How marble and granite slabs get their shine
August 04, 2011While marble and granite countertops in people’s homes appear very glossy, this is actually not a natural property in the material. Marble and granite slabs do not come looking like that straight from the quarry. The truth is that marble and granite countertops have been polished to look so glossy, but they are actually course and shine-less when they are found in the Earth. Since marble and granite slabs are natural stones, they are composed of crystals, which contain assorted minerals that are locked together. Marble and granite slabs look and feel rougher when they are quarried in various locations around the world. Luckily, California is one of the locations where marble and granite are found, so California granite countertops are available to American homeowners. Marble and granite slabs are made by using a series of graduated grinders, which are normally made from industrial diamonds. To start the process, a very rough one is used, starting with glass paper that is very...