Granite, like marble and other stones, is as old as the earth. Granite is the second hardest stone (diamond is first) and is created from molten rock. It is found all over the world, in countries like Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States. In addition to its strength, granite is a very beautiful stone that adds color and warmth to a room. A frequent choice of designers for decades, granite countertops have now become popular with the public. There are literally hundreds of colors of granite countertops, including whites, browns, reds, greens, blues, and blacks. The variations of the minerals in each base color create hundreds of possible variations in the base colors.

Home builders and remodelers have experienced an explosion in demand for granite countertops in kitchens and bathrooms. The beauty and warmth of granite make it an ideal material for aesthetic appeal in home design. The natural beauty found in granite countertop colors complements most wood tones or cabinet styles, from rustic to more contemporary styles.

Brown and beige tones are most popular, as they work well with many kitchen color schemes and allow for flexibility in future redecorations. Today, the colors black and blue are becoming more and more popular, with prices reflecting the demand. Some of the granite colors exhibit “motion” or a pattern within the natural color, while others have small patterns. The combination of color and movement means that no two countertops are the same.

Opinions on the color that is best for a kitchen vary. Dark cabinets can be warmed up with a light-colored stone, while light-colored cabinets can be anchored with a dark stone. When choosing granite to add to a kitchen décor, it is best not to make selections from “chips” that the decorator or major retailer has on hand. There is so much variation in the color and movement of each stone that it is important to go to the supplier and look at each stone. The slab must be reserved at the time of decision, or it may not be available at a later time.

When shopping for colors for granite countertops, it is not possible to find a match for a specific color name found in a model home or mentioned in a decorating magazine. There is no fixed list of names or an industry body that regulates the names to be used. The country of origin will have its own name for each color, and then each of the suppliers, manufacturers, installers, and retailers will also have their own name. The numerous color variations on each slab create additional opportunities for new names. Research and visits to providers are needed to help simplify the process. Remember, it is not the name of the color of the granite that matters, it is the mineral qualities present in the stone.