Granite Countertops For Amherst, Orchard Park & East Aurora, NY

Granite countertops hold and maintain their value better than virtually any other material; they very rarely go out of style and are versatile in their ability to fit in with countless design elements. 

What is Granite?

The word "granite" comes from the Latin word granum, a grain, in reference to the coarse-grained structure of the crystalline rock.  Granite mainly consists of feldspar, quartz, mica and amphibole minerals which form an interlocking matrix. Granite and related marble industries are considered one of the oldest industries in the world, existing as far back as ancient Egypt.

How is Granite Produced?

Granite comes directly from stone quarries as blocks which are typically 7 feet high by 6 feet wide and their length depends on the natural break within the quarry.  These blocks are then cut into thin slabs (either 2cm or 3cm thick) and polished before being delivered to our suppliers. 

What Makes Granite Unique?

The beauty and uniqueness of a granite slab is in the size and distribution of the crystals and composition of the “impurities” deposited in the fissures in the stone.  Both occur naturally in the stone and are created during the rock’s formation.  Crystals form while the molten rock cools.  Fissures are created when, under extreme pressure, the granite cracks.  These fissures are then filled in with other minerals that give it their natural, and unpredictable, patterns – depending upon the size of the fissures and the color of the minerals that fill them. They’re not considered defects, but inevitable features that adds to the natural beauty of the slab.

Why Select Specific Granite Slabs?

The more unique the color and pattern of the granite you have chosen, the more strongly we recommend that you select a specific slab or set of slabs for your kitchen.  Also, if you need more than one slab of granite for your project, you should choose slabs cut from the same block.  To do so, check the sequence number written on the edge of each slab.  If a supplier does not have at least two slabs from the same block, the remaining slab is called an orphan.  Avoid orphans if you need more than one slab for your project.   We will ensure that the slabs you have selected are the slabs that we use to fabricate your kitchen. 

Trust Our Team

At Queen City Quartz & Granite, we are the local granite experts that understand the ins and outs of tending to the material. Contact us today to learn more about the granite countertop work we can do for your home or business and to receive a free estimate on your next job.  We will be honored to work with you.