Granite is known for its strength and durability, but not all granite is created equal. Some varieties are significantly harder than others, making them more resistant to scratches, weathering, and daily wear. The hardest granite formations are found in specific regions where intense geological activity and unique mineral compositions have created exceptionally dense stone. Understanding granite hardness not only helps in selecting the right material for countertops, flooring, and outdoor tile ideas, but having this information before you buy granite in Australia, also sheds light on the fascinating geological processes that shape the Earth’s toughest stones. So, where does the hardest granite originate? Let’s explore!
What type of granite is the hardest?
Granite is already one of the hardest natural stones, but some varieties stand out due to their high quartz content, mineral composition, and geological formation. The hardness of granite is measured on the Mohs scale, which ranks minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest). Below is a list highlighting some of the hardest granite types and their corresponding Mohs hardness:
Black Galaxy Granite (Mohs 6.5 – 7)
Originating from India, this granite is black with gold or white specks and is highly resistant to scratches and wear.
Blue Pearl Granite (Mohs 6 – 7)
Quarried in Norway, this stunning blue-grey stone features reflective minerals that enhance its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Absolute Black Granite (Mohs 6.5 – 7)
Found in India and Zimbabwe, this deep black granite is one of the hardest and most uniform types, making it ideal for countertops and outdoor tile ideas.
Tan Brown Granite (Mohs 6 – 6.5)
Sourced from India, this dark brown stone with black and grey tones is a popular choice for high-traffic areas due to its toughness.
Baltic Brown Granite (Mohs 6 – 6.5)
Coming from Finland, this granite features brown tones with black and grey specks, providing excellent durability and a classic look.
Giallo Ornamental Granite (Mohs 6 – 6.5)
Quarried in Brazil, this beige granite with brown and gold accents is highly resistant to wear and stains, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Each of these granites offers exceptional durability, making them excellent choices for countertops, flooring, and outdoor tile ideas where longevity and aesthetics are key.
How granite hardness is determined?
Granite hardness is primarily measured using the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, which ranks materials from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on their ability to resist scratches. Granite typically falls between 6 and 7 on this scale, making it one of the hardest natural stones used in construction. The hardness of granite depends on its mineral composition, mainly:
- Quartz (Mohs 7) – The hardest mineral in granite, increasing its scratch resistance.
- Feldspar (Mohs 6 – 6.5) – Provides structural integrity and durability.
- Mica (Mohs 2 – 4) – Adds color and texture but does not significantly impact hardness.
To determine the hardness of a specific granite slab, professionals perform scratch tests, comparing it against known materials. The higher the quartz content, the harder and more durable the granite will be. This is why some varieties, such as Absolute Black Granite and Black Galaxy Granite, are considered among the hardest available. Understanding granite hardness is crucial when selecting materials for countertops, flooring, and outdoor tile ideas, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance in various environments.
Which countries produce the hardest granite?
The hardest granite comes from regions where geological conditions have created dense, high-quartz formations. Some of the leading producers of the world’s toughest granites include:
- India – Known for Black Galaxy Granite, Absolute Black Granite, and Tan Brown Granite, India produces some of the hardest varieties, often ranking between 6.5 and 7 on the Mohs scale.
- Brazil – Famous for Giallo Ornamental and Ubatuba Granite, Brazilian granite is valued for its durability and resistance to wear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
- Norway – Home to Blue Pearl Granite, one of the toughest and most visually striking stones, thanks to its high quartz content and reflective minerals.
- Finland – Produces Baltic Brown Granite, a dense and long-lasting material known for its resistance to scratches and weathering.
- Zimbabwe – Known for Zimbabwe Black Granite, a fine-grained, high-density stone that is among the hardest and most uniform in the world.
These countries supply high-quality, durable granites suitable for countertops, flooring, and outdoor tile ideas, ensuring long-lasting beauty and performance.
Granite’s hardness vs. other stones
Granite is one of the hardest natural stones, but how does it compare to others? Below is a comparison based on the Mohs scale of hardness, which ranks materials from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on their scratch resistance.
| Stone Type | Mohs Hardness | Durability | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | 6 – 7 | Highly durable, scratch-resistant | Countertops, flooring, outdoor tile ideas, monuments |
| Marble | 3 – 5 | Softer, prone to scratching and etching | Countertops, flooring, sculptures |
| Quartzite | 7 – 8 | Extremely hard, resistant to scratches | Countertops, flooring, wall cladding |
| Travertine | 4 – 5 | Porous, softer than granite, requires sealing | Pool decks, flooring, outdoor tile ideas |
| Soapstone | 1 – 2 | Very soft, scratches easily | Countertops, sinks, fireplace surrounds |
| Slate | 5 – 6 | Durable, but can chip along cleavage lines | Roofing, flooring, outdoor applications |
| Onyx | 3 – 4 | Fragile, easily scratched | Backlit countertops, decorative features |
Granite stands out for its balance of durability and workability, making it a superior choice for countertops, flooring, and outdoor tile ideas. While harder materials like quartzite offer even greater scratch resistance, granite remains a top choice due to its versatility, availability, and strength.
