Granite is a popular choice for many purposes because of its striking appearance and exceptional durability. There are countless reasons to love granite. For one, it’s an incredibly durable stone that can be used for everything from monuments to countertops. Plus, its fascinating natural composition – primarily quartz and feldspar – makes it truly unique. It is an igneous rock created when lava cools and solidifies. Deep under the earth’s surface, granite takes thousands of years to form. The massive solid chunks of granite are formed as the lava cools down. The exquisite countertops or flooring you find in your house are made from this material after being purified and extracted from the earth’s depths.
The Mining Process
Granite mining is an important industrial process. Quarries are places where granite slabs can be found. Miners usually select sites that are close to the planet’s surface. To make a granite slab, they first extract raw granite from the earth’s crust in big pieces. Granite can be extracted from shallow mines because it is near the surface. To get the right block size and shape, they bore small holes into the granite while it is still in the ground.
To reveal the beautiful granite beneath the soil, the layers of earth that surround the stone are eliminated. Then, using an open cast mining procedure, the granite is carefully removed from the ground. To separate the particular stone blocks from the surroundings, hydraulic hammers are used to drill holes into the rock. Once the desired blocks are identified, cranes can then be used to elevate them to the surface.
Fabrication
After being extracted from the quarry, raw granite blocks are transported to production plants via truck. Weighing around ten tons per block, the granite is then chopped into smaller blocks for easier handling. These finer blocks are then polished to create a high sheen and show off the inherent colors and patterns. The tiny slabs are polished using a machine with diamond cleaning brushes. With every fresh coat of polish, the brilliance of the stone is brought out, giving it a smooth yet unpolished look.
What Happens Next?
The blocks will be then cleaned again before being shipped to various places across the world, where they will be unloaded and delivered to wholesalers in multiple towns in each country they are delivered to. These granite products are polished once more after delivery using a piece of mobile polishing equipment to eliminate any minor dings from the transit procedure. The granite slabs are now ready for sale and installation in a home or office near you! It is truly amazing to think that slabs of rock formed by the earth can become such amazing surfaces in our homes.
Key Takeaway
Thanks to the efficient extraction process, we are able to enjoy beautiful granite countertops in our homes. The stone is extracted, polished, and transported with care, then received, measured, cut, and installed by skilled professionals. The end result is a stunning and durable surface that enhances any home.