5 Reasons Granite is the Best Aggregate Available

ConExpo Con Agg can be made from a lot of things-gravel, sand, slag and slurry, ores, and crushed raw rock mined from the earth. But among all those choices, one kind of raw material stands out. Granite is an extremely popular source for aggregate, and for good reason. There are more uses for granite aggregate than almost any other, and granite simply looks nice. That's not always the most important consideration for the formation of aggregates, but sometimes it matters. When it does, many people turn to granite as their aggregate of choice.Here are 5 reasons why granite is the best aggregate available. Granite is easy to find. It almost always comes in massive deposits beneath hills and 	valleys, and where you find a little bit of granite, you find a lot. Instead of geologists spending all their time finding small 	deposits of other suitable materials, they can focus on finding 	granite, because once they find some of it, they've almost always 	found a huge deposit that can be mined for years to come.

Granite is hard. It's one 	of the hardest of the aggregate materials, which makes it an 	extremely desirable stone for heavy construction projects. It makes 	a reliable base for roads and buildings because it won't change 	shape under pressure. Of course, this hardness sometimes makes it 	difficult to cut and shape granite, but new technologies are being 	developed to make granite easier to work with.

Granite is everywhere. Historically, Vermont has been one of the world's leaders in granite 	mining, but on the world market, new contenders include India and 	Finland. This increases global competition, leading to both lower 	prices and a boost to some developing economies.

Granite is pretty. Depending on its exact mineral makeup, granite can come in a variety 	of colors and internal patterns. It often contains crystal deposits 	of various sizes, making the stone sparkle attractively. It is a 	favorite for indoor decor, such as counter tops, floor tiles, and 	vanities.

Granite wears well. Granite counter tops and tiles look as good decades after 	installation as they did when they were first put. Many artists 	have gone to using granite instead of marble for commenorative 	statues, because anything that is displayed outdoors needs to 	withstand not only the natural erosion of weather, but also man-made 	problems such as acid rain. And of course, it provides a stable 	roadbed for paved roads and railroad tracks.Clearly granite is an excellent choice for not only the construction uses that all aggregates are mined for, but also for more visible and decorative uses. It's one of the best, most versatile aggregates available on the market today.