REASONS WHY GRANITE IS SO POPULAR It is rare than you can get away without the mention of granite counter tops and the such, wherever there may be a new build under construction or a bath/kitchen to be redesigned. For all concerned with such interior endeavours, granite has proved a very popular choice and is withstanding the test of time. Not only is granite an incredibly attractive surface, it also ticks a number of boxes regarding many desirable design features that are needed to create the ultimate interior environment. Much of the reason for its popularity is to do with the nature of its formation, crystallising from magma and creating a very coarse grained igneous rock, consisting primarily of mica and feldspar, with an over 20% quartz element also. It is incredibly tough and very durable due to this very unique combination of minerals. As you would expect from a material formed from magma, granite is very tough and enormously durable, to the extent that there are very few other materials capable of scratching it beyond diamonds and other granites. Granite enjoys a natural advantage over many other materials used in interior dĂŠcor due to this afore-mentioned durability. Both heated and cooled by nature, there are few environments that are able to affect it. It doesn't split, warp, bend, crack or decay. Due to the presence of mica, granite is also highly resistant to extreme temperatures. Dry ice or hot trays alike are unlikely to have much of an effect on granite, the same almost certainly not true of rival materials in engaged in the same uses. Granite can adapt to notable extremes of temperature. Considering such features, granite proves seriously superior to other materials for use in the home, enough so to encourage home owners to discard their wooden or tile equivalents in favour of granite. But, it's not just about the function, granite is also a beautiful and versatile material to adorn the home with. Indeed, it is the lustrous and extravagant appearance of granite that leads to be so popular in the construction of high end hotels and restaurants. Granite seems to endow its surroundings with a certain touch of class that just can't be emulated by other materials. The versatility of their appearance also makes them popular with interior designers. Asked about the appearance of granite, most people would probably claim that it's black and shiny and not much else besides. In truth, the appearance of granite can vary quite significantly with a number of patterns and hues. Some of these may cost more than certain others of course, and these differences in price are usually determined by where the granite pieces came from. Functionalitywise all granites are naturally the same irrespective of where they came from. Defects in the stone can also make a difference in price, lowering it as opposed to a perfect piece, although there are those who prefer granite with a characterful defect or two. On the whole, granite costs a touch more than other materials used similarly in the home, but the advantages granite gives you makes the extra few pennies a very worthwhile price to pay.