Granite - Stone Care Guide

Granite Stone Care Guide

Properties, maintenance, and expert advice for granite surfaces

Hardness7/10 Mohs
PorosityLow
Acid SensitiveNo - acid resistant
Frost ResistantYes
Slip Risk (wet)Low

About Granite

Granite is an igneous rock formed from slowly cooling magma deep beneath the Earth's surface. Composed primarily of quartz, feldspar, and mica, it is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones available. Its crystalline structure gives it a distinctive speckled appearance and exceptional resistance to scratching and chemical damage.

With a Mohs hardness of 6-7, granite is highly resistant to daily wear and even tolerates acidic substances without damage - a key advantage over marble. It is also heat-resistant, making it ideal for kitchen countertops where hot pans may be placed directly on the surface.

Granite's low porosity means it absorbs very little moisture, though it should still be sealed for optimal stain resistance in kitchen environments. It is frost-resistant, making it equally suitable for outdoor applications like terraces, facades, and garden paths. Available in hundreds of colours and patterns from quarries worldwide, granite offers both durability and design versatility.

Characteristics

  • Igneous rock (quartz, feldspar, mica)
  • Crystalline structure
  • Acid-resistant
  • Extremely hard and durable
  • Frost-proof

Common Uses

  • Kitchen countertops
  • Outdoor terraces
  • Floor tiles
  • Facade cladding
  • Garden paths
  • Monuments
  • Commercial flooring

Popular Varieties

  • Absolute Black (India)
  • Baltic Brown (Finland)
  • Giallo Veneziano (Brazil)
  • Rosa Beta (Italy)
  • Kashmir White (India)
  • Blue Pearl (Norway)
  • Impala (South Africa)

Care Essentials

  • Seal after installation for optimal stain resistance
  • Can tolerate acidic cleaners (unlike marble)
  • Virtually scratch-proof in daily use
  • Re-seal every 3-5 years
  • Use alkaline cleaners for deep cleaning

Common Problems

  • Oil stains in kitchen environments
  • Algae and moss growth outdoors
  • Efflorescence on outdoor installations
  • Cement residue after installation
  • Rare: rust spots from iron minerals within the stone

Recommended Products for Granite

Need personalised advice?

Use our Lithofinder to find the right product for your specific granite problem, or chat with our stone care expert.