Angola Black Granite & pitting

Had new Angola Black granite counters installed in kitchen in January, 2008. Island was immediately replaced due to a crack. soon thereafter we started to notice both pitting and what appears to be small nicks or chips on the surfaces of the counters. The larger of them appear almost as if one were to scoop out a small piece with a fingernail. The fabrication form insists this is normal and I disagree, based upon what I have read online. To me, a pit would be as if a pin or toothpick had stuck a hols in the surface, not the larger holes we have where we can see the lighter material underneath and notice a slight differential of depth. This was purchased at Home Depot and they are trying to help but they rely on their fabricator for answers. I would estimate that on the island alone there are at least 30 such pits and or what I call pot-holes!

2nd question.....is Angola Black a "true granite"? As I read more on your site I note that you state that there are no Black Granites. Thank you.....

 

Dear Michael:

Answering to your second question first, Angola Black is certainly not granite: it is a rock of the gabbro group, probably diorite. With a density rated between 0.1% and 0.2% it can't be technically sealed, which means that it will never stain.

That said, coming now to what you perceive as excessive pitting, I can't honestly side with you or your fabricator: only a physical inspection of your slab could enable me to make an assessment and draw a conclusion. I'm sure you can appreciate that.

All in all, however, typically that particular stone is not very “pitty”. Different grading, of course, may lead to slabs with excessive pitting.

But who knows anything (and/or care) about grading of stone?… L

 

Does the world need marblecleaning.org or what?

 

Now remember, it's never too early to think about the proper maintenance of your stone. The issue of what you'll be doing day in and day out to your stone is – as it should be intuitive – vastly more important than its sealing (if and when possible and/or advisable) and it's all too often neglected. As you can tell by reading many of this site's postings, you're not likely to get good information about routine care from your dealer or installer. Don't become another statistic! By logging into the Helpful Hints section of our website at:  http://www.mbstone.com/HH_promo/helpful_hints.htm , you will be able to get the short version of our maintenance guidelines at no charge. The full version of it – a 7-page document considered by many as an industry benchmark – is available in pay- per-download format in our Educational Literature section at:  http://www.mbstone.com/literature/literature.htm .  

And remember, every single penny of the cost of the literature will be used to support this site and its cause: your cause.

While you are in the “Helpful Hints” section, do spend some time reading all of the interesting FREE articles you'll find in there!

Finally, keep in mind that we need your support to help us helping you!

Will you please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?    

By spreading the word about this valuable site among your friend & family and the stone trades' people you've been dealing with, you will be rendering everybody a valuable service!

Thank you  

Ciao and good luck,

Maurizio Bertoli

 

www.marblecleaning.org – The only Consumers' Portal to the Stone Industry Establishment!