If you have been researching granite for your kitchen countertop and have been wondering about the hardness of granite, this is the right article for you.
Granite is a popular choice for countertops due to its durability, ability to withstand heat and weather, and ease of maintenance.
So let’s dive into “What Does Granite hardness Mohs indicate ?
In this article, I will cover :
- Understanding Granite
- What is The Mohs Scale ?
- How is Hardness determined on Mohs Scale?
- Granite’s Rank on the Mohs Scale – Why it matters when deciding countertop material
- Comparing Granite versus Other Common Rocks
- FAQs
This Post is about What Does Granite Hardness Mohs Indicate?
Understanding Granite :
Granite is a natural stone . It is a common type of felsic intrusive igneous rock.
It’s famous for its grainy appearance, which is due to the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth’s surface.
The primary components of granite include quartz, feldspar, mica, and amphibole minerals.
These give granite its characteristic look and also contribute to its hardness.
It also comes in a variety of designs and colors.
What is The Mohs Scale ?
The Mohs hardness scale is a comparative way to measure the scratch resistance of various minerals.
It is named after German geologist Friedrich Mohs, it’s been in use since 1812.
It is a scale used to measure the hardness of minerals based on their ability to scratch or be scratched by other minerals.
The scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest (talc) and 10 being the hardest (diamond).
How is Hardness determined on Mohs Scale?
The Mohs hardness scale is a comparative way to measure the scratch resistance of various minerals.
For instance, if Mineral A can scratch Mineral B, then Mineral A is harder.
I like this video that explains Mohs Scale MooMooMath
These are the 10 standard minerals in Mohs scale
Granite’s Rank on the Mohs Scale – Why it matters when deciding countertop material
Mohs hardness of granite (granite mohs scale)
Granite has a rating of 6 – 7 on Mohs scale.
This suggests that granite, with a knife or steel file (which are roughly ranked at 5.5 on the Mohs scale), is resistant to scratches.
Why does granite rank so high?
It’s because of its quartz content, which itself measures 7 on the Mohs scale.
Quartz content gives granite its superior hardness and scratch resistance.
This is why granite is a very popular material for kitchen countertop, flooring and even exterior cladding.
Here are the top features that makes granite very desirable for interior design projects:
Durability:
Granite’s high hardness means it’s less prone to chipping and scratching. This makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as kitchen countertops and floors.
Heat Resistance:
Besides being scratch-resistant, granite can also withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for kitchen surfaces that are often exposed to hot utensils.
Aesthetic Appeal: Granite’s hardness helps it maintain its aesthetic appeal over time. It doesn’t lose its polish easily and can preserve its natural sheen for years.
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Comparing Granite versus Other Common Rocks
Here are the popular natural stone compared to granite on hardess:
Basalt:
The primary mineral of basalt is plagioclase feldspar with a hardness around 6 on the Mohs scale.
However, basalt also often contains other minerals like pyroxene and olivine which have a similar hardness, making basalt roughly similar to granite in terms of hardness.
Limestone:
This is a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcite, which has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale. This makes limestone significantly softer than granite.
Marble:
Marble is a metamorphic rock derived from limestone or dolomite. Because its main component, calcite, has a hardness of 3 on the Mohs scale, marble is also softer than granite.
Sandstone:
The primary component of sandstone is typically quartz, which has a hardness of 7 on the Mohs scale.
However, since it is a sedimentary rock, its grains are bound by a matrix that may be composed of softer materials, which can make it less hard overall compared to granite.
Slate: Slate is a metamorphic rock derived from shale. It consists mainly of mica and clay minerals, which have a hardness of 2-3 on the Mohs scale, making slate softer than granite.
Granite Vs Quartz : Durability
Granite is a natural stone that is known for its durability. It’s resistant to scratches and can withstand heat up to a certain degree, which makes it suitable for use in kitchens.
However, because it’s a porous stone, it can be susceptible to stains if not sealed properly.
Sealant should be applied upon installation and re-applied periodically thereafter, typically every 1-2 years, depending on use and the specific type of granite.
Quartz countertops are not made of solid quartz stone but are a blend of ground quartz (about 90-94%) and polymer resins and pigments (about 6-10%).
This gives them a high degree of durability, comparable to granite.
Unlike granite, however, quartz is non-porous, which means it’s more resistant to staining and doesn’t require sealing. It’s also more flexible, which makes it less prone to cracking.
READ MY COMPLETE ARTICLE HERE : QUARTZ VS GRANITE – WHICH IS BETTER
FAQs:
What is the hardness of granite on the Mohs scale?
Granite ranks 6-7 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Does the hardness of granite vary?
Yes, it can. Factors such as the specific mineral composition and cooling rate during formation can influence granite’s hardness.
What does the Mohs scale measure?
The Mohs scale measures the hardness of minerals and rocks, which is their resistance to scratching.
What is the hardness of granite vs marble?
Granite is harder than Marble. Marble has a hardness of 3 and granite is between 6-7.
How does the hardness of granite affect its uses?
Granite’s hardness makes it resistant to scratching, weathering, and wear from high traffic. This makes it ideal for high-use surfaces, like kitchen countertops and flooring.
What is harder than granite?
Diamonds, corundum (ruby or sapphire), and topaz have higher hardness ratings than granite.
Is granite suitable for outdoor use?
Absolutely! Granite’s hardness makes it resistant to weathering, which is why it’s commonly used for outdoor installations like monuments and architectural features.
This Post was about What Does Granite Hardness Mohs Indicate?
Disclaimer :
The information in this post is for general informational purposes only. The author
and publisher are not responsible for any damage, injury, or loss that may occur from using the
information provided. Readers should follow safety guidelines and take necessary precautions
as listed by installation countertop professionals.
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The Best Green Kitchen designs that will make you happy
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