Whether you are looking for granite countertops or monuments in Walterboro, SC you should always look for high quality stone. This will ensure the granite looks aesthetically beautiful for your lifetime.

While no universal grading scale exists, experts agree on certain characteristics that determine quality. These include soft mineral content, origin, thickness, color and porosity.

Color

A slab with a consistent color and pattern throughout is indicative of high-quality granite. Inspect the stone for any dings, scratches, or chips, as these can cause problems down the road. You should also check the thickness of the granite, as a thinner piece will crack easier.

Another indication of quality is the origin and color of the granite. For example, natural blue and green granites are much more expensive than black or tan varieties. This is because a lot of effort goes into finding and securing these rarer colors. Additionally, a slab with a unique pattern will command a premium, as it is very difficult to replicate.

You can test the color of a granite slab by wiping it with kerosene or petroleum-based oil. If the granite discolors, it is most likely dyed with artificial pigments rather than naturally colored. You can also test the porosity of a slab by applying 3 to 4 drops of lemon juice or citric acid to the surface. If the granite absorbs the droplets quickly, it is most likely porous.

Texture

A high-quality granite slab should have a consistent appearance with no dents or scratches. It should also have a smooth and polished finish.

A light tap on the granite should produce a clear ringing sound. This can help to determine the granite’s origin as well as its quality level. The country of origin can play a role in the price and durability of a slab of granite.

The number of soft minerals in the granite can also affect its grading. Granite with fewer soft minerals is harder and more durable. In addition, the porosity of a slab impacts its ability to hold color and resist staining.

Besides the above factors, other factors that can influence a granite’s grading include its eye-catching colors and patterns and the uniqueness of the pattern. For example, a rare color combination of blue and green in one slab may command a higher price than a more common brown granite. In addition, the thickness of the granite is important as it can impact the strength and durability of the countertop.

Porosity

Granite slabs vary in their porosity, and it can make a difference in the quality of the stone. Porous granite tends to fade more quickly and may require frequent reapplication of sealants. It is also less likely to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. You can test a granite countertop’s porosity by squeezing a few drops of lemon juice onto the surface. If the lemon juice absorbs immediately, it is more likely to be low-grade granite.

In general, level 1 granite (also known as builder grade or entry-level) is the lowest quality and will have more pronounced variations in color, pattern, and thickness. It is usually cheaper than higher-quality granite, but it is not suitable for heavy-duty use.

A high-quality granite should be free from chips, cracks, dings, and holes. It should also have a consistent thickness and uniformity in color. On tapping the stone, it should give a clear ringing sound. The top layer should also be free from uneven surfaces and should have straight edges. A reputable fabricator should ensure that the slabs have one face properly polished and edges cut to perfectly right angles.

Density

In general, the higher quality the granite is, the thicker it will be. Thicker slabs will last longer and require less maintenance than thinner ones. Check the thickness of your granite by tapping it gently with a metal object; natural, high-quality granite will make a clear ringing sound when tapped. In comparison, fake or low-quality granite won’t make this unique sound.

You can also test the quality of your granite by dropping three or four drops of lemon juice on it. If the granite absorbs the lemon quickly, it is very porous and will need regular coatings of sealant. If the droplets leave a white stain on the surface, it indicates a high level of calcite. You can also run a simple test by dipping a piece of cloth in rubbing alcohol and then kerosene; granite slabs that change colors from this test have been colored with artificial pigments and do not display their natural appearance.

When examining the granite, look for consistency in color and pattern, as well as thickness. The edges should be straight and polished. If the dimensions do not match your specifications, it is a sign of poor quality and may lead to problems down the road.

Finish

Look at the granite slab closely for cracks, chips, dents, and other blemishes. These are signs of low quality. A good granite countertop will withstand regular household use and be free from such blemishes.

Look for a variety of colors and patterns in the granite. A granite slab that has a very consistent color or pattern is probably a lower grade, sometimes called commercial grade. It's still a better choice than Formica though.

Check the finish on the granite by gently brushing a coin across the surface of the slab. If the coin scrapes easily, it has a low-quality finish. Also, look at the seams of the granite countertops for a noticeable change in pattern.

The porosity of the granite is another indicator of its quality. The more porous types of granite will fade and dull quickly. You can test the porosity of a granite by dropping lemon juice on it. If the granite absorbs the lemon juice quickly, it is not of high-quality. On the other hand, if the lemon juice is absorbed slowly, it is a sign of low porosity.

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