Granite is a time-honored choice for headstones because it can withstand harsh weather conditions and is super easy to clean. Unlike other headstone materials, the mineral pattern retains its original white, pink, gray, blue and green colors. Granite will not fade in the sun and will not warp at extremely high or low temperatures.
Although granite does not deteriorate, being outdoors all the time will certainly produce some slag. This material tends to attract a translucent white film on its polished surface. The good news is that cleaning granite is easy - all you need is a clean cloth, water and detergent. A well-maintained granite headstone can last up to 500 years!
Granite is a broad category of rock with a wide color spectrum - from gray and black to red and blue. It is not made by man or machine, but by the geological processes of the earth over thousands or millions of years after the lava has cooled. As a result, granite is the most durable material for tombstone.
However, despite its natural strength, not all granites are created equal in terms of reliability. Grade is the term used to indicate the quality of granite, which reflects.
Durability.
Density.
Structural integrity.
Consistency.
Suitability for cutting, fabrication and finishing.
Over time, low commercial grade granite is susceptible to chipping, degradation and discoloration. Craftsmen will have difficulty carving or etching inferior granite, especially with fine details. The low density, defects and inconsistencies of inferior granite will reduce the sharpness and original appearance of the material when cut or polished.
In terms of cost, premium granite is naturally more expensive. But the advantages of quality granite are evident from the start and will be recognized especially in the decades and centuries to come.
Weathering is the breakdown of stone to form sediments. There are three ways in which stones deteriorate.
Physical weathering is the deterioration of stone due to natural processes such as wear and tear, frost and ice cracking. Chemical weathering occurs when the stone interacts with air, acids and water. Biological weathering is the weakening and subsequent decomposition of rocks by plants, animals and microorganisms.
Different rock types weather at different rates. Igneous rocks, such as granite, weather particularly slowly because water is difficult to penetrate. Other types of rocks, such as marble, weather easily because they dissolve in weak acids, such as water.
There is no doubt that granite has become the main material for headstones. It is accepted in almost all cemeteries and will last for generations.
Although quality granite is very durable, hard irrigation water, tree sap, birds, grass clippings and other natural occurrences can stain headstones or reduce the contrast of the lettering and design. A simple cleaning from time to time can help the headstone maintain its original beauty.
You can ensure that your loved one's headstone maintains a consistent appearance over time by using the following simple cleaning steps.
Choose quality granite. Clean the memorial with clean water. Do not use a pressure washer. Do not use any soap or other chemicals. Wet the memorial thoroughly before cleaning. Use a sponge or fiber or soft brush, not a wire brush. Start cleaning with water only from the bottom and work your way to the top. Rinse thoroughly with cleaner water. Do not allow the monument to dry until you have finished rinsing.
Some monuments require more than one cleaning, depending on how stained or dirty it is. If you need a more effective cleaning, consult your memorial specialist for further advice or assistance.
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