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Not all granite is equal. While granite has generally become more affordable, allowing a wider range of homeowners to achieve beautiful granite countertops, there is still a large gap between granite varieties that are more available and those that are rare and hard to find. As it was quoted in a recent Channel 5 News article, "Granite is like diamonds." In most cases, it is high variation and dramatic movement and flow that makes particular granite slabs more rare and expensive rather than the color. The individual patterns of granite are what make them so uniquely exquisite. However, there is one hue that happens to be very hard to find in granite, and therefore, always comes with a bigger price tag. As the article quotes a Texas-based installer, "If someone is looking for granite that is really rare . . . choosing a a blue hue is the way to go." For those homeowners looking to make a stunning statement with their countertops, here are some of the rare blue granite slabs currently available here at Marble and Granite in Westwood, Massachusetts and Milford, Connecticut.

1. Rare, exotic granite countertops that are quarried in Italy or Brazil. 
2. CaesarStone's Concetto countertops made of grate agate, rose quarts, white quartz and semiprecious and precious stone embedded by hand. 
3. Luxury countertops from the Antolini Luigi which feature gemstone, precious stone and shell stone. 

• Find what the average cost per square foot will be for your entire kitchen project.
• Adjust this average cost to the scope of your project, for example if you are only replacing the island countertop as opposed to all kitchen surfaces. 
• Modify the average cost per square foot to your location; metro areas on the east or west coast generally charge more per hour for labor costs than rural areas.
• Adjust the average cost according to the quality of materials, whether you are opting for commercial grade or high-end granite materials. 

Consumers need to know and understand the certain facets of the granite countertop industry in order to make informed, confidant decisions. By educating themselves on granite pricing, consumers can better assess and compare the true value of individual granite countertop products. The first important factor is that different contractors price granite countertops differently. For example, one quote for granite countertops may appear to be a better value then another, but it may only be because part of the total cost is excluded. These are most likely granite countertop quotes that are given in square feet, which can be deceiving as it leaves out all other required costs. Instead, always be sure you are receiving a quote for the completed granite countertop project. This quote will prevent any surprises later on as it includes not only the stone per square foot but also the edge polishing cutouts, backsplashes and installation, as well. 

Trends are showing that safe, neutral countertops are out and countertops with more texture, color and patterns are in. As the Marble Institute of America’s Stone Dimensions Blog recently wrote, “When it comes to countertops, creativity is back in vogue.”

Some would say that they are just countertops. But a recent article from the Washington Post goes beyond the surface to find out just what makes granite countertops so popular. As the article chronicles, granite countertops can be somewhat of a prized possession.