It is forged in volcanic fire and compressed together by forces deep within the earth. The result is granite ­ the most durable stone available, in a variety of colors only nature could create. And once it’s harvested from the earth, granite is cut and polished in a variety of ways that make its applications virtually endless. Now is the time to harness the strength of one of nature’s hardest rocks in your home.

Granite not only adds a sturdy elegance to your home, but it’s also practical. Naturally anti-bacterial and easy to clean and maintain, granite is the ideal material for kitchens and bathrooms.

What is granite?
Granite is a very hard igneous stone formed out of volcanic activity. Because of these volcanic origins, granite is available for quarrying in nearly every region of the world. It is antibacterial and can be highly polished, making it ideal for kitchens, entryways and bathrooms.

What finishes are available for granite?

• Polished ­ because it is very dense, granite can be polished to a high shine, perfect for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
• Flamed ­ sometimes a bright luster isn’t the best solution, so we also offer a flamed finish that exposes the surface of the stone and shows off the minerals that give granite its unique texture.

Where does granite come from?
Granite is a stone formed from volcanic activity. As the magma from the volcanoes cooled very slowly (over millions of years!) mineral crystals in the magma deposits grew. Those minerals—primarily hornblende, feldspar, mica and quartz—are what give the granite its grainy texture. When the softer earth around the resulting granite deposit eroded, the harder rock became exposed, making it available for quarrying in nearly every region of the world.

Rush River Granite
At The Tile Shop, we know the people who quarry your granite. Working directly with them ensures that you get the lowest prices possible, and more importantly, that you get the highest-quality stone tile in the world and the most beautiful mosaic, trim and accent pieces to accompany it. Rush River is the brand that makes it possible by offering only hand-selected stone with strict calibration and quality control standards, quality packaging, and unique decorative design options available only at The Tile Shop.

Suggested applications for granite:

• The beauty of the stone, coupled with its remarkable durability make granite an ideal surface treatment for countertops, vanities, floors, fireplaces and table tops.

Caring for your granite surfaces:

Floors:
Frequent sweeping is the easiest way to protect flooring surfaces. Soil is abrasive and it can get ground into and scratch stone. Use a broom with a bristle that matches your surface, a soft broom for smooth finishes and medium soft for textured surfaces. Damp mopping with water picks up microscopic abrasive soils and potential staining agents. This is recommended for most smooth surfaces on a regular basis.

Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner is The Tile Shop’s recommended cleanser for granite tile. Thoroughly vacuum, sweep or wipe the stone surface, and apply Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner per label instructions to thoroughly clean, enhance and protect granite floors. Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner removes soil and grime from natural stone products without rinsing and dries streak-free.

For a Natural Finish:
Water-based Premium Gold Granite is The Tile Shop’s recommended sealer for granite tile. Premium Gold is a penetrating, natural-looking sealer formulated for maximum stain resistance on natural stone tile and on grout. Premium Gold is fast curing, allowing foot traffic within 2 to 5 hours of application.

After using Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner on the tile surface to properly cleanse the area (allowing ample time to dry), apply two coats of Premium Gold sealer using a clean sponge or dry cotton towel. After each coat, buff the surface dry using paper towels or dry cotton dry rags. DO NOT permit excess sealer to dry on the surface. Permit the stone tile to remain dry for 72 hours until the Premium Gold sealer has achieved a full cure. Follow label instructions.

For a Color-Enhanced Finish:
Water-based Enhance And Seal Granite is The Tile Shop’s recommended sealer for deepening enhancing the color of natural stone. Apply in an inconspicuous spot to test this finish before applying to entire surfaces! Enhance and Seal is a penetrating solution designed to protect while providing an enhanced look to the natural stone. Enhance and Seal forms a moisture resistant barrier while still allowing complete vapor transmission. DO NOT permit excess sealer to dry on the surface.

Always protect your finished stone floors against dirt, sand or any abrasive substance that might scratch or harm the tile finish. Please follow manufacturer's instructions for proper usage of all care products. Never use acids or chemical cleaners for cleaning natural stone tile.

All other surfaces:
Frequently wipe surfaces with a soft, damp rag.

To remove fingerprints, food residues, grease and all the most common dirt from your countertops, walls, fireplaces, or vanity tops, spray Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner on the surface, rub it and wipe it dry. Aqua Mix® Antibacterial Cleaner cleans, enhances and brightens your surfaces, helping to maintain their natural beauty for decades.

Additional tips for keeping your stone tile looking like new:

• Keep your stone surface clean from dust and dirt.
• Blot up spills immediately.
• Always use coasters under drinks and food containers.
• Use placemats under dishware and flatware to prevent scratching.
• Never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads to clean the surface.
• Use a felt-bottomed tray for cosmetics and toiletries stored on the limestone surface.
• The Tile Shop carries items like Stone Clean, a concentrated alkaline cleaner, to help clean tougher dirt and grease, or Granite Poultice to lift deep stains in your granite.