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Granite Weaknesses

Granite is a natural stone made up of quartz, mica and feldspar and was formed about 300 million years ago. With a rating of six on the Mohs Measurement of Hardness Scale, it is one of the hardest stones available. Builders throughout the centuries have used granite to construct palaces, temples and monuments around the world. Despite its many plus points, granite does have some weaknesses. These relate principally to its relative cost, difficulty in installation, regular upkeep and the continuity of its appearance.

Cost
- Granite is relatively expensive compared to other sources of stone. It is difficult to extract and heavy to transport. Cost of granite further increase for stone that features rare colors, or that is exclusively available from certain countries. The colors within a piece of granite are dependent on the minerals trapped inside it. For example, a type of granite called pegmatite contains rare elements such as tungsten, tantalum and uranium.
Installation
- The installation of objects such as granite countertops and fireplace surrounds needs to be carried out by professionals as the material can break if improperly secured. Slabs of granite are not of a uniform thickness, and can vary by up to 1/4 inch. This needs to be taken into account when installing granite surfaces. Granite is very heavy and can break if dropped. In addition, when granite is quarried, the immense pressure from the surrounding rock is removed. This is further exacerbated when the stone is cut into slabs. According to the Solid Surface Alliance, a possible result from this stress is that these slabs may warp over time.
Appearance
- An aesthetic weakness of granite is the non-uniformity of its appearance. Any separate pieces of granite joined together may have visible seams and differ in their color and pattern. Because granite has a crystalline structure, there may be areas that are pitted or show signs of natural fissures. Granite displayed in a showroom will not be the same as the granite available at a fabricator's warehouse. Anyone seeking a strictly uniform appearance would be better advised to opt for engineered stone.
Staining
- Granite is very porous and can be subject to staining. Some varieties of granite may absorb moisture with prolonged contact. Dark pigmented liquids, cooking oils, hairspray and grease can leave permanent dark spots on unsealed areas. Floors, countertops and bar tops made from granite therefore need to be sealed every few years. The use of abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals can dull polished granite with repeated use.

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