BUYER’S REFERENCE · Updated 2026 · For importers, wholesalers & project specifiers
Cosmic Black granite kitchen countertops — granite’s high durability makes it a go-to for busy worktops and flooring.
The short answer: Granite slabs are dense, hard natural stone (Mohs ~6–7) ideal for flooring, countertops, and exterior cladding. Standard slabs run 18–20 mm thick and 2400–3200 mm long, with polished, flamed, or honed finishes for indoor and outdoor use.
Why Choose Granite
Granite is an igneous stone prized for hardness, low water absorption, and resistance to heat and scratching. That makes it the most practical natural stone for high-traffic floors, outdoor cladding, and working kitchens.
Common Colors & Looks
| Color family | Typical look | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Deep black with sparkle / veining | Cosmic Black |
| White / grey | Light speckled or crystalline | Alaska White |
| Blue / exotic | Iridescent labradorite flashes | Labradorite Lemurian Blue |
| Red / brown | Warm traditional tones | Various quarry-specific names |
Standard Sizes & Finishes
| Attribute | Typical range / options | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 2400–3200 mm | Large islands, bookmatching |
| Width | 1200–2000 mm | Coverage efficiency |
| Thickness | 18/20 mm, 30 mm | 20 mm tops; 30 mm heavy use |
| Polished | Glossy, color-enhancing | Interiors, countertops |
| Flamed | Textured, slip-resistant | Exterior, wet areas |
| Honed | Matte | Soft, modern interiors |
| Bush-hammered | Rough, anti-slip | Public outdoor flooring |
Key Applications
- Flooring Shopping malls, airports, hotel lobbies — handles heavy foot traffic.
- Countertops Kitchens and labs — heat- and scratch-resistant.
- Exterior cladding Building facades — with flamed/honed weather-resistant finishes.
- Monuments & outdoor Tables, steps, landscape — unaffected by weather.
Granite’s low absorption and high hardness make it the safest natural stone choice for outdoor and high-traffic use — unlike marble, it doesn’t etch from acids.
Durability at a Glance
| Property | Granite (typical) | Buyer takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6–7 | Highly scratch resistant |
| Water absorption (ASTM C97) | Often <0.4% | Excellent moisture resistance |
| Heat resistance | Very high | Safe near cooktops |
| Acid etching | Minimal | Better than marble/limestone |
Buyer Checklist
- Choose finish by use: polished indoors, flamed/honed outdoors.
- Confirm slab thickness and jumbo availability for your yield.
- Request batch photos for color consistency.
- Plan simple sealing for polished indoor tops (optional but recommended).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is granite better than marble for kitchens?
For working kitchens, yes — granite is harder, less porous, and won’t etch from acids. Marble wins on veined elegance but needs more care.
Can granite be used outdoors?
Yes. With flamed, honed, or bush-hammered finishes it resists weathering and slipping, making it ideal for cladding and exterior floors.
What thickness do I need for flooring?
20 mm (2 cm) is common for indoor flooring over a substrate; thicker or reinforced formats suit high-load or exterior areas.
Does granite need sealing?
Less than marble, but a penetrating sealer on polished indoor tops helps resist stains. Outdoor flamed granite usually needs none.
How do I verify granite quality?
Request ASTM C97 (absorption/density) and C880 (flexural) reports for the lot, plus pre-shipment photos and an SGS or equivalent inspection.
About the Source
STONELINK is a natural stone manufacturer and exporter supplying marble, granite, quartzite, and other natural stone products to importers, wholesalers, and project contractors worldwide. For procurement support or a tailored quotation, contact our team.
This guide is educational. Always request current batch photos, samples, and a written quotation before ordering.