Countertops: Granite & Marble Granite is formed deep beneath the earth's crust at temperatures in the thousands of degrees. Its broad range of elegant patterns and mineral-rich colors has made it probably the most popular natural stone available today. It is the most versatile, durable and maintenance-free of all stones, making it ideal for kitchen countertops. It also handles heat extremely well. When granite is used for countertops, large polishing machines are used to progressively grind the stone to a mirror-like finish. After installation, the granite countertop should be sealed with an appropriate penetrating sealing product so that it is resistant to being darkened by oils or stained by certain liquids. Once sealed, warm, soapy water may be used for regular cleaning. The sealer should be reapplied periodically. Marble is formed from limestone, a sedimentary rock that is formed at the bottom of lakes and seas as silt and organic matter settle to the bottom. When the limestone undergoes enough heat and pressure, it metamorphoses into a crystalline structure known as marble. Marble is usually polished to a mirror-like finish and is valued greatly for its rich palette of beautiful colors. However, it is a more porous stone than granite. Therefore, special care must be taken when selecting it for kitchen countertops. It is a very popular choice for bathrooms. Like granite, marble should be sealed with a penetrating sealer, which needs to be reapplied periodically. Marble can be damaged by acidic substances, which if not wiped up promptly can dull its polished surface. It can also be stained by some cosmetics. For regular maintenance, use a stone-specific cleaner that is formulated to be gentle to stone surfaces.

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