Q1.	What is granite?
Q2.	How to maintain granite?
Q3.	What’s the difference between marble and granite?
Q4.	Do I have to buy the whole sheet/slab?
Q5.	Is it necessary to seal stone?
Q6.	Why is granite ideal for kitchen counters?
Q7.	Can granite be damaged?
Q8.	What is marble?
Q9.	Can I use marble on my kitchen counters?
Q10.	Can I cut on my granite countertop?
Q11.	What is honed granite?
Q12.	Can I use granite outdoor? is it too slippery?
Q13.	What is etching?
Q14.	What is flamed granite?
Q15.	How heavy is granite and will my cabinets support it?
Q16.	Why Choose Marble and Granite Over Synthetic Material?
Q17.	Why do I have to have seams in my countertop and what do they look like?
Q18.	What is the most appropriate thickness for the tops 2 cm or 3 cm?
Q19.	Is natural stone very expensive?
Q1.	What is granite?
A1.	The term "granite" is used to cover a group of related stones, all of which have their origin deep in the earth’s molten mantle. As this extremely hot liquid material rises and cools, it forms a crystalline, granular structure, hence the term granite. Granite and other granite-like stones are formed of hard minerals such as quarts, feldspar and mica, which are fused together into a very hard stone.
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Q2.	How to maintain granite?
A2.	The stone you install today will stay beautiful and functional for generations – with very little maintenance. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Never use abrasive cleaners.
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Q3.	What’s the difference between marble and granite?
A3.	Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages. Marble lasts as long as granite but is typically best used for items such as vases, crosses, and mantels. Subtle color choices and veining patterns that marble offers can create more unique and exquisite designs in bathrooms. Physically, marble is less dense and is often the preferred choice for fireplace mantels because more detailed designs can be carved.
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Q4.	Do I have to buy the whole sheet/slab?
A4.	Slabs are always sold intact. Buying random slabs is similar to buying fabric. Like a seamstress or tailor, your fabricator buys the raw material and sells you a completed installation. In the price is included the cost of transporting the material, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, bringing the pieces to your job site and fitting them into place. How much material he needs is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. The fabricator will lay out your job in a way that will minimize the amount of waste material while maximizing the natural beauty of veining and pattern.
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Q5.	Is it necessary to seal stone?
A5.	All stone, even granite, is porous to some degree, and will absorb stains over time. Some stones are more porous than others, so it is important to use a penetrating sealer to prevent stains from oil, wine, or other liquids from soaking into the surface.
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Q6.	Why is granite ideal for kitchen counters?
A6.	Because granite is very hard stone that’s formed at very high temperatures deep in the earth, it’s unaffected by typical kitchen heat such as hot pans, or spilled boiling liquid. Also its polish is not subject to etching by household acids such as citrus and vinegar, or subject to scratching by knives and pots and pans.
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Q7.	Can granite be damaged?
A7.	Like any solid surface, extremely high impact blows can harm granite. Because of its crystalline structure, it can chip if subjected to very hard sharp objects ( granite cuuting tool).
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Q8.	What is marble?
A8.	True geological marble is limestone that has been subjected to great pressure and heat, which has changed its structure to a crystalline, sugary texture. It is generally white or whitish, sometimes translucent, with some veining or color provided by other minerals present at its formation.
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Q9.	Can I use marble on my kitchen counters?
A9.	Yes. In fact, marbles that have a honed finish will not etch because its surface starts out with a matte finish. Sometimes used in the kitchen as a pastry slab; its perfectly smooth, cool surface is ideal for rolling out dough and piecrusts. Because marbles are calcium carbonate, the polished surface is more vulnerable than honed to household acids. Acidic substances cause a chemical reaction which will remove the polish.
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Q10.	Can I cut on my granite countertop?
A10.	Only if you want to ruin your good knives. Granite is harder than your knife blades and will dull them very quickly, if you use the countertop as a cutting surface. Always cut and chop on a wooden or plastic cutting board.
