Granites in the commercial sense are hard natural stones which are polishable and need to be worked on by harder tools than for marble for cutting, shaping and polishing. They are usually suitable for interior and exterior use. Thus have different geological origins and minerals. Petrographically, they are either magmatic or metamorphic rocks.

The beauty of granite coupled with its physical strength and chemical resistance, makes it the material of choice in construction applications.

Floors :
Slabs look better than tiles.
Check material for staining, water absorption and rusting.
Consider surface finishes other than polished.
Darker colours preferable in commercial areas.
Free lengths can be used.

Walls :
Slabs look much better than tiles.
Surface finishes other than polished can be consider for external walls.
Keep weight in mind.

Skirtings at bottom of wall :
Long thin slabs can be used.
Finishes other than polished can be used.

Window sills / Door and window frames :
Slab edges can be rounded or chamfered, and polished.

Kitchen Platforms - home :
Fine grain material looks better than coarse grain.
Material should be checked for staining, water absorption and pin holes.
Front edges of slabs can be rounded and polished, or water-restraining strip can be put.
For backsplash area, use granite strips in lengths matching the countertop lengths.

Kitchen Platforms - commercial :
Defective material can be used to lower the cost since hygiene is the main consideration.

Bathroom Platforms :
Rounding of edges or cut-out of basins should be got done from a professional company.

Counter Tops :
3 cm thick slabs look better than 2 cm ones.
Front edge can be profiled and shaped and polished.

Shelves e.g for showpieces at home / shops :
Tiles or thin slabs with both surfaces polished can be used.
Edges can be rounded or chamfered, and polished.

Standing Dividers :
Edges can be rounded or chamfered, and polished.

Table Tops and other furniture :
Buy only when completed including the edges and the legs.

Nameplates :
Fine-grain black granite with edges chamfered gives the best contrast with the lettering.

Granite is quarried in blocks which are cut into tiles or slabs.

For Tiles, sizes are 2' x 1'. Standard thickness is 10 +/-1 mm. Tiles are cut in machines which accomodate only small blocks of size just greater than 2' x 1'.

For Slabs, blocks of required length and width are cut in vertical saws. These generally use a 2 meter diameter disc thus giving slabs up to 2'6" wide and 10 ft. long. Standard thickness is 18 +/- 1.5 mm.

For Wider slabs, the blocks are cut in a gangsaw. Slabs upto 11' x 6' can be obtained. The standard thickness of gangsaw cut slabs is 20+ / 1 mm.