How Is Hardness Rated?
Geologists measure mineral hardness using the Mohs scale, created by Friedrich Mohs in 1812. It ranks ten reference minerals from 1 (softest) to 10 (hardest) based on which can scratch which:
- Talc
- Gypsum
- Calcite
- Fluorite
- Apatite
- Feldspar (orthoclase)
- Quartz
- Topaz
- Corundum
- Diamond
A material can scratch anything with a lower number. For reference, a fingernail is about 2.5, a copper coin about 3.5, a steel knife about 5.5 and glass about 5.5–6.
What Is the Hardness of Granite?
Granite is mainly composed of quartz (7) and feldspar (6), with smaller amounts of mica (2.5–3) and other minerals. Overall, granite rates about 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
Scratch resistance. Steel knives, forks and pots generally cannot scratch granite. Everyday kitchen use leaves it looking new.
Durability. Granite withstands decades of foot traffic on stairs and floors.
Knife care. Granite is harder than your knives, so cutting directly on it will blunt them — always use a board.
Edge chipping. Hardness is not the same as toughness. Sharp edges can still chip under impact, so rounded profiles are wise.
How Granite Compares
| Material | Approx. Mohs |
|---|---|
| Quartzite | 7 |
| Engineered quartz | ~7 |
| Granite | 6–7 |
| Porcelain | ~7 |
| Slate | 3–4 |
| Marble | 3 |
| Limestone/travertine | 3–4 |
| Soapstone | 1–2 |
Why Hardness Matters for Pakistani Homes
Granite's hardness makes it ideal for kitchens with heavy daily use, stairs, entrance floors, car porches and outdoor areas exposed to sand and grit.
Talk to FB Marble
FB Marble & Granite has supplied and installed natural stone across Pakistan since 2001. Visit our showroom at 51 Y Jamun, Bedian Road, near the DHA Phase 5-6 Interchange, Lahore, or WhatsApp +92 323 4148908 with your measurements for a free quote. Browse our granite, marble, quartz, porcelain and onyx collections on fbmarble.com.
