What Is: Granite Building Materials?
Granite is one of the most durable of natural substances, granite is formed from molten rock which has seeped in between other rocks in the earth's crust and crystallized. Derived from the Latin word granum, meaning grains, granite displays a coarse, grainy appearance and is found abundantly throughout the world. Its hardness, durability and natural beauty makes granite a preferred material for construction, and it has been used for centuries in buildings, monuments and sculptures. Granite's resistance to temperature fluctuations, acids and water also makes it useful for many below surface-grade applications. Once polished, granite becomes scratch-resistant, making it an extremely popular material for interior uses such as countertops, vanities, tabletops, and fireplace hearths. Granite is found in a wide variety of colors ranging from pink to various shades of black, and each piece of granite is unique. New Hampshire's nickname is the Granite State, and granite is also the state stone of North Carolina.
