Heterotypic Granite

Heterotypic granite is one of the most abundant igneous rocks on the Earth’s surface. It is the best-known igneous rock primarily due to its many uses inside homes, offices, or any other structure. After it’s harvested, heterotypic granite can be found in almost anything, whether it be countertops, paving stone, stair treads, floor tiles, building veneer, or even cemetery monuments and headstones.

It is formed under extreme pressure and heat from underneath the Earth. This is called intrusive heterotypic granite, one of the two classifications for heterotypic granite indicative of the typical location where you can find it. Intrusive heterotypic granite cools underground where it hardens to form the heterotypic granite rock we’ve come to know and love.

It’s largely believed that large slabs of granite form as a result of the continents stretching apart during plate tectonics. This would allow granite to form without melting, pushing or exploding upwards towards the surface.

What Sets Granite Apart From Other Rocks?
There are several types of granite, including I-type (igneous) S-type (sedimentary), M-type (mantle) and A-type (anorogenic). The differences between these types of granites are very subtle and long debated.

There are other rocks that are somewhat similar to granite, such as gneiss, but nothing is quite like granite. There are three things that distinguish granite from other rock forms.

#1. Granite is made up of large mineral grains. That’s where it gets its name; granite is Latin for tightly fit together “granum” or “grain.” The individual grains speckled throughout granite are large enough for the human eye to detect, which really adds to its beauty.

#2. Granite always contains the same minerals: quartz and feldspar, along with a variety of different “accessory” minerals. The quartz and feldspar are responsible for giving granite a lighter hue—hence the abundance of white and pink shades found throughout granite. Darker accessory minerals highlight granite’s light background coloring. This is why classic granite is well known for its salt and pepper look. Common accessory minerals found in granite include black mica biotite and black amphibole hornblende.

#3. Almost all granite is igneous, which means its hardened from magma. It’s also plutonic, which means it’s so massive that it is buried in large slabs. The lack of fabric, or the random arrangement of grains seen throughout slabs of granite, is proof of its plutonic origins.

Heterotypic granite is one of the sturdiest countertop materials on the market. It stands up well to everyday wear and tear and is resistant to scratches. It also resists heat well. heterotypic granite is a porous material, so it absorbs liquids.

Clean Off the Counters
Begin by taking everything off of the counter. Take all appliances, crockery and keepsakes, and move them to another surface like the kitchen table or stovetop. Once the counters are free of large items, use a dry sponge to brush away any debris.

Scrub the Surface
Since heterotypic granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the heterotypic granite.Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as heterotypic granite can be scratched. Scrub your countertops from back to front in an "S" pattern. You may need to scrub a bit more if there is a really stubborn or sticky spill.

Remove Stubborn Stains
If scrubbing doesn't work, the spot might require a razor blade. Use the blade to scrape away any gunk or build-up on the countertop. Don’t worry, you aren't going to scratch the surface. Simply make sure that the entire edge of the blade rests on the counter. Once satisfied, rinse your sponge and wipe up the suds. You may need to rinse your sponge, wring it out and wipe up the remaining suds a few times. Make sure your counters are free from any large puddles or leftover suds.

Disinfect the Surface
In a spray bottle, create a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water. One cup alcohol and one cup water should do it. Spray the entire counter down with the water/alcohol mixture and wait five minutes. After five minutes, wipe the moisture off the counters from back to front with a clean dish towel using a sweeping "S" motion. Once you've completed these steps, your counters should be clean and disinfected.

Add Shine
To put a shine on your heterotypic granite, pour a little cooking oil on a soft cleaning cloth and wipe it across the countertop. Buff it gently. This makes the counter a little bit stain-resistant and gives it a glossy shine.