What should I consider when purchasing granite or marble?

Granite and marble are creations of nature that have a unique natural beauty that has been used in architecture thoughout the ages.  Since granite and marble are made by nature, each piece is unique and matchless.  Customers who may not be familiar with these materials may expect the granite or marble they order to be identical to pictures or samples they have seen.  Although sample stones are intended to be representative of the material, the granite or marble quarried at one time may differ slightly in color and veining from the sample.  Moreover, even a single granite or marble slab will possess a certain amount of color variation from one end to the other.  These slight irregularities are what will make your project unique and different from any other.