Are Granite Countertops Man-Made or Natural?

Natural stone has been a classic and timeless trend in interior design and home decor, captivating homeowners with its inherent beauty and remarkable durability. Properly cared for, natural stone can withstand the test of time, serving as a long-lasting addition to any space. On top of its longevity, natural stone also allures with its uniqueness; no two slabs of natural stone are identical, ensuring that your countertops will always possess a distinctive character.

The versatility of natural stone extends beyond just countertops, offering a variety of design possibilities. From countertops and bathroom showers to custom sinks, flooring and backsplashes, the applications are virtually endless. Homeowners can choose from a diverse range of materials, including marble, granite, quartzite and various other options, allowing for customization and personalization tailored to individual preferences.

Although many contemporary countertops are now composed of synthetic materials, granite countertop slabs stand apart as authentic natural stone. Unlike cultured or manufactured granite products, which incorporate man-made components, genuine granite slabs boast unique patterns and characteristics, each telling its own story of natural formation and evolution.

At GMS Werks, we are your natural granite countertops company! Below, we explain the difference between manufactured granite and natural granite countertops!

What is natural granite?

Natural granite is a volcanic rock; it was created as lava cooled. Several minerals can be found inside of it, including feldspar, mica and quartz. The composition varies considerably, giving different stones a wide spectrum of colors.

If a slab contains muscovite, it has a more yellowish appearance. On the other hand, biotite gives it a darker surface. Quartz and feldspar are more common; they can add pink, white and gray to the mix.

How natural granite is made

Although it's natural, the slabs used for natural granite countertops go through a long manufacturing process with numerous steps. The rock is mined from quarries across the U.S. and around the globe. Next, wire saws cut it into manageable pieces with the help of powerful drills.

The blocks are repeatedly separated into smaller chunks. Wire saws don't resemble the tools most people recognize. Instead, this equipment consists of metal wires that have beads of diamonds on them. Powerful motors make the wires revolve in loops.

After the slabs shrink to a comparatively small size, a side is polished and the stone is transported to a distribution center. Additional cuts are made to accommodate specific cabinets and fixtures before contractors install the countertops in homes.

What is manufactured granite?

Some installers offer manufactured or cultured granite. This man-made product consists of resin, calcium carbonate, stone granules and possibly other materials. These substances are ground and mixed before being bonded together. This results in a uniform but less natural appearance.

Which is best?

When it comes to countertops, choosing natural granite countertops over manufactured granite offers many advantages. Natural granite is much more durable and offers unique beauty when compared to cultured granite. However, since it’s a natural stone, natural granite is a more expensive investment than man-made alternatives. 

GMS Werks: Your natural granite countertops company

If you are looking to add natural granite countertops to your home, our team at GMS Werks is here to help! Give our team a call today with any questions you may have regarding our natural stone products and services!