Granite is a type of felsic intrusive igneous rock that is considered a common compound in the continental crust. It is notable for its hard composition, mainly composed of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles, and other minerals. This potpourri of mineral components gives granite its different shades of pink, white, or grey, depending on their mineralogy. The term ‘granite’ is derived from the Latin word ‘granum,’ meaning grain. It refers to the coarse-grained texture of the rock.
Granite plays a significant role in architecture, construction, and decor due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. For instance, you will find it in applications spanning from kitchen countertops to monumental sculptures to gravestones. These are but a few of the applications of granite in our everyday lives. Considering its compressive strength and durability it’s unsurprising that developers frequently utilise it in high-traffic areas.
Granite is formed through a slow, cooling process of liquid magma from the Earth’s core. This process produces visible, larger-sized crystals within the rock. Furthermore, its structure is rendered more complicated by the rigour of tectonic plate compression, which forms the diverse patterns within the granular stone. In spite of this complex formation process, professionals from architects to builders, designers and craftsmen consider granite an inspiring choice for its beauty and resilience.
The formation process of granite also brings to light the incredible hardness of this rock, which sits between 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This makes it significantly harder than marble and arguably more scratch-resistant than most other natural stones. The abrasive strength is valued at about 0.63 N/mm2 making it an excellent choice in construction that demands a durable finish.
Aside from its use as a building and decorative material, granite has also found application in sectors you wouldn’t commonly associate it with, such as the window industry. Triple glazed windows Australia are a case in point. As Australians become increasingly concerned about energy conservation and efficiency, triple glazed windows, with granite used as part of the spandrel panel, are gaining traction within the construction industry.
Granite is adopted in spandrels of triple glazed windows as it efficiently absorbs and dissipates heat, helping to keep interiors cool in the summer while retaining warmth during winter. Its durability also ensures that structural integrity is maintained over a long time, despite being exposed to extreme weather changes. Hence, the triple-glazed windows industry in Australia has embraced granite as a crucial part of their product construction, ensuring efficiency, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Overall then, the diverse usage of granite stretches beyond the realm of aesthetics and visual intrigue. Incredible durability, resilience, and the propensity to maintain structural integrity over time have made granite a primary choice in not only construction and decor industry, but also in more unconventional fields, such as window design in the land down under. Certainly, the usage of granite in the triple glazed windows Australia industry is a shining testimony to its function beyond its traditionally observed roles.
In essence, granite, in its powerful beauty and versatility, continues to shape our surroundings in ways that are both clearly apparent and subtly effective, making it an indispensable part of our built environment and our lives.