Helpful Information About Blue Pearl Granite

Blue Pearl is one of the names of granite you will find in our gallery. This is one of many different types of natural granite that people use for kitchen countertops and other surfaces. As with most granite, there are some specific features that Blue Pearl possesses. Additionally, there are some traits that make this granite unique. In this article, we won't go into too much detail about the unique qualities of Blue Pearl. We will mention some brief comments about the composition or the visual appearance or both, but the majority of this article will talk about working with Blue Pearl and how to take of it.

Why Blue Pearl Granite

One of the first things to contemplate when considering any granite surface is why people choose it. There are many reasons people select natural granite for kitchen countertops. Blue Pearl Granite has many of the benefits that virtually all natural granite offers. It does however, have some characteristics that make it what it is. And like many other stone surfaces knowing a bit about the composition can be helpful. The following quote was taken from the description of a photo written by a geologist about Blue Pearl.

Larvikite is dominated by large crystals of spectacularly bluish-iridescent (schillerescent) perthitic feldspar (closely intergrown potassium feldspar and plagioclase feldspar). The play of colors is the result of light being dispersed along the plagioclase and K-feldspar crystal boundaries. The smaller black crystals are pyroxene. Varieties of larvikite are popular decorative/ornamental stones known commercially as "Blue Pearl Granite", "Emerald Pearl Granite", and other names.

In addition to those basic comments, many other important facts about Blue Pearl are helpful to be aware of. We'll consider some additional helpful information about this remarkable natural stone.

What Blue Pearl Granite Is Made Of

As with most natural granite, Blue Pearl is a composition of primarily natural quartz and/or feldspar. It can contain other materials, but the main minerals are those in most cases.

The minerals that make up a Blue Pearl Granite slab give it some qualities that people are drawn to. Some of these qualities translate into practical properties for daily use and care.

Blue Pearl Properties

One of the big advantages of natural granite over other hard countertop surface materials is that it is very hard. Materials such as Blue Pearl Granite are scratch resistant because of the hardness of the material. Blue Pearl is also heat resistant. Unlike some engineered stone, granite can resist heat and does not burn or discolor.

Blue Pearl natural granite is also very unique. Not just unique from other stone, but it is also distinct from other Blue Pearl slabs. Choosing your specific slab is encouraged since each stone can vary one from another.

Fabricating Natural Blue Pearl Granite

What goes into working with and fabricating Blue Pearl Granite? Well, for most of us the project is bigger than we are equipped to take on. This is because Blue Pearl is such a hard material that ordinary tools aren't the best suited for working with it. For example, just drilling a hole in a Blue Pearl kitchen countertop slab will take a diamond core bit designed to cut through rock. Stone fabrication professionals have all this equipment. Therefore, the project is not only easier for them, but they have more experience actually working with granite. So, cutting, drilling, and installing Blue Pearl is much easier for them than it would be for a novice.

Even transporting Blue Pearl natural granite can be a challenge for the average person. Even handy individuals and do-it-yourselfers could find moving a piece of Blue Pearl Granite form point A to point B. Since Blue Pearl is heavy, it requires more than one person to move, lift, and adjust it. That doesn't even take into consideration the material handling equipment that one needs to transport it. Additionally, installing Blue Pearl will require a specific formulated and colored granite glue. These are all supplies that fabricators are familiar with and even already have.

How to Care for Blue Pearl

There are some basic care requirements involved with owning a Blue Pearl kitchen countertop. It is a natural surface and it is very durable. And although it is very durable, keeping it looking its best takes a bit of regular care. This care comes trough a couple of channels. Each of the following plays an important role in caring for your Blue Pearl Granite surface.

Maintaining the Seal

Even before your surface arrived in your home it was being given treatments to prepare it for the "day in, day out" wear and tear that comes from normal household use. One of the treatments the surface underwent was an initial sealing. Granite slabs get sealed to make them less absorbent. Natural granite is porous. And some Blue Pearl Granite slabs are more porous than others. So slabs get an initial sealing to help them be more resistant to water-based and oil-based liquids that can penetrate the pores and stain them.

One of the parts of caring for your Blue Pearl surface includes periodically sealing the stone using a natural stone sealer. In the case of a Blue Pearl Granite kitchen countertop, you may want to choose a food safe granite sealer designed especially for eating surfaces. Treating the surface when the stone begins losing its repellent nature is the first part of the two-pronged care process.

How to Clean Blue Pearl

Another aspect of caring for your granite surface is to use a cleaner formulated for use on natural stone. Blue Pearl countertops and other surfaces are natural stone and sealing them is only one part. Not every household cleaner is made for use on natural stone. In reality, some cleaners actually break down natural stone sealers. So to maintain the seal that you are replenishing every-so-often, be sure to use a natural stone cleaner that will not degrade sealers. This is true of all sorts of natural stone cleaners. Let's look at some basic ones now.

One type of natural stone cleaner is the daily cleaner that is designed to remove the spots, smudges, and food residue that inevitably ends up on your Blue Pearl kitchen countertop. Another type of cleaner that is not as frequently needed is a stain remover. If your sealer breaks down and and an oil based liquid or a water based liquid gets into the pores of the granite, you may need this type of cleaning agent. These products are formulated to draw the stain out of the stone. But once again, keeping the sealer replenished on the stone reduces the need for these types of stone cleaners.

About Maintaining Blue Pearl

It really just boils down to putting together a regular routine of cleaning and sealing your natural Blue Pearl Granite surface. Once you get the routine into full swing, it just becomes second nature. A good routine for maintaining natural granite, including Blue Pearl, basically involves the following:

• Use a pH neutral cleaner to keep the sealer from breaking down and clean any debris from the surface.
• Reseal the surface of your granite surface when it gets "thirsty"*.
• Using a fortified stone polish periodically gradually maintains the sealer on the surface of the natural stone.

Blue Pearl Granite is a unique natural stone that will result in your design being truly unique. Your kitchen or other area will not only be appealing, but it will also be functional. Additionally, how you care for your Blue Pearl surface will play a role in how long it looks its best. However, for the best results, the install will most likely need to be handled by a professional fabrication company.