Granite— derived from the Latin ‘granum’, a grain, in reference to the coarse-grained structure of the stone.
Granite is an intrusive igneous rock formed from liquid magma, the molten rock found at the earth’s core. The liquid is cooled slowly to form a hard and durable substance that has been used in buildings and structures for thousands of years.
The chemical composition of granite is similar to that of lava. However, granite owes its hardness and density to the fact that it has been solidified deep within the earth under extreme pressure.
Granite is available in a range of colours and textures making it an ideal choice for both residential and commercial projects whether the design is contemporary or traditional.
The popularity of granite pavers is due to:
- A large variety of colours and textures being available
- Strength, durability and hardness of stone.
- Superior reputation – it has been used for centuries across all building applications including bench tops, facades, monuments and pavements.
- Long term return on investment
- Resistant to long term weathering and aging
- Competitively priced compared to man-made replicas
Exfoliated. Exfoliation – to shed the thin, outermost layer of stone through weathering or heating. In the case of natural stone, an exfoliated finish is achieved by heating the surface of the stone to extreme temperatures, followed by cooling. The outermost layer blisters and chips creating a textured surface. (also known as flamed finish)
Polished. A polished surface creates a beautiful glossy shine from the natural reflection of the stone’s crystals. The mirror-like shine is created by using an abrasive machining process – progressively finer polishing heads are used during the polishing process, similar to the way that sandpaper smoothes timber.
Honed. Honing is an abrasive machining process that produces a more precise surface on a piece of stone. A honed surface provides a flat softer look and is created by stopping short of the last stage of polishing. A honed finish is matt and not reflective.
Natural Split. A natural split surface provides a rough undulating texture to the surface of the stone. This finish is typically achieved by splitting the stone along the ‘natural fault lines’ either by hand or machine. This finish is very popular on sandstone and slate and cobblestone setts.
Chiseled. The face of the stone has been etched with a sharp beveled chisel to create a unique look.
Special Chisel – A heavy, course looking finish where lines have been carved in the stone to give a rough textured finish. This finish is especially effective with water features.
Fine Chisel – A very fine detailed finish to the surface of the stone. The surface appears to have been raked and has fine lines running on the surface.
Bush Hammered. Stone that has a rough pockmarked texture that resembles naturally weathered rock. This look is created by repeatedly hitting the face of the stone with a hammer head which has a grid of pyramidal points. This finish is often used around swimming pools and steep driveways.
Sandblasted. When the surface of the stone is etched by a blast of air carrying sand at high velocity. This process gives the surface of the stone a fine textured finish.