Granite is a common type of felsic intrusive igneous rock formed of interlocking crystals of quartz, feldspar, mica, and other minerals in lesser quantities.
People have used granite for thousands of years. It is used as a construction material, a dimension stone, an architectural stone, a decorative stone, and it has also been used to manufacture a wide variety of products.
- Granite is used in buildings, bridges, paving, monuments, and many other exterior projects. Indoors, polished granite slabs and tiles are used in countertops, tile floors, stair treads and many other design elements. Granite is a prestigious material, used in projects to produce impressions of elegance and quality.
- Slab granite is widely accepted as one of the most elegant countertop materials available. It is the type of granite countertop most people think of when they hear the name.
- Slab granite countertops are fabricated in a factory or workshop so that they can be custom fitted into your home. Because it is extremely heavy and challenging to work with, it is recommended you have it installed by a trained professional.
- Granite blocks for construction can be rough on all sides or finished on one or more sides. A combination of rough and finished granite surfaces produce an elegant appearance. Note how most of the blocks used in this wall have both rough and finished sides. This yields tightly fitting joints but a rough surface texture. However, blocks used at window sill and roofline levels are finished on all sides. Rough-cut blocks are the least expensive and provide a rugged appearance. Finishing the blocks is expensive but yields a more refined appearance.