Different Types of Granite Countertops and Colors

Granite is one of the most popular igneous rocks that is commonly used for any type of Countertop, decoration bathroom, or any other place for remodeling. Granite is mostly famous because of its timeless beauty and exceptional strength against heat, stain, and their gorgeous color. 

There are different types of granite countertops and colors available in the market. Its unique color combination and design makes it one of the top natural stone for countertops. Granite is certainly not just a trend they are used for thousands of years for its outstanding strength and durability.

What is Granite?

Granite is a colored plutonic rock that consists of quartz,  potassium feldspar, sodium feldspar. They are unique because of their appearance and structure. Their incomparable design and color make it the most designer top choice. Each granite slab is unique, with its color and design, and in most cases, no two pieces are identical found in nature.

Different Types of Granite Countertops and Colors

In this section, we will discuss different types of granite countertops and colors. Various types and colors sometimes make it very confusing. So let’s start our discussion to get a clear view of granite countertops.

Types of Granite Countertops

Tiled Granite: Tiled granite is less expensive and repairable. They come with a large number of colors and motifs. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to make a perfect countertop with tiled granite because of smaller shapes. They have to be placed edge to edge and secured with epoxy to use as a countertop. Cleaning a tiled granite is very difficult because many seams are created on its surface during installation.

Modular Granite: Modular granite or Granite modules look like min-slabs. The standard size of modular granite is 12 inches wide and 24 inches long, and its depth is like any standard base cabinet. Usually, modular granite is larger than tiles but thinner than a slab. They are not very heavy; one or two people can handle a modular granite for DIY installation. A modular granite piece comes with different cuts and pre-sealed, so there is no need to seal it after installation.

Modular Granite

Slab Granite: Slab granite is the most expensive and sophisticated option for countertop. A solid piece of granite extracted and fabricated to fit any countertop. The most common granite slab size is 9 to 10 feet long, and 5 to 6 feet wide, and the thickness of a granite slab could be ¾ inch to 1 ¼ inch. Granite slab is immensely more massive than any other, so it should be installed with professional help. You can get different granite slabs from Granite Countertops In Boston Ma.

What Determines Granite Colors?

Granite is a compound of rocks, potassium feldspar, amphiboles, mica, primarily quartz, and many other minerals that give granite extraordinary looks and color. Naturally, a granite slab contains 10-65% feldspar,5-15% micas, and 20-60% quartz.

We see a lot of color and design variations on granite because of its formation. Color variation also depends on the source of the minerals and molten rock that cooled to form the granite. Mainly Molten rocks disparity creates a variation of color in the granite. You can get a more detailed view of granite color from the below chart:

  • Quartz – It is a natural substance that consists of silicon and oxygen. It is also known as silicon dioxide. It is usually milky white color.
  • Feldspar – Feldspar is a group of tectosilicate minerals. That is useful for rock-forming. It is usually off-white color.
  • Potassium Feldspar – Potassium feldspar is one type of mineral that helps to form igneous rock. Usually, it looks like salmon pink color.
  • Biotite – It is also known as black mica minerals, and they are mostly found in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Usually, it looks like black or dark brown color.
  • Muscovite – This one is the most apparent mineral of the mica family. Muscovite is one of the essential forming minerals. Usually, it becomes metallic gold or yellow.
  • Amphibole – Amphibole is also known as aluminosilicate minerals. It helps to form prisms or needlelike crystals. Usually, they are black or dark green.

Different Types of Granite Countertops Colors

White Granite: Granite color depends on its chemical composition. White granite is popular because it’s a clean, shiny, and elegant look. Granite is a combination of minerals and rocks. But the main minerals of white granite are quartz (milky white) and feldspar (opaque white). If you see any black specks or any other black shades on granite, that is called an amphibole.

Some of the most popular white granite is Alaska white, Andino White, Colonial White, New River White, Moon White, Mystic Spring, Salinas White.

Black Granite: Black granite is a perfect choice for them who want a solid and sparkly look in their countertops. Black granite, also recognized as gabbro, and it is a mafic intrusive igneous rock alike basalt. Gabbro is mainly composed of minerals, augite, and plagioclase. Also, gabbro contains minerals and small amounts of olivine (dark green), plagioclase, amphibole, and pyroxene.

Some of the most popular black granite is Impala Black, Agatha Black, Black Pearl, Absolute Black, Black Galaxy, Cambrian Black, Titanium, and India Black.

Pink Granite: Pink granite is not very common; that’s why they are more expensive than others. Granite becomes pink because of some minerals. Any pink granite contains feldspar, quartz, mica & amphibole minerals. Most variations of potassium feldspar give any granite a pink color.

Some of the most popular pink granite is Giallo Nathalia, Giallo Venezia, Rosewood, Bordeaux, Tiberius Granite, Shivakashi Pink, Crema.

Red Granite: Red granite comes as a flaked structure. Granite becomes red because of the discrepancy of pink potassium feldspar abundant. When k-feldspar( KAlSi3O8) becomes redder than pink, the whole granite gets a red color look.

Blue Granite: Among the other granite colors, green is a relatively expensive one. Green natural granite is very rare. When green feldspar mineral is called amazonite, mixed with other minerals of granite, it forms a greenish color. Green granite is similar to a metamorphic rock.

Some of the most popular green granite is Costa Esmeralda, Verde Butterfly, Peacock Green, Uba Tuba, Hawaiian Green, Seafoam Green, Emerald Pearl.

Conclusion

This article is all about different types of granite countertops and color. Sometimes, the number of granite types and granite color variations confuse us. So if you read this article carefully, you can get a clear view of the most reliable granite countertops for your kitchen. If you want to maximize the area of your kitchen, you must read these kitchen storage tips.

When you design or redesign your home, you have to be careful about granite countertops because sometimes heavy materials can be the cause of crack or break the granite countertops surface.