Many varieties of granite can be found throughout the world. Granite slabs are selected based on their color and size and then cut to fit the project they are intended for. After taking millions of years to form below the earth’s surface, granite is mined, cut and sold for a variety of uses. Granite is a popular building material with an ancient history, prized for thousands of years for its beauty and durability. Today, granite can be found in both private homes and state monuments. To understand how this rock is polished and ready for distribution, let’s follow the journey of a granite slab from a quarry in the US to a local surfacing manufacturer.
Creation
Our story begins with a current of magma flowing under the earth’s crust. Over millions of years, it cooled and crystallized, waiting to be discovered and molded into something extraordinary. Although some large gray pieces could be seen on the ground, it was not until the large deposit was found below ground that the granite came to the surface.
surface
A large portion of the quarry wall granite was cut into one gigantic piece and then re-cut into smaller pieces with a diamond-tipped saw. Finally, the slabs, just under an inch thick and smoothly polished, were shipped to dealers around the world, where they were reshaped after purchase.
find a home
A template had been drawn up and the dealer’s customers expected to see their template laid out on top of their selected material, Sierra White granite sourced from the USA. The speckled black and white granite gleamed and the couple nodded approvingly. An installation date was set and manufacturing began immediately.
The final cuts were made with a digitally controlled machine, creating perfectly precise cuts and smooth, flawless edges. The stone was polished once more and sealer applied to protect the surface from staining. The countertops were finally done.
On the day of installation, the perfectly cut granite was inspected, and then two strong men installed it in about four hours. As soon as the job was done, the impressive countertops became the focal point of the room. The next morning no one in the house used the kitchen table. The entire family sat on the bar stools, drinking orange juice and admiring their new countertops.
