Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What makes
granite the hardest building stone?
Granite is formed by solidification of liquid magma (molten
rock) under the pressure of earth's crust. It is composed of
Feldspar, Quartz, Mica, and other minerals, making it one of the
hardest stones in the world. It has been used for building and
decorative purposes for centuries. Granite resists wear-and-tear
applications remarkably well, making it ideal for interior or
exterior flooring. When used outdoors, granite's mineralogical
structure is not influenced by freeze-thaw cycles.
Q. Can granite get stained and do I need to seal it?
Granite is a highly dense material and relatively porous so
it can get stained if a spill is not cleaned quickly. Sealing the
surface with a water-based sealant is therefore recommended to
protect the granite from water patches and stains. Sealing can be
done once a year or once every two years depending on the usage of
the surface.
Q. 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.
Q. How much does granite weigh?
Granite tiles and slabs come in different thicknesses. The
weight per square foot for each thickness is as follows:
3/4" (20mm) thick slab: 12.8 lbs. sq. ft.
1 1/4" (30mm) thick slab: 18 lbs sq. ft.
Granite is heavy and will require proper equipment or labor to
accept goods on delivery. Please check weight of goods before they
are delivered so you are properly prepared.
Q. Will my granite have visible seams?
Most granite installations will require at least one or more
joints called seams. During layout and design, Stone World will
always try to minimize the number of seams required. Additionally,
when seams are necessary, we will locate them in areas of less
traffic to minimize their appearance.
Q. Stone
What’s the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones and 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.
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