Since 1929, when our ancestor Henry George Hardwick began using his stone masonry skills to produce quality memorials for the people of Ontario, our family has remained transfixed with granite. Sourcing our granite from multiple continents, we provide a diverse group of clientele with beautiful custom granite for whatever purposes they may need. Some of the industries we serve include architects, municipalities, landscapers, memorial retailers, the art community, and more.
Year after year we find ourselves supplying the stone to different types of clientele, and we love it. With our unparalleled expertise, our multiple granite services, and our dedication to customer satisfaction, it’s no wonder that more and more people are contacting our granite company in Ontario. While some of our previous posts have discussed what we do, the services we provide, and how we can benefit your company, we figured it was high-time to discuss how granite comes to be.
What produces its innate beauty and mixture of colours? How is it formed? Where is it found? While we’re no geologists, we do love granite, so in this blog we’ll be giving you a very brief summary of how granite comes to be and how it gets some of its unique characteristics.
The Starting Point
Since man first started using stone as a building material, granite was used. With the unique distinction of being one of the oldest stones on our planet as well as one of the most durable, this is one of the reasons that the use of it has not wavered.
Formed by the slow crystallization of magma (making it an igneous rock), the stone is believed to be formed nearly 300 million years ago. Granite is comprised mostly of feldspar and quartz but also contains trace amounts of mica and various other minerals. This is what gives it its multi-coloured appearance.
Characteristics
One of the most distinct characteristics of granite is its density, which is measured between 2.65 and 2.75 g/cm3 (don’t worry about the math, just know that this is extremely dense). This gives it its ability to last for years showing no sign of age, as well as why it’s been used by man for thousands of years for exterior and interior use. When our customers are working on a project, the reason that they choose granite is because they know that the piece will last for an indeterminate amount of time. The landscapers, architects, and municipalities choose granite not for temporary signage or statues, but something that their children and children’s children will be able to witness their work.
This is also why granite has become the chosen stone for memorials. Up until the early 20th century, marble was the chosen stone for headstones and grave sites, but only because the stonemasons didn’t have tools strong enough to create a unique and meaningful carving upon granite due to its density. But through the advancement in stonemasonry tools, granite has become the go-to choice. Why? A) It will last for years and years as a remembrance of the deceased, and B) Granite has such a unique look to it, as well as it comes in a variety of colours that accentuates its natural beauty.
Also, due to its density, granite is very difficult to damage and will not fade in direct sunlight or due to the harsh outside elements. This makes it ideal for landscaping projects big and small, granite architectural features, signs for municipalities, and so much more.
Maybe the best thing about granite is its opportunity for creativity. Now that we have modern tools, we’re able to create any kind of feature with the dense and beautiful rock. Due to the many components that make up granite, the colour possibilities are nearly endless giving you even more chances to create an incredible piece of art.
HGH Granite
Obviously, there’s much more to the origin, formation, and history of granite, but we hope you’ve gathered a few new facts about the stone. If you’re looking to start a new project and need a granite supplier, who can you trust more than a granite supplier that has been in the industry for nearly a century? Whether you need the stone, granite repair, or any of our other services, contact us today! We provide granite services throughout Ontario, New York State, and the surrounding area.
