Some Common Myths and Realities about Granite Countertops You Must Know

If you are planning to purchase stone counter tops, it is good to know common myths and misconceptions about granite countertops. These myths are spread either by people who try to sell granite or who try to sell the competing products by disapproving granite. Myths also originated when people simplified the complex matters of granite and generalizations came up that are sometimes true but not all the time.

The following are most common myths about granite stone:

Granite is heat resistant, so it is perfect to place hot pot on granite counter tops

Granite is quite resistant to high temperatures but excessive heat can discolor or damage the granite sealers. Rapid heating can generate internal stress and causes cracks at the weak spot. A natural fissure or flaw may occur because of the excess heat of the pot. This can be eliminated by using a trivet with feet.

Granite counter tops needed to be sealed once or twice in a year

This is a generalized statement about granite counter tops. Many stones are sold commercially in the name of granite. Some stones are inherently resistant to stain without applying sealers. Actually on applying sealers theses stones can cause problems. Some stones sold as granite are very porous that their shortcomings cannot be set right by even using the best sealers.  So the answer is sealing frequency depends on the type of stone. Only a specialist stone restoration service provider like The Marble Man can decide on the sealing requirements.

Granite is second to diamond in hardness- Nothing but diamond can scratch granite

Granite is a scratch resistant material. But it is not scratch proof. Many substances are harder than granite. The hardness of the minerals is rated by Mohs scale. Soft minerals like talc are rated 1 and diamond is rated at 10 in Mohs scale. Most of the commercial granites are rated at 7 because of their high quartz content.  On misusing, the abrasive substances in some cleaning products can cause tiny scratches or dull spots on the granite surface. Natural stone should be cleaned with neutral pH solutions and non abrasive products. See The Marble Man’s guidance on stone cleaning products.

Absolute Black granite is the best counter top

Better quality stones are sold as Absolute Black Granite and they are outstanding performers. But be alert that some stones sold as Absolute Black granite are not genuine. Originally the Absolute Black granites were quarried in Sweden and South Africa. Some companies sell natural stones with low quality that may be dyed to black or they may have excessive flaws or they have not been polished to a glossy finish. A stone cannot be considered as Absolute Black granite just by its market name. To test black granites, pour some acetone on the stone and wipe the surface with a rag. If the rag shows grey or Black discoloration then the stone is treated with dye or wax and cannot be used for kitchen countertops.    

The Marble Man is a leading Australian stone polishing and sealing specialist Company who can provide you professional and effective stone care solutions. They are specialised in large and small marble and all natural stone restoration jobs. For more information, visit The Marble Man website or call their stone restoration team on 1300 627 626.