The Cost of Beauty - What Makes Granite Sparkle and the Potential Drawbacks of it

Lifestone, LLC
Mar 18, 2015
3 min read

In previous blogs, we've discussed why granite has remained the number one choice for kitchen countertops throughout the years. A couple of examples would be granite's durability, the value it adds when choosing to sell your home, and how it will likely never need to be replaced, unlike laminate countertops, which need replacing every 10 years or so.

It's also true that granite offers a certain class to a kitchen that laminate countertops can't compete with. But, as stone professionals, we know there are certain granite choices that do have their own drawbacks. It's our job to make the homeowner aware of the benefits and potential problems associated with any natural stone choice they make.

Granite is formed from slow crystallization of magma below the Earth's surface. Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar, and in certain stone varieties, it also contains mica. The eye-catching glisten and sparkle you see when looking at a granite slab is the Mica within the stone.

There's no doubt that Mica gives granite an even more beautiful appearance, but the added beauty does come at a cost for the homeowner who chooses purchase it.

Granite with a large amount of mica is more fragile than a stone with little to no mica in it. The mica, when being fabricated, can crumble easily. This is why many fabricators will charge more for a job using this type of granite.

The fabricator and installation team will need more time to ensure they don't damage this precious stone. Edging choices are greatly limited because intricate or complicated options are not possible without damaging the granite.

This is not to imply that this type of granite is not durable. After all, it is still granite. The only natural stones harder than granite are diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. When permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are prime requirements, granite remains the perfect choice.

Simply put, fabricating and installing a granite with a greater amount of mica in it requires more care, skill, and expertise than granite of other varieties.

Granite is a natural product, and each slab is unique. Different slabs of granite may perform differently than a stone of the exact same color or variety. Not every granite that sparkles in the light will be fragile. This is why it is important to choose a team of stone professionals who will discuss the potential drawbacks of any stone choice with you prior to beginning your home renovation project.

The professionals at Lifestone, LLC are experienced in the fabrication and installation of Granite with a large amount of Mica in it. Our team of stone professionals will first advise homeowners of the fragile nature of this type of stone before the project begins.

If you have any questions regarding Mica in Granite Counterops, we invite you to contact our design specialist today! They will be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you free in-home consultation.

Lifestone, LLC designs, fashions, and installs quality custom granite, marble, Cambria® quartz, and quartzite countertops for residential and commercial customers in the Newport News,

James City County, and Williamsburg areas of Virginia. We provide free estimates and promise superior craftsmanship. Speak with one of our expert consultants about upgrading your kitchen at 757-696-1178.