Granite is known to be one of the hardest natural stones amongst all. Granite measures somewhere between 6 and 7 on the Mohs scale, a scale devised by German Geologist and Mineralogist Friedrich Mohs in 1812, to measure the hardness of natural stones and minerals. The scale has 10 levels, 1 to 10. As you move up the scale, the minerals become harder and harder. If you go down the scale, they become softer and softer. The Mohs hardness scale is also used to measure the hardness of other natural stones such as Sandstone, Limestone, Marble, Slate and Quartzite.
In terms of Mohs hardness, Granite is right up there amongst the hardest of natural stones. Because of this, buyers get to make balanced decisions. This comparison that buyers generally do in the case of Granite with other natural stone products available in the competitive market puts them at ease while buying it, be it in the form of tiles or slabs or pavers or in any other form.
Another way to measure the hardness of Granite Pavers is by scratching. It so happens that a material can scratch other materials and in turn also get scratched. If there are two different materials and both are hard enough to scratch each other, then it clearly means that both are as hard as each other. In the case of Granite, a piece of Granite is rated very highly if it scratches another stone and does not get scratched by it. On the flip side, it is rated very low if it gets scratched by another natural stone and in turn is not able to scratch it. Additional factors that have a say in determining the hardness of a piece of Granite include hue, crystals and luster.
Since Granite Pavers are hard, resistant to damage and invulnerable to staining, it gives you a clear edge above other stones if you happen to be one of the suspicious ones as far as cracking and scratching of stones are concerned. If you happen to know a renowned supplier and wholesaler of natural stones, then you can always ask your supplier for a quality testing report for more details about the features and standards of a piece of granite.
Summary: The best way to measure the hardness of a piece of Granite is by measuring it on the Mohs hardness scale. If the rating comes on the higher side, then the hardness of that piece of Granite is ascertained. Moreover, if it scratches another natural stone and not be scratched in turn, then that too must be considered and given credence. Finally, the easiest way to determine how hard a Granite stone is, is by scratching the stone with bare hands. The tougher the exterior of the stone, the fairer your idea of the hardness of the stone will be. Granite is considered one of the most precious amongst natural stones and it is only appropriate that its hardness is determined first and then the stone be selected. Its usage as slabs and kitchen countertops besides flooring is legendary stuff.
