Dear Rebecca:
Read this:
BLACK ABSOLUTE GRANITE
Let's start by saying that when one mentions Black “Granite” one's talking about a huge variety of stones coming a little bit from all over the planet, each and every one of them not geological granite by a long shot, and each and every one of them with different characteristics. If that wasn't confusing enough, each and every one of them are processed with even if so slightly methods – which again can make a difference.
There used to be three possibilities to explain the problems that you are experiencing, which are here listed in order of probability (the first being the most probable):
In the last couple of years there's been a change in the scenario above. Another possibility has entered the scene:
Finally, case 3 above is not as rare as it used to be anymore. At least a couple of “Black Absolute Granites” allegedly from India and China entered the scene recently and are terrible “mutt” stones. Since they are cheap (to the importers) they push them like cra
Having said all that, the remedy to the points 1, 2 and 4 is to remove whatever it is that's sitting on the stone surface, by either stripping it chemically by soaking it with a solution of water and phosphoric acid, or mechanically, by rubbing on the stone surface a polishing compound for marble (NOT for granite!) with a little bit of water.
Case 3 is terminal. It can be fixed professionally, of course, but it can't be prevented. Basically, the granite that's not granite is behaving like marble.
From a legal stand,
Keeping in mind the severity of the discoloration and the fact that the stone comes from India, either case 2 or 3 are most likely, alas.
All things considered, black “granite” – which should be considered among the most enjoyable materials as a kitchen countertop – has made it out my own list of recommended stones.
Until the industry will not straighten its act up by becoming serious about the classification of all the different “granites” on the marketplace and dictate strict rules and guidelines about their characteristics and implied guarantees to the consumers, my position is going to be that from now on.
You can help! Actually, as a consumer of stone you're the best qualified to make things happen! Will you now please read and sign our Statement of Purpose by logging on 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 you will be rendering everybody a valuable service!
Thank you.
Ciao and good luck,
Mauri
Article ID: 1565
Created On: Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 1:34 PM
Last Updated On: Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 12:00 AM
Authored by: Maurizio Bertoli [mail@mbstone.com]
Online URL: https://marblecleaning.org/knowledgebase/article.php?id=1565