Slate -v- Granite hearth for solid fuel fireplace

We are about to purchase a new solid fuel fire and are considering which material to use for the hearth. The 2 options are natural slate or honed granite. Can you help me with the pros and cons for each material to help me make my choice. The fire will be about 9" above hearth level. Thanks.

 

Dear Julie:

By saying slate you're saying very little – if anything at all. There are many different (and I do mean different) kinds of slate that span from dense and acceptable rocks, to slate that will actually fall apart under running water or turn into mud, and everything in between.

 

And now the granite.

There are over 2700 (no, it's not a typo) stones traded as granite on the market (and counting). Approximately a couple of dozens of them are true geological granite. Another three or four dozens could be classified as next of kin. All the remaining 2700 plus stones are related to granite and to each other like a cat to a cow.

 

Now that we established that, how can you expect an intelligent answer to your question from anybody?

 

Only when marblecleaning.org will have its way and the stone industry will clean its act an answer that would make any sense would be possible.

 

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?

Ciao and good luck,

Maurizio Bertoli

 

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