Perhaps one of its best qualities is the variety of colors it comes in. Granite is made from molten rock, mixed with a variety of minerals and hardened over time. The result is a wide array of colors and patterns, from basic blacks and whites to vibrant reds, greens, and blues. The mineral traces weaved into the stone create over a hundred more patterns and color variations. Whatever your kitchen theme is, there is sure to be a granite countertop to match. Here are some of the most popular colors.

Brown

Brown, beige, and similar shades are the most common granite countertop colors. Because of their neutral tones, they blend in with almost any type of kitchen, from classic themes to edgy, contemporary ones. They are a great choice if you like to redesign your kitchen, as they go well with any color. Choose a light beige countertop to set off deep colored tiles, or a warm chocolate brown to add warmth to an otherwise plain, unadorned kitchen.

Black

Black granite countertops are the picture of class and elegance. You can choose from fine, solid black (also called absolute black granite) or an interesting pattern with little stones, crystals, or color striations. A plain black granite countertop adds a striking contrast to an all-white minimalist kitchen; play up the contrast further with indoor plants and stone slabs. Black granite is less common than brown countertops, and thus more expensive, but other deep shades (like dark blue or dark green) make great alternatives.

Green

Although less popular than brown, green granite is fairly affordable and adds natural color to any kitchen. It comes in various shades, from pale sea green to deep bottle green, and also a wide range of patterns. Plain, fine green granite is usually more expensive, although patterned ones are just as beautiful. Use a bright, emerald green countertop to liven up your white walls, or a deep green one to set off your wood cabinets.

Red

What is known as red granite is not exactly red; the color ranges from light salmon to deep maroon. It is one of the most expensive countertop materials, but a great choice if you want to spice up your kitchen décor. A red granite countertop against muted colors will be the focal point of any room, regardless of its size, shape and shade. It is seldom available in solid color, but there are lots of interesting patterns to choose from. Common color combinations are black, pearl, and brown.

Blue

Blue granite is becoming a favorite among designers and homeowners because of its versatility. It works well with practically any home décor – indoor plants, wooden cabinets, stone sinks, glass dividers. Some of the most common shades are lavender blue, royal blue, and ice blue, sapphire blue. Lavender blue is a pale shade perfect for brightening up a small kitchen, while sapphire blue adds a splash of color to a neutral-toned room. Ice blue countertops look great with wood cabinets and shades of cream, beige, and yellow.

Some tips

When choosing colored granite for your countertop, don't rely on the small samples you see in catalogs. Often, what you see on the sample is only a detail of the pattern, and the overall appearance can be very different. Choose from a catalog or gallery showing the finished product or the entire slab. Better yet, visit the shops yourself so you can see the actual size and texture of the granite.

If you have specialized needs, try having your countertop custom-made. This way, you can choose the color, shade, and pattern you want. Consult an interior designer to help you choose the right color for your kitchen's size and theme. Click here for a free countertop quote.