While granite stone is a strong and durable building material, its natural beauty is what makes it so desirable. The vast array of colors and patterns found in granite is the result of the interplay between its mineral composition, the conditions under which it forms, and the geological processes it undergoes. In this post, the Orange County granite experts at Fuller Granite Repair are going to explain how the various colors and patterns of granite stone are created.
GRANITE PATTERNS
Many factors contribute to creating the beautiful patterns found in many types of granites.
Granite contains crystal grains of various colors and sizes. Grain size is determined by the rate at which the magma cooled. Slow cooling results in larger crystals, which gives a granite a coarse-grained texture, while faster cooling results in smaller grains and a finer texture.
The swirling patterns or veins in granite are formed by the distribution of different minerals during the cooling process. Speckled or dotted patterns occur when different minerals crystallize separately rather than mixing, creating a speckled appearance. The colors of these speckles depend on the specific minerals present.
Some granites display flow patterns. These patterns are formed when the molten rock is still partially liquid and in motion before solidifying. This movement creates fluid, wavy patterns that can be dramatic and visually striking.
Inclusions are foreign materials that become trapped within the granite as it forms. These can include fragments of other rocks or minerals, which can add unique patterns or color variations to the stone.
GRANITE COLORS
Granite’s color is determined by the mineral composition of the stone. Different minerals create different colors:
- White – White granite is primarily composed of quartz and feldspar. The predominantly white appearance is due to the dominance of light-colored minerals, with minimal amounts of darker minerals.
- Pink – Pink or red hues indicate a high concentration of orthoclase feldspar, which contains potassium. Trace amounts of iron in the stone can also contribute to these colors.
- Black – Pure black granite is extremely rare. However, black granites can form when the stone contains a high concentration of dark minerals like hornblende, biotite, or pyroxene. Basalt is sometimes referred to as black granite.
- Green – Minerals such as chlorite, epidote, or green feldspar (amazonite) create the green hues found in certain types of granite.
- Yellow and Gold – Yellow and gold colors in granite are typically due to the presence of iron oxides, which stain the feldspar or other minerals in the stone. Muscovite can also create gold and silver flecks or streaks in granite.
- Blue – Like black granite, blue granite is very rare. The blue hues come from minerals like sodalite or labradorite. Blue granite is generally more expensive due to its unique appearance.
THE SOUTH BAY’S PREMIER GRANITE REPAIR COMPANY
No matter what the color or pattern of your granite stone, you want to keep it looking its best. If your granite surfaces are getting dull, stained or cracked, give Fuller Granite Repair a call. We’ve been offering professional granite cleaning, maintenance, and repair services to home and business owners throughout the South Bay and Orange County since 1993. Our team of highly trained technicians can restore your granite surfaces to their original appearance and beauty. Call us at 855-289-1738 or contact us online to get a free quote.