Is granite harder than steel?
Granite is an incredibly hard natural stone, ranking 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, but it is not harder than steel in most cases. Steel’s hardness varies depending on its type:
- Mild steel (Mohs 4 – 5)
Softer than granite, meaning granite can scratch it. - Hardened steel (Mohs 7 – 8.5)
Harder than granite, making it capable of scratching or cutting through it.
While granite is highly scratch-resistant, industrial tools with hardened steel blades or diamond coatings are required to cut it. For applications like outdoor tile ideas, granite provides exceptional durability against daily wear but remains vulnerable to specialized cutting tools.
What is Granite hardness Mohs scale?
Granite ranks 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, meaning it is significantly resistant to scratches but not completely impervious to damage. The variation in hardness depends on the specific mineral composition and the presence of impurities in the stone. Not all granites are equal in hardness. Darker granites—such as Absolute Black or Black Galaxy—tend to be denser and harder due to their high quartz and feldspar content. On the other hand, lighter granites with more feldspar and less quartz may lean toward the lower end of the Mohs scale.
Granite’s Mohs hardness directly influences its longevity, making it a top choice for high-traffic areas, countertops, and outdoor tile ideas where durability is a priority.
Is granite the hardest stone?
No, granite is not the hardest stone. While granite is certainly one of the hardest natural stones and is highly durable, there are other stones that surpass it on the Mohs scale of hardness. For example, diamonds (Mohs 10) are the hardest naturally occurring material, far outstripping granite’s 6 to 7 rating.
Quartzite (Mohs 7 – 8) is another stone harder than granite, making it more resistant to scratches and wear. Sapphire and ruby, which are forms of corundum, also exceed granite’s hardness, rated at 9 on the Mohs scale. So while granite is very tough, it doesn’t hold the title of being the hardest stone available in nature.
Is anything harder than granite?
Yes, there are several materials harder than granite. Some of the most notable ones include:
- Diamonds – The hardest natural material, rated 10 on the Mohs scale.
- Corundum – This includes sapphires and rubies, which are rated 9 on the Mohs scale, making them harder than granite.
- Quartzite – While granite typically falls between 6 and 7, quartzite is often harder, ranging from 7 to 8, due to its dense mineral structure.
- Topaz – Rated 8 on the Mohs scale, topaz is also harder than granite.
These materials are all tougher in terms of scratch resistance and overall durability. However, granite’s hardness still makes it an excellent choice for countertops, flooring, and outdoor tile ideas because of its balance of durability and versatility.
Are diamonds harder than granite?
Yes, diamonds are significantly harder than granite. Diamonds are the hardest known natural material, with a Mohs hardness of 10, which makes them capable of scratching almost any material, including granite. In contrast, granite has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 7, meaning it can be scratched by materials harder than it, such as diamonds or even some types of corundum.
Diamonds are used in cutting tools specifically designed to cut through harder materials like granite, making them a key component in industries where durability and precision are essential. Although granite is highly durable, diamonds surpass it in hardness by a significant margin.
Is basalt harder than granite?
No, basalt is generally not harder than granite. While both are igneous rocks, basalt typically has a Mohs hardness of around 6, which is on the lower end compared to granite’s 6 to 7.
The difference lies in their mineral composition: basalt is rich in pyroxene and plagioclase, while granite contains quartz and feldspar, which contribute to its hardness. Although basalt is durable and often used for paving, flooring, and other applications, it doesn’t match the scratch resistance of granite in most cases.
What is the softest rock?
The softest rock on the Mohs scale is talc, which ranks 1 on the scale. Talc is a mineral and not typically used in large-scale construction, but it’s widely known for being the softest substance, easily scratched by almost anything.
In the context of rocks, the softest sedimentary rock is shale, which can be scratched and crumbled quite easily. While shale isn’t as soft as talc, it is still much more easily affected by weathering and wear compared to harder rocks like granite or basalt.
