Stone Types — Granite

Granites are composed of quartz, feldspars and micas, as well as traces of a wide variety of other minerals, some of them from the host or country rock, which melts as the molten rock comes up into it. These minerals contribute to the color and texture of the various granites. Crystal size is somewhat determined by the rate at which the granite cools: the slower the cooling process, the larger the crystals grow, evident in materials such as Giallo Reale, or Verde Butterfly. Faster cooling produces fine-grained granites like Sierra White or Newport Sand. Granites get their wonderful variety of color from minerals that are melted into the liquid mass as it is formed. Sometimes, you might see what appears to be a completely different material, a big dark or contrasting spot, in a piece of granite. This is not a flaw, but most likely a xenolith, a piece of the "country" rock, which makes the stone absolutely unique.

Intertile stocks polished, honed and flamed granite tiles and slabs in selected colors. Polished granite has a shiny, mirror-like surface. Honed granite has a matte or satin finish for a softer, less formal look. Flamed granite is produced by applying blowtorch-strength heat to the surface, which actually pops some of the crystals and creates a deeply textured surface. Flamed granite is ideal for use outside and can also be used for dramatic effect as an accent material in a polished granite floor. All stone is not alike. All stone suppliers are not alike. Click here for the Intertile Difference.

View all Granite Stones in our database.

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