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Q11.	What is honed granite?
A11.	Strictly speaking, granite is called "honed" when the polishing process is halted just before a reflective shiny surface is achieved. This gives a softer, matte appearance to the stone.
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Q12.	Can I use granite outdoor? is it too slippery?
A12.	Flamed granite or pavers, which has a very textured, non-slippery surface can be used to carry out your design.
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Q13.	What is etching?
A13.	Etching happens when acid in some form comes in contact with a polished marble surface. This causes a chemical reaction which removes the polish, or roughens the surface of honed marble. Granite is impervious to any common household acids.
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Q14.	What is flamed granite?
A14.	Granite is flamed by applying blowtorch-strength heat to the surface of the stone. This causes the surface to melt and some of the crystals to shatter, leaving a highly textured surface which is ideal for exterior paving or wet areas where optimum non-slipperiness is required.
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Q15.	How heavy is granite and will my cabinets support it?
A15.	The actual density of granite will vary from material to material. On average, a piece of granite that is one square foot by 1/4" thick weighs approximately 4 to 5 lbs. Granite that is 3/4" thick weighs approximately 12 to 15 lbs. per square foot. As long as you have ordinary cabinets with frames that are securely fastened to the wall and/or floor, your cabinets will support granite countertops. The force of an average person weighing 150 lbs. standing on a cabinet creates more stress on the cabinets than the granite countertops. Granite applies about 20 lbs. per square foot.
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Q16.	Why Choose Marble and Granite Over Synthetic Material?
A16.	There are numerous advantages to using natural stone such as granite and marble in place of synthetic materials such as Corian, Formica, porcelain, concrete or ceramic tile. Natural stone is durable, long-lasting and color selection is generally far more extensive. Most people consider natural stone more expensive than it actually is. Not only can natural stone be affordable but its resilience proves cost effective over time. On the other hand, synthetic material requires periodic replacement and costly repairs. At Digital Edge Egyptian Granite, we pride ourselves on the ability to offer quality granite and marble products at affordable prices that are often lower than those of synthetic products. Consumers often prefer granite and marble simply for the attractiveness of natural stone. Synthetic products usually aim to mimic the color variations found in granite or marble. Using man-made material may achieve a similar outward appearance, but there is a definite difference in quality and ease of use. Granite is considered an ideal choice for kitchen countertops because it can withstand high heat, up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas heat pads are necessary for countertops made from synthetic materials due to potential burn marks and fading. Granite countertops are virtually scratch-proof and will not scratch even when directly cut on. Man-made material is susceptible to burning, discoloration, scratching and can deteriorate due to normal wear and tear. Using granite or marble for your kitchen countertops and other home accents is a great way to increase overall value of your home.
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Q17.	Why do I have to have seams in my countertop and what do they look like?
A17.	Slab size may not be large enough for the entire run of the countertop. The weight of the material may dictate that seams are inserted so that the structural integrity of the material is not jeopardized. The cabinet structure, placement of cooktops, or other cutouts may require seams. Access to the job or layout of the countertops may be limited and/or difficult to work with. The type of material may require seams to maintain the structural integrity of the material. Tightness of seam will not to exceed 1/16"-1/8" width. Seam is sealed with a moisture-proof silicone/plastic caulk that is color-matched to the material to minimize visibility.
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Q18.	What is the most appropriate thickness for the tops 2 cm or 3 cm?
A18.	The 2 cm thick stone is approximately 3/4" thick, ranging from 5/8" to 7/8" in thickness. The 3 cm is approximately 1 3/16", and can range from 1 1/16" to 1 5/16" thick. 2 cm will work, but we recommend using the 3 cm granite for kitchen countertops for both aesthetic reasons and structural reasons.
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Q19.	Is natural stone very expensive?
A19.	There are many different price levels, which are usually determined by the availability of the product. If it is a very rare stone it will be more expensive. However, many natural stones cost as much or less than artificial (manmade or engineered) stones.
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