Overseas GranitesQuarried from mountains of Italy, Brazil, the U.S., India and dozens of other countries around the world, granite is one of the most popular natural stones on the market. It provides organic beauty, indisputable strength and ultra durability. Granite is one of the oldest and most respected building materials. Traditionally, it's the ideal material chosen by architects and engineers when permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are vital.Granite can be used indoors and outdoors. Both eye-catching and ageless, it's available in a slew of sticking colors, textures and finishes that complement any decor. Granite can hold up in the most demanding situations. When used outdoors, granite's mineralogical composition can endure freeze and thaw cycles. The diamond-like hardness of granite makes it impervious to extreme heat, ultraviolet light, acids and abrasions. However, it is somewhat porous and requires a penetrating sealer to deter stains.Granite is dense and coarse grained and one of the hardest materials on earth, ranking close to that of quartz and diamonds. Granite is an igneous rock, which means it was once molten and formed as it slowly cooled deep within the earth's surface. Minerals appear within the granite as small flecks or nodules throughout the stone, creating a "salt and pepper" affect. Some types have veining similar to that of marble.
