It is common to hear stone countertop dealers talk about hardness and density. Stone countertops are known for both. But if you really want to know what is going on under the surface of that natural stone material, it’s important to note that hardness and density are not the same thing.
Hardness and density are distinctly different properties. Each one serves a stone countertop in a different way. Needless to say, natural stone is harder and more dense than wood, laminates, and a few other materials. It is one of the reasons natural stone is such a good choice for kitchen and bath counters.
More About Hardness
Hardness is a measurement of a material’s resistance to scratches and abrasions. For the purposes of classifying countertop materials, products are rated using something known as the Mohs scale. A rating of 1 indicates the softest material while a rating of 10 signifies the hardest.
The higher the Mohs rating, the more resistant a countertop surface is to scratches. Higher-rated materials are less prone to damage from knives, utensils, and daily wear and tear. This might matter to you if your kitchen is a high-traffic area used for more than just daily cooking.
Most granite slabs rate a 6-7 on the Mohs scale. They are pretty scratch-resistant. Marble is a bit softer at 3-4, on average. So if choosing between the two for a high-traffic kitchen, granite would probably win most of the time.
More About Density
Density is a measurement of a material’s compactness. Think of the tiny molecules that make up a stone countertop as grains of sand on a beach. The more tightly the grains are packed together, the less porous the surface is.
Density is an important measurement for kitchen countertops because of the inherent risks of using a highly porous material. Porous materials are more likely to absorb stains. They are also more likely to absorb liquids and provide a breeding ground for bacteria.
It is also worth noting that denser materials tend to be more durable over time. So if you can get a countertop material that is both hard and dense, you’ve got something good. Enter granite, marble, and quartzite. All three offer a nice balance between density and hardness.
Incidentally, common sense seems to dictate that a high-density material would also be pretty hard. But that’s really not the case. Ice is dense when it’s fully frozen. But it is not nearly as hard as granite or quartzite.
Why It All Matters
So, why does any of this matter? Because hardness and density impact the long-term survival of stone countertops. Homeowners typically want a material that can resist scratches and abrasions. That makes sense, given the knives and other tools used in modern kitchens. The harder a countertop surface is, the less susceptible it will be to routine damage.
Density also matters because it contributes to durability and aesthetic appeal. A highly dense stone material will last for decades with minimal care. On the aesthetic front, higher density means a lower propensity for stains and burns. Keeping that sort of damage at bay offers a better aesthetic over the life of a countertop.
Two Properties to Ask About
Hardness and density are two things to consider when looking at new countertops. If you are in the market for new countertops yourself, don’t be afraid to visit one of our showrooms and ask a team member about these two properties. You just might discover that your favorite countertop material also offers the perfect balance between hardness and density.
