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<\/p>\nLike giant slabs of diamond, granite is forever. Formed under immense subterranean geological pressure, granite is an extremely dense composite of hardy minerals that is virtually impervious to scratches, scuffs, stains, and heat. But granite is also as beautiful as a diamond, if not more so\u2014it is rich and vibrant in hue, with colors and variations that range from abyssal, monochromatic black to regal azure with flecks of semiprecious stones that glint and play in the light. This timeless material has been prized since Ancient Egyptian times to today, where it still decorates palaces, penthouse suites, and state-of-the-art kitchens.<\/p>\n
But when it comes to actually bringing a piece of the earth\u2019s history into your home, there\u2019s more you need to know. Here are some tips from the granite industry that will help you build the kitchen of your dreams:<\/p>\n
Because granite is a composite of many different minerals from all around the world, it goes by many names that can refer to color, patter\/grain, and provenance. It can be a little confusing at first\u2014some styles go by several different names, while others share a name with lower-quality imitations.<\/p>\n
This lovely slab, for instance, goes by two names: \u201cLouisa\u201d and \u201cVan Gogh.\u201d On the other hand, \u201cAbsolute Black\u201d can refer not only to the deep darkness of Indian granite, but also to its dyed imitations from China.<\/p>\n
You should also familiarize yourself with common vocabulary used in granite selection. Italian color words and obscure provenances like \u201cJuparana\u201d (a lake in Brazil), accompany more impressionistic monikers like \u201cMotion Matrix\u201d are all par for the course in granite selection. The more you know, the better you can discern the qualities that make granite truly luxurious.<\/p>\n
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When selecting a\u00a0kitchen countertop<\/a>, it\u2019s common practice to select a color that compliments your cabinets or trim. It can be overwhelming to have too much of the same color in one room, so it\u2019s recommended to match the accent colors of your granite with the cabinets, with the dominant hue introducing a pleasant contrast.<\/p>\n For white cabinetry, try selecting granites such as\u00a0White Spring<\/a>,\u00a0Black Pearl<\/a>,\u00a0Silver\u00a0Pearl, Labrador\u00a0Green,\u00a0Blue Pearl<\/a>, or\u00a0Sapphire Blue<\/a>. These all feature busy veins and streaks of color that bring out the calm of a white backdrop. For a kitchen with a darker mood, consider granites with more brilliant palettes such as Giallo Ornamental<\/a>,\u00a0Lennon<\/a>,\u00a0Bianco Antico<\/a>,\u00a0Bianco Romano<\/a>, Super White,\u00a0Golden Crystal<\/a>, Delicatus<\/a>, or Venetian Pearl. Most granite \u201csuppliers\u201d will sell you prefabricated pieces of granite that they charge for the price of the whole slab. This not only limits the possible uses of the granite in question, it also means you are paying extra for something that is already quite expensive to begin with. If you truly appreciate this remarkable stone, get in touch with a supplier to select a slab you can incorporate into your\u00a0countertop design<\/a>. This will reduce waste, save money, and give you greater appreciation for the natural beauty of granite.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong><\/p>\n3) Forget the middleman<\/h2>\n
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