The Stone Material Journey
Learn about the history behind your new stone surface. We’ll take you through the journey of granite, from the mines all the way to your kitchen.
What is Granite?
Granite is an igneous rock composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, micas, amphiboles, and a variety of other trace minerals. It’s formed by cooling molten rock and lots of pressure. Depending on the mineral composition, granites can come in a variety of colours and textures!
Where Can Granite Be Found?
Granite can be found all over the world and is actually the stone that undercuts our tectonic plates! However, both India and Brazil are major players in the production and export of granite. India has one of the world’s largest granite reserves, and with only 3% of total granite reserves explored, there is no sign of supply running out any time soon.
Brazil has over 300 natural stone export processing plants, including granite and marble. They also export hundreds of slabs and blocks to countries all over the world! Italy and China are also major exporters of granite and marble.
How Is Granite Mined?
In the context of the mines, the granite we use for countertops isn’t buried that deep – it doesn’t get anywhere close to the bedrock of the Earth. In fact, the granite we use is always found near the surface and is extracted from shallow quarries.
Small holes are drilled to create the desired block size shape, and explosives are then carefully placed into these holes to create a blast! The falling block must then be directed onto soft sand to avoid cracking or splitting at an incorrect angle. The raw blocks of granite are loaded into heavy-duty trucks using specialized equipment. After that, they will be transported to slab fabrication facilities.
Fabrication and Preparation for our Showroom
Larger chunks of granite are cut into manageable slabs of 7 to 10 feet at stone fabrication facilities, usually based in the US. The slabs’ surfaces are then polished. A fabricator can gradually smooth out the surface of the material using granite polishing pads and other pads to polish the stone until it’s smooth and shiny. After the slabs have been polished, they are placed in shipping containers and transported from the fabrication site to our showroom!
Once they arrive they’re displayed in local showrooms where our customers can browse the extensive collection of stones offered! Once you select your stone, we’ll measure, cut, and install your brand-new countertops in 10 business days or less!
Is it time for an upgrade?
RocArtz is an artisanal stone mason and countertop specialist based in Pointe-Claire, Quebec. We offer a wide selection of natural stone surfaces so that you can enjoy the interior of your dreams. At RocArtz, we pride ourselves on offering the best quality products at the best prices – we always complete projects on time, too! So what are you waiting for? Visit our showroom today!
