Where Do Granite Countertops Come From?

Granite is a beautiful stone that has been used for centuries. It’s also one of the most popular countertop materials out there. But where do these countertops come from? And how are they made?

In this post, we will explore where granite comes from, where it is mined in the United States, and how a simple granite is transformed into a good looking granite countertop to give a new look to your home.

What Is Granite And How Is It Formed? A Brief History

Granite is a hard, igneous rock that was formed millions of years ago through the cooling and solidifying of molten magma deep in the Earth’s crust. It can be found all over the world as sheets (largely composed of feldspar) as well as larger chunks or irregular masses with an undulating surface called “dikes.”

The Earth’s crust contains about 12 different minerals that are commonly used as natural building materials. Granite belongs to the “felsic” group of rocks (along with quartz), which means it has an intermediate or silica-rich composition, making it more resistant to heat but easier to break.

Granite is formed when magma cools slowly, allowing large crystals to form. The most common minerals found in granite are feldspars (which make up 60-90% of the rock), mica, quartz, and amphibole or biotite. These minerals have a highly ordered arrangement that gives them strength and durability.

Granite is a versatile and durable natural building material. It can be used for countertops, flooring, walls, or any other interior or exterior application that requires a strong and reliable surface. Granite comes in many different colors, but the most common ones are black, white, gray, green, and pink.

How Is Granite Mined?

Granite is mined by drilling and blasting large blocks from the Earth’s surface, then crushing them into smaller pieces. The rocks are transported to a processing plant, where they will be cut using diamond saws or lasers according to the desired finished product.

The next step in granite production is polishing, which helps create a smooth reflective surface that shows off the natural beauty of the rock. The final step is applying a sealer that will protect it from spills and stains, making cleaning your granite countertops much easier.

What Happens When Granite Is Mined?

Mining granite has a significant impact on the environment. It can damage local habitat, pollute waterways with dust and debris, dump waste into water sources, displacing indigenous people from their homes or farms, block access to public lands for recreationists or hunters, destroy centuries-old historical sites, harm wildlife populations through the destruction of natural habitats as well as through contamination, and negatively impact local communities.

In light of this, most granite suppliers make an effort to ensure that their products are ethically and responsibly sourced. They may offer recycled or reclaimed materials, use eco-friendly packaging and transportation methods, invest in reforestation programs, donate a portion of their profits to environmental organizations like the National Forest Foundation.

Where Does Granite Come From?

Granite is found all over the world, but the best granite comes from Brazil, India, Spain, China, and Italy. The United States also has a number of granite quarries that produce quality stone for making countertops as well as other home projects.

Where Is Granite Mined In The United States?

The most common US states where granite is mined are Texas, Massachusetts, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Georgia. According to a survey, around 64 percent of granite comes only from these states. Before 2016, there were more than 276 granite quarries operating within 34 states in the US.

The largest open-face granite quarry on the planet can be found at Mount Airy, North Carolina. The city’s official nickname is “The Granite City” and it has been harvesting stone there for over 150 years now with an impressive track record of success in production quality!

Where Do Granite Countertops Come From?

Granite countertops are a man-made material that is created from a large slab of granite rock. The companies that typically make granite countertops are called fabricators.

You can contact them directly or have a local cabinet store refer you to one in your area. Keep in mind that the price of your stone will vary based on where it’s sourced from, how large the slab is, and other factors like the quality and grade.

You can also purchase granite countertops online if you’re looking for a bargain or don’t have access to local fabricators in your area. Keep in mind that this option may not be as convenient as picking up the phone and calling someone who is nearby, but it will save you money at least!

How Is A Granite Countertop Made?

The first step in making a granite countertop is cutting the stone into manageable pieces. A diamond saw blade, water jet cutter, or laser machine are used to carefully cut through the slab without damaging it. The piece that remains will be shaped to fit your kitchen’s dimensions and design before being sanded down until smooth with an even surface for easy cleaning. The remainder of those cut stone pieces are known as remnants.

Next, the stone is cut into smaller pieces that can be easily transported and installed in your home by a professional countertop fabricator. They may use a template to mark where all of the sinks, stovetops, and other appliances will go before cutting out holes for them using a CNC machine. The installer also makes sure that everything is level and properly attached to the cabinets.

Finally, your stone is polished with diamond-dust sandpaper or an electric polisher so that it shines like a new penny! A sealer can be applied at this point which will protect it from stains as well as making cleaning easier in the future.

Granite countertops are one of the easiest surfaces to clean and maintain with a quick wipe of warm water mixed with gentle dish soap.

What Makes These Countertops So Durable?

Granite countertops are a great way to add value and beauty to your home while also providing a durable surface that will last for many years.

Since natural stone is so tough, it’s difficult to scratch or stain, which makes maintaining these surfaces easier than other options like tile or wood. The only real upkeep they need is good polishing now and then.

How Long Do Granite Countertops Last?

Granite has been around since the beginning of the earth, so it’s safe to say that these natural stones can stand the test of time as well.

Granite countertops are one of the most durable options you have available to you for kitchen surfaces. They can last up to 100+ years, depending on the quality of your stone and how well it’s maintained over time.

What Do Granite Countertops Cost?

If you want top value for your money, then investing in natural stone is likely one of the best options available! Granite countertops are a beautiful addition to any kitchen, and they can last for decades if you take good care of them.

The average cost of these countertops is approximately $50 to $100 per square foot installed, but it will depend on the grade of stone as well as where it’s sourced from.

What Are Some Advantages Of Granite Countertops?

Granite has several benefits over other materials like wood, plastic laminate, tile, or glass.

Granite is hygienic, which makes it easy to clean because bacteria and germs don’t stand a chance against the stone.

It is also stain-resistant, which means you won’t have to worry about staining from everyday use like wine, juice, oil, and grease, as well as cosmetic products such as lotions and perfumes.

Granite resists heat very well, so it can be used as a stove-top or oven. It is scratch and chip-resistant, so you can use your countertops to chop vegetables and fruits without worrying about the material scratching under the knife blade causing an injury.

Granite is nonporous, which makes it difficult for germs to grow on its surface because of the lack of moisture – this makes it easy to sanitize.

What Are Some Disadvantages Of Granite Countertops?

Some natural varieties of granites contain minerals that have been linked to certain health conditions, so you will want to avoid those if possible. Granite is also porous, which means liquids can absorb directly into the stone, causing staining or discoloration over time.

It is also a softer stone, so it will not hold up well if you drop heavy objects on the countertops or use them as cutting boards.

It is important to note that granite requires sealing and resealing periodically in order for your counters to keep their beauty over time since the material absorbs liquids readily.

Final Words

Granite countertops are an investment that will last for decades if you take good care of them, but it’s important to remember that even natural stone can have disadvantages. This is why it’s key to choose the best possible granite supplier who offers both quality and service in order to ensure durability over time.

We hope that this blog post has been helpful in guiding you towards the best possible decision for your home. If you have any questions about granite or any other natural stone, please contact us for more information!