A granite fireplace surround is an area of stone laid around a fireplace, along the sides, top and bottom, consisting of granite. Granite is one of the harder stones found in nature and comes from quarries all over the world, from such areas as Egypt, Brazil and Norway. This type of stone has a reputation for its ability to stand up to extreme hot and cold temperatures and is often found in cathedrals, palaces and many historical buildings. A granite fireplace surround usually does not require a great deal of maintenance and generally is resistant to both stains and scratches. Granite may have different patterns of stone with marble-like designs, or veins, in hues of black and gold, brown and red, or grey and blue.

 

Granite is an igneous rock composed usually of quartz, feldspar, and sometimes mica. This type of stone is sometimes chosen for a fireplace because of its unique quality, as each stone will have its own pattern and colors. Granite also is known for its grainy texture, which shows the crystals within the rock, or what is commonly referred to as veining. While some stones may be infused with warmer colors, etched with streaks of red or gold, others may offer veins that are striking in contrast, with darker tones of jet black, blue or silver. When installed, this type of stone will most likely draw attention to a fireplace, replacing the more traditional brick or tile surround with a more dramatic look.