how do i know if my countertop is granite

How to Tell If Granite Is Fake or Real

Full Answer

How can you tell if a countertop is fake granite?

There are several ways you can tell that a countertop is fake granite, rather than the actual stone. Although the imitation surface may look real at first, find out how you can determine that it is not the real thing. In general, granite will cost between $35 to $75 per square foot.

How do you know if your granite is marble?

When you look at a granite slab, you will see various pieces in a speckled pattern that come together to form the stone. You will come across some granite that has a veined look similar to marble, but when you look at it closely, the color patches tend to be grainy and blurry, instead of having distinct streaks.

How to tell the countertop material you are dealing with?

For you to tell the countertop material you are dealing with; you need to look at several factors that include: Since granite is natural, it has an earthier texture that results from mineral crystals which often bear microscopic fissures.

What is the difference between marble and granite countertops?

Unlike granite, marble is translucent; hence you can see a few millimeters past the surface, which gives the material more depth. Granite has been around for years, and it’s one of the most popular countertop materials in the market. It contains an assortment of different minerals such as: mica, feldspar, and quartz.

How can you tell if its granite?

To identify granite, do a scratch test. Take a knife blade, and try scratching the surface (in an inconspicuous place). If it's hard to scratch, then it's likely to be granite (or some type of igneous rock). If you are able to scratch the stone it is either marble or limestone.

How can I tell if my countertop is granite or quartz?

Every slab of granite or marble is unique. If it is natural stone, no two areas of the stone will look exactly alike. Because quartz slabs are manufactured, they tend to have a fairly uniform color and consistency throughout, with little variation in the patterns and textures.

How can I tell what my countertop is made of?

Use a knife to scratch the surface of a countertop. The outcome indicates the hardness of the mineral. If the knife leaves a scratch, the stone is likely marble. If there are no scratches, the stone is likely a much harder stone like quartzite or granite.

How can you tell solid surface from granite?

Solid surface materials are softer than granite and thus more difficult to crack, and the material has no vulnerability to etching from acidic materials. It can be stained, but discolorations are usually fairly easy to scrub out.

Which is more expensive quartz or granite?

Quartz is generally less expensive. But with the exception of the cheapest granite, quartz is generally less expensive—$70 to $100 per square foot installed compared with granite's price range of $60 to $270 per square foot installed.

Which is stronger quartz or granite?

Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.

What is a cheap countertop material?

Ceramic and porcelain tile are among the most affordable varieties and come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic granite and other stone. Natural stone tiles are pricier than ceramic but are much more affordable than slab granite or marble.

How can you tell difference between marble and granite?

Granite is harder and more stain resistant than marble, which makes it perfect for fireplaces, bars, and kitchen counters. Marble is softer and more porous, so it's better suited in a bathroom, or around a hot tub. Finally, granite is typically speckled with many different minerals, while marble is usually veiny.

Can you paint granite countertops?

Since smooth, glossy surfaces do not hold paint well, you will have to abrade (roughen) the granite to make sure the primer and paint stick. You can do this mechanically using sandpaper. An electric sander will save you a lot of time and pain, but it's important to take your time and not miss any small areas.

What is the most durable counter top?

Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.

Does solid surface scratch easily?

Solid surface counters are easy to repair. One of the primary downsides of solid surface countertops is that they scratch easily since they're made of a relatively soft material. They can be damaged by knives and other utensils, resulting in unsightly markings.

What is considered a solid surface countertop?

Solid-surface countertops consist of mineral dust (mostly marble) mixed with a variety of plastic resins and pigments. Solid surface's main appeal is that it is easy to fabricate and can create invisibly seamed countertops.

Can I use Clorox wipes on my quartz countertops?

The harsh truth is that Clorox wipes are not an effective way for cleaning quartz countertops. While using them gives the appearance of cleanliness, it actually causes unintentional damage to the countertop after prolonged use.

Can you put hot pans on quartz?

Quartz kitchen countertops are heat resistant and can protect against the spread of fire. However, extra caution should be taken as the countertops can get damaged from exposure to excess heat. Ensure you use heat protectors such as coasters, hot pads and trivets to protect the countertops from heat damage.

What is the best cleaner for quartz countertops?

For a quick clean, dish soap, warm water and a microfiber cloth are the best way to clean quartz countertops. Wipe the soapy mixture in circular motions and be sure to remove any residue with warm water and a dry cloth.

Does quartz stain easily?

Quartz countertops are highly resistant to stains as they are engineered stones and much easier to care for than natural stone countertops such as marble. Still, it's good to know that when accidents happen, you can fix them using readily-available products.

What does a natural countertop look like?

The colors of the countertops will appear as veins or swirls throughout the stone, and since the countertop is natural, it won’t have repeating or symmetrical patterns.

What is quartz made of?

Quartz. Quartz counters are humanmade, where they are made by mixing ground quartz stone, resins, and polymers. Some quartz countertops can be a mix of ground granite, marble and other natural stones giving birth to engineered stone. Since the countertops are humanmade, they come in a variety of colors and patterns.

What is the most popular countertop material?

Granite has been around for years, and it’s one of the most popular countertop materials in the market. It contains an assortment of different minerals such as: mica, feldspar, and quartz. It comes in different colors such as brown, gray, white, and red.

What is granite called?

Granite is referred to as a phanerite rock. This means it contains crystals and mineral clumps that are large enough to distinguish with naked eyes. When you look at a granite slab, you will see various pieces in a speckled pattern that come together to form the stone.

How to keep countertops in shape?

To keep them in shape, avoid sitting on them. You also should avoid placing a heavy cooking item at the edges of the countertops. Finally, you should make a habit of clearing any debris from the countertops as soon as it happens.

What color is marble?

