stone may have slightly duller or more commonplace patterns.
• Thickness: The thickness of a granite slab can affect its grade. A standard slab is usually measured at about 3/4 to 1 1/4 inches, and thicker slabs usually cost more. High-quality granite slabs will be fairly thick.
• Country of origin: Sometimes the area where the granite comes from can affect its grade. Certain areas have a reputation for producing higher-quality granite than others.
• Appearance: The overall look and feel of granite plays an important role in its grading. This includes factors such as uniformity of pattern and color and the amount of pitting or marking on the surface. If the surface is impeccably smooth, devoid of any scratches, the granite slab is considered to be of high quality.
• Number of Soft Minerals: Granite with a smaller amount of soft minerals is generally of higher quality because it is harder and more durable.
• Uniqueness: Since granite is a natural stone, each piece has its own characteristics. In some cases, high end granite can be one of a kind. Examples of such exquisite granites are Blue Pearl GT, Lava Jewel, Blue Bahia, and Van Gogh granite. They are also considered one of the most beautiful granites in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

The world of granite and its transformation from stone pieces to high-quality countertops, slabs, flooring, etc. is so vast that it is not surprising if you still have many questions. Here are our answers to the most frequently asked ones.

How much does granite cost?

Granite, renowned for its durability and aesthetic appeal, exhibits a price range of $35 to $75 per square foot, with higher rates available beyond this range. The determining factors for the cost of granite include its thickness, visual characteristics, porosity, and country of origin.

For those seeking a more economical choice, commercial/construction-grade slabs prove to be the most cost-effective option. However, for those with a preference for top-notch quality and striking visual appeal, investing in high end granite is indispensable, despite its placement at the higher end of the price spectrum.

Which granite is the most expensive?

The most expensive type of granite tends to be rare and unique varieties that are difficult to source or quarry. The costliest varieties of stone encompass red, purple, and blue granite. Within the realm of high end pricing, you’ll encounter diverse types of blue granite, such as Azul Aran and Blue Bahia granite. Blue Bahia is a Brazilian granite known for its stunning blue color and distinct veining, but its rarity makes it a very expensive option. However, the crème de la crème of granite is undoubtedly Van Gogh granite. This distinction stems from its exquisite desirability coupled with its exceptional rarity, making Van Gogh granite truly unparalleled.

How durable is granite?

Granite, a remarkable natural stone, boasts unparalleled durability attributed to its unique formation process. Over thousands of years, under immense pressure, granite undergoes a transformative journey culminating in its extraordinary final state. The resulting density and impressive endurance lend granite a strength comparable to diamonds, the very gems employed to fashion granite into exquisite slabs.

Throughout history, granite has played a pivotal role in the creation of revered landmarks, including the illustrious New York City Public Library and the majestic Mount Rushmore. Granite’s enduring allure even encompasses great works such as hieroglyphics and the hallowed 10 Commandments, etched indelibly into its timeless surface.

How should I install high end granite?

Setting up granite countertops isn’t a task for the casual DIY enthusiast. The expertise of trained professionals is crucial to avoid causing harm to your spanking-new countertops. If you attempt a self-installation, there’s a chance you could create chips in your countertops. The decision to opt for premium granite amplifies the need for elite installation services. Since these countertops denote a hefty investment, it’s not wise to gamble with any potential risks. Letting a seasoned professional handle the process safeguards against any unsightly chips or negligible damage during installation. This is the route to preserving their uniqueness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, high end granite’s journey from the depths of the earth to elegant kitchen countertops is a testament to human ingenuity. This exquisite stone’s origin from remote quarries worldwide illuminates the harmony of nature’s marvels and human craftsmanship. As we appreciate the unique patterns and robust qualities of high end granite, let’s also admire the intricate process that transforms it from raw rock into a cornerstone of luxury. Essentially, every slab of granite is not just a piece of stone, but a piece of the earth’s story, elegantly brought right into our homes.

It’s awe-inspiring to fathom that your brand-new countertop originated from deep within the Earth, located thousands of miles away. Today, we have taken you around the world to learn where high-quality granite comes from, and how it is mined and turned into stunning countertops for your space. We have also told you what are the features of high-quality granite and how it is categorized so that you can choose the best option for you.

At Marble Unlimited, we take immense pride in presenting you with these superior countertop materials sourced globally. Discover the options and possibilities we offer by browsing our Inventory or contacting our team to order high end granite countertops to suit your needs and wishes. Let us redefine your expectations.