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Tile Cleaning and Floor Restoration for the Coachella
Valley that includes: Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm
Desert, Indian Wells, Indio, Coachella.
 
 
What
Is Granite?
Granite,
igneous rock of visible crystalline formation and
texture. It is composed of feldspar (usually potash
feldspar and oligoclase) and quartz, with a small amount
of mica (biotite or muscovite) and minor accessory
minerals, such as zircon, apatite, magnetite, ilmenite,
and sphene. Granite is usually whitish or gray with a
speckled appearance caused by the darker crystals.
Potash feldspar imparts a red or flesh color to the
rock. Granite crystallizes from magma that cools slowly,
deep below the earth's surface.
Exceptionally slow rates of cooling give rise to a very
coarse-grained variety called pegmatite. Granite, along
with other crystalline rocks, constitutes the foundation
of the continental masses, and it is the most common
intrusive rock exposed at the earth's surface.
Although granite has been known as igneous rocks derived
from, molten masses or magmas, but there is wide
evidence that the origin of some granite may be
attributed to regional metamorphism or preexisting
rocks, rearrangement and recrystallization taking place
without a liquid or molten stage.
The specific gravity of granite ranges from 2.63 to
2.75. Its crushing strength is from 1050 to 14,000 kg
per sq cm (15,000 to 20,000 lb per sq in). Granite has
greater strength than sandstone, limestone, and marble
and is correspondingly more difficult to quarry. It is
an important building stone, the best grades being
extremely resistant to weathering.
Normally granite is classified in three different
groups:
FINE GRAIN:
Fine grain granites are those which the feldspar
crystals average about 1/16 - 1/8" in diameter.
MEDIUM GRAIN: Medium grain granites are those in
which the feldspar crystals average about 1/4" in
diameter.
COARSE GRAIN: Coarse grain granites are those in
which feldspar crystals average 1/2" , and greater
diameter or several centimeters in maximum dimension.
Coarse grain granites may have a lower
density.
Are You Damaging Your Granite?
If you are using an ordinary household cleaner on your
beautiful granite, marble, or other natural stone surfaces,
the answer is yes!
Although incredibly durable, natural stone requires proper
care to maintain its inherent beauty. A penetrating sealer
is typically used to protect against stains by blocking
pores and small cracks in the stone, keeping liquid on the
surface where it can be easily removed.
Most everyday household cleaners, however, contain ammonia
or other harmful chemicals that break down the sealer,
making the stone more susceptible to staining and reducing
its luster and durability. Common toiletries, like perfume
and toothpaste, also contain ingredients that damage stone
or degrade the sealer.
Our Daily Cleaner, Weekly Polish, Penetrating Sealer, and
Stone and Tile Floor Cleaner have been trusted by homeowners
for years to clean and protect granite, marble, travertine,
silestone, tile, and just about any other kind of natural or
manufactured stone surface.
Please contact us for a
free inspection and professional quotation.
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