Granite is a deep-seated igneous rock that crystallised slowly from magma beneath the crust. It consists mainly of quartz, feldspar and mica, has a Mohs hardness of about 6 to 7 and water absorption generally below 0.5 percent. Hard-wearing, heat-resistant and weather-resistant, it is the most widely used stone in Hong Kong for outdoor paving, stair treads, bollards, park fixtures and kitchen countertops.
Granite is igneous, hard, low-absorption, acid- and wear-resistant, with a speckled or granular pattern. Marble is metamorphic, softer, with flowing veining, and is vulnerable to acids. Simply put: choose granite where wear resistance and low maintenance matter, and marble where dramatic veining and a warm touch matter.
Frequently specified varieties include Black Galaxy, Blue Pearl, Mongolian Black, Langhua White, Sesame White and G682 yellow granite. Dark granites are used for countertops and thresholds, light granites for paving and cladding. The engineering range also covers standard components such as bollard posts, stone spheres, paving stones and copings.
Kitchen countertops (heat and scratch resistant), outdoor footpaths and driveways, public stair treads, retail flooring, park fixtures, dry-hung curtain wall cladding, channel covers and kerbs. In wet areas a slip-resistant finish such as flamed, bush-hammered or sand-blasted is required.
Common finishes include polished (high gloss, interior), honed (soft sheen, better slip resistance), flamed (rough, best slip resistance, standard outdoors), bush-hammered (dotted texture), sand-blasted and antique. Choose a finish by balancing slip rating against cleaning difficulty.
Choose granite for durability and low maintenance, marble for dramatic veining if you accept sealing and care. Granite is the most dependable option for Hong Kong family kitchens.
Yes, it is the most common outdoor stone. Low absorption and strong weather resistance, combined with flamed or bush-hammered finishes for grip, suit footpaths, driveways, steps and park fixtures.
Specify rough finishes such as flamed, bush-hammered or sand-blasted, and check the R rating or pendulum test value for the location. Wet areas and slopes need a higher slip resistance class.