Granite is a natural stone sourced from igneous rock, which is solidified by a slow cooling process over an extended period under the earth’s surface. These rocks contain various minerals and veins, as can be seen on the granite slabs’ surface, giving it its unique patterns and colours. There are different types of granite countertops. Granite countertops can be differentiated into various types based on their colours.
Types of White Granite Countertops:
White granite is one type of granite slab types. It is a smooth and plain white-coloured granite. It is the most widely used and popular countertop choice for its clean and classic appearance. It is made with creamy white Quartz and feldspar. Unlike Quartz, it is not entirely white and has colour gradations. These colour variations and gradations come from the presence of calcium, sodium, potassium and mica crystals. They work well for both traditional and contemporary interior styles. There are different types of white granite countertops, as discussed below:
Moon White Granite:
Lightest of the white granite colours, this granite hails from India. Typical, it comes in colour combinations of gray, ivory, and silver with some specks of black colour. Moon white granite has a finer mixing of grains in different colours, with some swirling around the surface, though it is more subtle than other granite colours. It works very well in contemporary settings.
Andino White Granite:
Andino white granite originates from Brazil. It comes in beige, brown, and charcoal accents with some black patches. The pattern of this type of granite is generally speckled or rippled. It can come in various finishes, such as honed, polished, and leathered.
White Ice Granite:
Another popular granite from Brazil is white ice. It comes in cool colours of grey and blue or subtle pastels with dramatic solid veining. The strong veining of this type of granite creates a patchwork effect. This type of granite is often installed to give a bold statement and is not as common as its counterparts
Bianco Antico Granite:
Bianco Antico has a soft white-gray colour with a mix of brown and red spots and speckles, giving it a unique look. It imparts a warm and classic appeal to the space.
Types Of Black Granite Countertops:
Black granite contains 20% quartz and minerals like pyroxene and plagioclase. Black granite is famous for its luxury appeal and bold statement. Whether a plain black granite slab or a speckled option, the visual impact is so strong that it commands the room. It contrasts significantly with all the other light colours in the room. In the case of a remodelling project, adding a black granite countertop can completely lift a space.
Absolute Black granite:
This type of granite is quarried in India and is also known as Jet black or Nero Absolute. This type of granite is amongst the premium options and hence priced towards the higher side. While it is entirely black, some dense grey speckles can be seen under bright light. With its solid black appearance, it is an excellent choice for those looking for a sophisticated, deep black countertop with a low level of inclusions. It comes in various finishes, such as honed, polished, and leathered.
Black Galaxy granite:
Black Galaxy granite is another granite source from India. It gets its name from its dense dots across the surface that give the appearance of the sky filled with stars on a starry night. Its rich black background is filled with beautiful grains of gold, copper, brown and white specks. The surface is highly reflective and gives a luxurious look.
Uba Tuba Granite:
This Brazilian granite has mica inclusions, giving it multiple colours. The black background of this granite acts as a canvas for its dense and small-sized- grey, gold and green specs running through the slab. The surface of this granite has a sparkling effect like that of a glowing night sky.
Types Of Brown and Gold Granite Countertops:
Brown and gold granite countertops are the way to go if you want more earthy and warm tones. They are neutral tones that go with a wide variety of interiors. Brown Granite countertops often compliment dark wood furniture. At the same time, a darker tone of brown granite could work well with light wood furniture. They add depth and warmth to an interior space while maintaining a comfortable, subtle, welcoming vibe.
Venetian Gold Granite:
Venetian gold, also called the New Venetian Gold, is a Brazilian granite. It has bark-like flecks with light streaks of grey, brown and red running like strands all over the surface. Beige and honey colours are pretty popular with Venetian Gold. It creates a warm, earthy effect and goes well with warm white walls, creating a comfortable environment.
St. Cecilia Granite:
Also known as Santa Cecilia, this is a vibrant brown granite from the quarries of Brazil. It mainly comes in cream and tan colour with strong black speckles. The variation in the size of Flecks and inconsistent short veining create a movement across the surface when you look at it.
Amarello Ornamental:
Also known as Giallo Ornamental, Amarello is quarried in Brazil. At the same time, the base colour of this type of granite is white. With consistent flecks of cream, tan and brown tones across its surface, the final appearance is brown-coloured granite. It has small to medium-sized flecks all over its surface in gold, dark brown, and black. It is a versatile stone that goes well with every style of interiors.
Types of Grey Granite Countertops:
Grey granite is amongst the most subtle and classy countertop colours. They bring a warm and laid-back vibe to an interior space. It sits well with every style of interior, from traditional to contemporary. However, many bold and dramatic grey granite options could also make a strong design statement.
The background of this stone type is generally grey, with fine grains of black gold and silver. Blues, pinks, blacks, greens, silvers, and gold in gray granites exist. They can have soft, smoky patterns, giving a warm and mellow appeal, and sometimes they can have strong veining and be bright and reflective.
New Caledonia White:
This stone is quarried in Brazil. It has a vibrant and modern appearance. It has interchanging shades of light and dark grey. It may also carry other colours like russets and brown and rarely some tones of pink. The surface has a subtle mix of colours that becomes more interesting when looking closely at it. Despite its random pattern, it maintains a consistent size of flecks across the surface.
Costa Esmeralda:
Costa Esmeralda is a unique stone that is quarried in different locations like Iran, Italy, and Brazil. Its also famously called the “Iran Green Granite”. This stone is green with grey, green and gold veins. The patterning of this stone varies a lot, so each slab is unique. It goes well with lighter wall colours and warmer wood textures.
Types of Edging for granite countertops:
Granite countertops can be cut in a variety of edge choices. The following factors must be considered while choosing the edge style: Available space, cabinetry on which the countertop will sit, type of stone or countertop material, and overall kitchen or bathroom motif. While there are different types of edging for granite countertops to choose from, The most popular type of granite edges includes the following: – Beveled edge, Double bevelled edge, Chiseled edge, Covered edge, Eased edge, Full bullnose edge, Half bullnose edge, Pencil edge, Steeped edge, Straight edge.
The most popular is the half-bullnose edge profile. It is famous for its versatility and complements both traditional and modern spaces. Choosing the right edge profile helps make the countertop more visually appealing and functional..
Conclusion
Regarding longevity, durability and aesthetics – granite countertops are an absolute winner. It outshines marble when it comes to durability. It’s hard, solid and resistant to heat, scratches and scraps, making it a pragmatic choice for kitchen and bathroom countertop surfaces. Once sealed, granite countertops can repel oil, water and any kind of spills from the kitchen. They can retain their colour and warmth for a lifetime if maintained properly.
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