Granite Myths 

Granite Emits Radon:  While granite and other natural stones ma contain minute traces of radon, in terms of building marials, radon emissions from concrete, cement and gypsum are far greater in comparison and more often used.  A full report is available at Marble Institutof America's web site at www.marble-institute.com.  

Granite Harbors Bacteria:  Granite continues to be used and approved in food and medical applications.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has no records of granite harboring bacteria.

Granite is Higher Priced than Solid Surface Materials:  With increased technology in the stone process industry, granite now is available for the same price as artificial, manmade solid surface materials, and granite offers a wider variety of colors and patterns to choose from.  Granite offers an unmatched value with its natural beauty, elegance and longevity.

Granite is Difficult to Maintain:  Granite is very easy to maintain.  Clean with a neutral soap and water, wipe off film with a solution of vinegar and water, and on occasion, from one to every five years, additional sealants can be applied.  We also offer cleaners specifrically made for stone surfaces.

Granite is Absorbent:  Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products.  Granite is commonly used as building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.

Granite Stains Easily:  Granite is resistent to stains.  Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up wihtin a few minutes, will not stain.  However, even water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dar colored spot but this will evaporate within minutes.  Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils will cause staines if left to soak into the stone.

Stains in Granite are Permanent:  Most stains can be removed.  Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.

Granite Will Lose its Polish Over the Years:  While this may be true of marble, granite will shine years from now just as if it was brand new.

Heat Will Cause Granite to Chip and Crack:  Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage.  Impact from a heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.

Dark Colored Granites are Harder than Light Colored Granites:  Granites are composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties.  The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to greyn colored mineral.

Granite and Marble are Essentially the Same:  Besides the fact that they are both natural stones and can be polished, they are otherwise very different.  Marble is generally a calcious stone, formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed).  Granite, however, is an egneous rock, essentially molten magma, which is cooled and then hardened below the earth's surface.