Granite Myths & Misconceptions

Common misconceptions and myths about granite include false claims of granite harboring bacteria, that it cannot be repaired, or that it stains easily.

Myth: Granite Harbors Bacteria
Granite continues to be used and approved in food and medical applications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has no records of granite harboring bacteria, and has no reports of people becoming ill from bacteria in granite. With regular cleaning, granite is far less likely to support bacteria than butcher block or even laminate materials with top-mounted sinks. This claim has been tested by the Hospitality Industry. Their article can be found at www.hi-ttm.com under "Publications and Reports".

Myth: Granite Cannot Be Repaired
Granite is very easy to maintain. Clean with a neutral soap and water, wipe off film with a solution of vinegar and water, and on occasion, from one to every five years, additional impregnators can be applied.

Myth: Granite is Absorbent
Granite qualifies as impervious to water and is actually less absorbent than some solid surface (plastic) products. Granite is commonly used as building material for high-rise buildings due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain.

Myth: Granite Stains Easily
Granite is resistant to stains. Generally, any liquid spilled on a granite top, if wiped up within a few minutes, will not stain. However, even water can soak into a granite countertop and leave a dark colored spot but this will evaporate in minutes. Liquids that do not evaporate, such as oils, will cause stains if left to soak into the stone.

Myth: Stains In Granite Are Permanent
Most stains can be removed. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone.

Myth: Granite Will Lose It’s Polish over the Years
While this may be true of marble, granite will shine years from now just as if it was brand new. Granite is highly scratch resistant and will not show wear from daily use.

Myth: Granite Requires a Lot of Maintenance
Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Once a year, a reapplication of a penetrating sealer should be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes.

Myth: Heat Will Cause Granite to Chip and Crack
Granite is heat resistant and can withstand the heat of hot pots and pans without damage. Impact from a heavy object may chip granite but heat from anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop.

Myth: Dark Colored Granite is harder than Light Colored Granite
Granite is composed of a variety of minerals, each of which has specific performance properties. The hardest mineral commonly found in granite is quartz, which is normally a somewhat translucent, white to grey colored mineral.