Find out more about Granite and Marble Worktops

The science bit…

The word ‘granite’ derives from the Latin term ‘Granum’ which means grain, and true enough beautiful granite has a unique granular appearance.

Granite is the most common plutonic rock of the earth’s crust; crystalline, igneous rock made up of feldspar, quartz or orthoclase plus one or more dark minerals.

The word ‘marble’ derives from the Greek for ‘crystalline rock’ or ‘shining stone’. Marble is a non-foliated metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone. This process makes the stone more solid.

As hard as…

… hard can be, granite is the toughest building stone selected for its durability, resistance to weathering, polishing capabilities not least its amazing colour combinations and textural patterns.

Granite is also high load bearing, it can be cut and shaped without splintering and thanks to its density of grain, it resists staining.

Marble is generally a smooth, very robust and polish-able stone with the unique colouring characteristics we call ‘marbling’. The numerous colours of marble are induced when impurities get caught in the structure during formation. Streaking and rippling are common marble appearances.

Granite and marble usage

Granite is synonymous with monuments and memorials. The building sector uses granite in slab and tile form and it is a perennially popular material for exterior cladding, roofing and flooring applications.

Granite equally popular inside too – from counter tops and work surfaces, to bar tops and tiling.

Marble will always be associated with art and architecture, particularly that of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Today it is used in stone home furnishings, floors, tiling, counters, worktops and so on, and for pillars and statues.

5 facts about granite

1. Granite can be scratched or chipped (if you really try hard!) but imperfections are repairable. 
2. Some granites may not require sealing.
3. Properly applied granite sealants will last for many years before re-application is required.
4. Mild soap and water are all that you need to keep granite clean.
5. Every piece of granite is unique.

5 facts about marble

1. Low index of refraction of calcite allows light to penetrate a few millimetres into the stonebefore being scattered about – this gives marble its ‘waxy’ appearance.
2. Impurities cause the different colours of marble.
3. Every piece of marble is one of a kind.
4. Marble has long inspired artists as a medium.
5. Virtually maintenance free, marble may be cleaned with just soap and water.

Please click on the pictures to see granite and marble samples.

Click through to our Products section to see what we can do with granite and marble and find inspiration for your marble kitchen worktops in Cheshire and granite kitchen worktops in Cheshire.

Contact us for samples.

Find out more about our granite kitchen worktops and marble kitchen worktops maintenance services.

Cheshire Marble Ltd – specialist providers of marble kitchen worktops Altrincham and Sale, marble kitchen worktops Wilmslow and Knutsford, marble kitchen worktops or granite kitchen worktops Warrington and Chester, marble kitchen worktops Cheshire, granite kitchen worktops Altrincham and Sale, granite kitchen worktops Wilmslow and Knutsford, granite kitchen worktops Warrington and Chester, granite kitchen worktops Cheshire