Exotically Expressive in Nature
Granite is the current top choice for bathroom and kitchen countertops thanks to its durability, low maintenance and unique décor. No two slabs of granite are the same as this igneous rock is formed over millions of years in the Earth's crust. Granite is made from the cooling of molten rock and traditionally has a very grainy look to it. This is from the quartz crystals formed within the rock over time. Traditional granite is abundantly available through most granite and stone home décor companies. This granite has unique but fairly uniform striations with similarly sized dots and flecks throughout the slab. Exotic granite however is a very different type of rock with very expressive and as the name suggests, exotic patterns that vary in shape, size and length. The colour tends to be more vibrant in exotic granite as well, giving more punch to a room's personality.
Exotic Granite vs. Marble
Marble has been used for thousands of years as a symbol of elegance and class in architecture. Since the days of the Romans and Greeks, marble columns, statues and temples have added a unique and beautiful element to décor. Marble however is quite expensive and not as durable as granite. It's much older and is highly polished to expose all of its natural characteristics. Granite has properties that make it more suitable for home use. For example it has antibacterial properties that make it for kitchen and bathroom use. Granite is more durable, second only to the diamond in strength. While marble is quite strong, it can chip and dull in colour while granite can be used to cut on as well as hold hot pots and pans without damaging the stone. It's also fairly maintenance free, especially compared to marble which requires re-sealing every six months or so.
Marble has been more popular though compared with Granite based on pattern and style. With its crystallized striations, marble has a more fluid look to granite's grainy appearance. With exotic granite however, the expressive patterns are not unlike those of the marble patterns. Exotic granite allows home owners to have a unique counter or floor while still having the benefits of granite.
Nature's Work of Art
No two pieces of granite are the same, and even rarer than traditional granite is the variegated granite that is considered exotic. Similar pieces of granite will come from the quarries and there are many types of names for traditional granite, but they will never be completely alike. Some consider exotic granite as a unique piece of natural art with its own story to tell. While it is easier to match up granite with consistent patterns of traditional granite while renovating, for some it's worth the extra effort it takes to line up patterns in exotic granite to capture the personality and character of the room it is in.
Finish with the Right Finish
Picking your granite, while an individual choice based on taste and colour, should be researched. As with traditional granite, samples in the showroom will not be the final product that ends up on your counter top or floor so it's important to make sure you have the right colour and the right pattern for your décor. The finish of the granite is also important as it lends to the character and the story your granite tells. The most popular finish is the glossy finish, where the granite is buffed and polished so the pattern can truly shine through and capture the attention of the room. Honed granite is an option, which is more of a matte finish to the counter or floor and is also smooth to the touch. Lastly, brushed granite is finished with a rotary brush for a textured look rather than a smooth one. Choose wisely! Adding granite to your home is not only sure to create a new and colourful atmosphere for the room you put it in, but it also will lend to the re-sell value for your home.