All countertop stones look the same, especially if they belong to the same class of stones, right? Well, this blog will make it easier for you to identify the differences between diorite and granite countertops. Keep on reading to find out.

Igneous rocks are rocks which are formed when hot rock is melted. This process usually takes place inside the center of the earth where the temperature is very high. Once the rock is melted and fused, they travel to the surface and are exposed. There are two types of igneous rocks. They are namely, intrusive and extrusive rocks. Intrusive rocks are rocks which are formed deep inside the earth. Whereas, extrusive rocks are rocks which are formed near the center and they come up to the surface and cool down. Because of quick cooling, extrusive rocks have a glass-like texture. These rocks are hard and they are very strong.

Prime Differences Between Diorite And Granite

Here is a comparison between granite and diorite.

Granite

The good old granite is the most durable and strong stone, ever to exist. It is a great stone to choose for your kitchen countertops, if you want less maintenance and a durable and long-lasting stone for your heavy-duty kitchen. But we all know that much about granite kitchen counter tops. Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of granite and talk about its composition and texture.

Granite is an igneous rock. It means that it is formed deep inside the earth, possibly where magma and lava is present. It is found in countries like Brazil and in some parts of the United States of America. Granite is formed at deep levels inside the ground, and the stone is quarried in the form of large blocks, by either explosives or careful mining.

Granite is a stone that is available in different colors. Some of the most common colors of granite worktops include white, black, gray, green, pink and more. Granite is a mixture of quartz, feldspar and mica, with mica being the source of impurities. Mica also imparts the beautiful veining and specks present on top of the granite surface.

Granite, when it is unpolished, is used in building making, monument making, etc. When granite is polished and waxed, it can be used in kitchen countertops. Granite is a naturally porous material, so before using it as countertops, it needs to be sealed with a varnish or sealant, this makes the granite waterproof and makes it last longer as well. Granite also has a lot of different types like gabbro, basalt, etc.

Diorite

Diorite is so an igneous rock, just like granite. They belong to the same family of igneous rocks and if you put the two rocks in front of each other, chances are that you will not be able to spot a difference between the two rocks. Diorite has a similar composition to granite, but the main difference between diorite and granite is that diorite does not contain quartz unlike granite.

Diorite is a strong material and it is also very durable. It lasts for a very long time and like granite, diorite requires little to no maintenance at all. Diorite is darker in color as compared to granite and it is hardly for making ornaments. The reason why is because diorite is available in limited quantities.

Diorite is present usually underneath the surface the form of sills or in molten form with other rocks. Diorite is most commonly known for resisting erosion and drainage. It is known for its coarse texture and it is not smooth like granite.

Diorite has a dirty appearance and because of the absence of quartz, it lacks the crystal like appearance present in granite. The igneous rock of the San Gabriel Mountains of southern California is diorite. Diorite has about the same structural properties as granite. Diorite is formed by molten lava and Fusion of crystals. On the other hand, granite is formed when continental rocks are melted at high temperature.

Conclusion

There you go! Now you know the difference between the two igneous stones used for kitchen countertops, namely, granite and diorite. Now, you will not get confused next time a granite installer Rockville MD shows you a slab of diorite and granite side by side. Happy shopping!