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.
Visit our FAQ’s section for more specific information on natural stone, quartz, and our services.
Click through to our gallery section to see what we can do with granite and marble and find inspiration.
Or call our sales team on 0161 926 8775 to find out more about our range of products and services.