Unfortunately, most of the marble contains other minerals that give it a myriad of colors such as black, pink, gray, and yellow. Real marble tends to have unparalleled glossiness. When you are inspecting the stone, don’t take this as a telltale sign your countertop is made from marble as unscrupulous business people can replicate it by adding small ...

What is the most elegant natural stone?

Marble is said to be the most elegant natural stone in the world. Just like granite, it has been around for years, and it has been used to construct palaces for kings and statues dedicated to gods.

Where Does Granite Come From?

Granite comes from quarries worldwide. The natural stone is often quarried in locations such as Brazil, India and the United States. The wide availability of granite contributes to the stone’s popularity.

What is Fake Granite?

Fake granite is just what it sounds like – countertops that are made to imitate the beauty of the natural stone. Many countertop surfaces can be made to have the look of granite, from engineered stone to laminate to countertops that are even painted to have a granite look.

Why is granite so popular?

Lastly, one of the reasons granite is so popular is because of the easy maintenance that the countertops require. While you will have to maintain the countertops, the maintenance requirements are minimal compared to other countertop options you have. All you need for daily cleaning is warm soap and water.

How to tell if granite is real?

Testing the porosity of the granite is an easy way to tell if it is fake or not. Natural granite is porous, and therefore will absorb water that is spilled on the surface (unless it has recently been sealed). On the other hand, fake granite will be non-porous. Take a small amount of water and apply it to a small area of the stone. If the water absorbs within a few minutes, you have real granite that is not sealed. However, if the water does not absorb at all, it is very likely that the granite is fake. The only instance in which this granite will be real would be if it is already sealed, which is not likely considering that you often have to do the sealing on your own. In any case, you should be suspicious.

How much does granite cost?

In general, granite will cost between $35 to $75 per square foot. If you find a stone that is supposedly granite that is significantly less than this cost, you should be suspicious. If the stone is cheaper than this range, it is likely that you are being presented fake granite. If the “granite” costs less and is not fake, it is very likely to be poor quality stone.

Why is granite considered a good countertop?

This makes granite an especially great choice for kitchen countertops, as the surface will be able to withstand the wear and tear that it will see in the kitchen.

When was granite used as a countertop?

Granite has been one of the world’s most popular building materials for countertops since the late 1980s. The natural stone soared in popularity after costs decreased when it started to be quarried worldwide. Before this time, granite was typically a stone that was only affordable for wealthy homeowners. In today’s age, you can find granite countertops in a countless number of kitchens and bathrooms across the world.

What is the most popular countertop in 2021?

Last updated on July 05, 2021. Granite and marble are our two most popular kitchen countertop options here at Marble.com. Both have their own unique advantage, which makes them coveted by homeowners, real estate agents, and interior designers. However, if you’re new to countertop shopping then you may be at a loss identifying ...

How is granite formed?

Granite is an igneous rock, formed when magma or lava cools over millions of years. It’s a grainy stone made from large minerals that fit tightly together. If you take a close look at this slab, you can see the different pieces that create its unique look.

What is marble made of?

Unlike granite, marble is a metamorphic rock, which is formed when limestone undergoes tremendous heat and pressure. Marble is predominantly made of calcite, which is a softer mineral.

Is granite a mineral?

Granite is a grainy, igneous rock that is composed of many different minerals. Marble has a softer look, due to its high concentration of calcite. Marble is mostly available in light white or pastel colors, although there are some darker slabs available.

Is granite better than marble?

It’s hard to find a color that granite does not come in. Granite is harder and more stain resistant than marble, which makes it perfect for fireplaces, bars, and kitchen counters. Marble is softer and more porous, so it’s better suited in a bathroom, or around a hot tub.

Is granite good for countertops?

Because there are so many different minerals in nature, there are thousands of colors of granite available, in almost any design imaginable. Since granite is so durable and stain resistant, it’s best suited for fireplaces, bar tops, bathrooms, and of course, kitchen countertops.

Is Marble.com a quick turnaround company?

When it comes time to get the job done, our fabrication and installation teams have the equipment and expertise it takes to get your project cut and delivered the right way, every time. We at Marble.com are known for our incredibly quick turnaround, as we understand having countertops and other mainstays installed quickly and properly is important to our customers. We value your time, and our goal is to create the best work possible and have you enjoying it as possible.

How to know if granite is sealed properly?

The only way to determine if granite has been sealed properly is to follow these steps: Perform the water test for sealing granite countertops before applying a sealer to establish a baseline for the original "time-to-absorption". After applying the first coat of sealer, test again noting the improvement (increase) in time-to-absorption.

How long does it take for a granite countertop to seal?

You Know a Granite Countertop is Sealed When... On average, when testing shows absorption takes 20 minutes or more (30 minutes is ideal) then the countertop/floor has been effectively "sealed". This can occur after the first coat on many granite colors. But hold on... this does not occur in every case.

How long does it take for water to evaporate on a granite countertop?

Usually water (and most liquids except oil) evaporate before absorbing into a well-sealed countertop. The fact that the water is "staining" (if under 10 minutes) is the exact indicator that no granite sealer has been applied (or applied very poorly) and the countertop needs sealing.

How long does it take for granite to absorb?

Multiple coats will be needed and maybe the best you can achieve is to increase the time to absorption to say 10 minutes (on a highly porous granite).

What does a sealer do to a stone?

The sealer's job is to increase the time it takes for liquids to absorb.

How long can you leave liquid on granite?

However, if a liquid is left on most granite for 30 minutes or more it could potentially abosrb (even when sealed) depending on the original porosity of the granite.

Can you let sealer dry on a surface?

Tip: Never let the sealer dry on the surface. This does not help absorption but it does leave a hazy residue on the surface. Make sure to wipe off all excess and completely dry the surface after each coat (if 2+ coats are needed).