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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do some granites cost more than others?
- What is the difference between granite and marble?
- What products should be used to clean granite and marble countertops?
Granite price is determined by several factors like supply and demand, color, movement, character, and how accessible the material is for quarrying and shipping. More colorful or dramatic rare and thus stones are expensive. Different prices do not indicate a difference in performance; all granite is extremely durable and low-maintenance.
Marble is made by layers of minerals, calcium, and sediments at the bottom of bodies of water eventually fossilizing, while granite is an igneous rock formed as the result of high-heat reactions deeper within the earth which form a harder, denser stone. Marble is softer and more porous than granite; for that reason it is not recommended for use in high-traffic areas such as kitchens. It is more susceptible to staining, breaking, or chipping. This difference in durability is a result of the processes which form the stone.
A gentle cleanser like dish soap (recommended) works well, with no ammonia, bleach, other acids, or abrasives, should be used to clean the countertops, and then followed up with something like lemon furniture oil to make it shine. Spills from highly acidic liquids like fruit juice and wine as well as oils should be cleaned up immediately, because the longer exposures of these agents reduce the shine.