What does Granite rank on the Mohs Scale?
Granite, a favourite choice for kitchen countertops, floors, and architectural features is a popular material because of its beauty and durability. Home to builders and designers, it is important that they understand the Mohs Scale of mineral hardness of Granite before thinking of using it in various applications. Mohs scale a criterion of hardness developed by Friedrich Mohs, a German geologist, is the ability of a mineral to scratch another mineral granite on the mohs scale.
Granite is made of igneous rock, it is a compound and really hard mineral, it is which is why it is also ideal for utilize as an outside kitchen approach top.
AD editInsertUngranulated mass Of hard, crystalline granite: the precambrian howl And scrape OfPos virginica,Soft- bodied, But remarkably tough. On the Mohs scale, which is a scale of hardness (1 -10 with 10 in the hardest) granite falls in the range of 6 to 7. Granite's position is close to the top of the scale, meaning it's pretty hard and can scratch materials ranked lower, such as marble (which ranges from 3 to 5 on the scale) or limestone (which ranges from 3 to 4).
What This Means for You as a Granite Dealer
Durability in High Traffic Areas: Because of its known hardness, granite is also one of the most durable materials against scratches making it perfect for high-traffic areas in homes and commercial spaces. It resists scratches from common kitchen implements and is less likely to be damaged by pets scratching and walking across it, so is an advantageous material to use for flooring as well.
Fabrication And Installation Considerations: The density of granite, although desirable because of its durability, also necessitates special tools for cutting and shaping during fabrication. Diamond-tipped blades and bits are required for installers to work with the material.
Scratch Resistant: Due to its ranking on the Mohs scale, granite is less susceptible to wear and tear from, say, daily cleaning. Nevertheless, brittle, it can chip when struck solidly on its characteristic weak cleavage plains.
Maintenance and Care: Granite is very hard and durable, but that does not mean that it is immune to all kinds of damage. It can however still be stained by oils and other highly pigmented liquids without a good sealer. It is to be sealed periodically so that it remains stain resistant and also retain its natural beauty.
The minerals in granite — the quartz, feldspar, and other crystal formations — may affect the strength and hardness of granite, leading some to be considered harder than others. Quartz-rich lighter granites could be harder than those rich in feldsparjustice depending on how much feldspar. With this variability, one should take caution when choosing granite for various uses and the varying levels of hardness required.
To learn more about the reasons why granite is so hard and better suited for applications like high traffic areas, read our in-depth guide on how granite falls on the mohs scale.
Conclusion
So, being ranked 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale, makes it ideal for high traffic and high use areas. Granite is a durable solution that is perfect for countertops, flooring, and exterior applications due to its combination of natural beauty and dependable performance. The hardness plays a big role in why the stone is resistant to wear but also how the stone can be manipulated and upkept, making it practical for household and commercial.