Wear and Weathering
Granite is an extremely durable hard stone that erodes approximately 1/10th of an inch over a thousand years time. It is a blend of quartz, feldspar, and other hard minerals that had been fused together during the magma cooling process thousands of years prior as the result of volcanic activity. Because of its composition and durability, granite has become the premiere stone choice for monuments and memorial markers.
Modern day granite monuments are cut and shaped from large boulders of quarried stone. Different variations of granite can be found all across the United States, North America, and the rest of the globe. They come in a range of colors and a mix of mineral compositions. Most monuments and markers are shaped and the flat surfaces are cold polished, producing the optimal sheen and an acceptable engraving surface.
Polished granite weathers and wears extremely well in most conditions. Granite monuments erode gradually over time when exposed to natural elements, such as wind, water, or snow. The stone’s surface may become stained or discolored by harsh minerals in water or moss growth. The minerals in our Central Valley water tend to create surface calcification that may give the appearance of staining or discoloration. All granite, regardless of color, will naturally gray and fade over time. These stone conditions can be improved with regular stone cleaning.
All stone monuments, including granite, are susceptible to chipping, cracking, or breaking due to physical impacts. This can be caused by a number of circumstances, but the most common are attributed to vandalism, falling debris, or heavy machinery. Stone splits and breakage are rare. Even still, in an instance of stone damage, the marker can be evaluated for repair. If repair is not possible, a full replacement may be the best recommendation.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Monuments made of genuine polished granite can tolerate regular cleaning to maintain like-new sheen and condition year after year.
It is important to know what kind of surface finish your loved one’s marker has in order to utilize the most appropriate cleaning method. Granite markers that have a honed, sawn, acid-washed, or frosted surface cannot always be cared for using conventional cleaning methods. Monuments that have been laser-engraved suffer from a shallow etching and may require more specialized care compared to traditionally engraved markers. If you are not sure what kind of surface your monument has, it may be best to consult with a professional cleaner or monument company before attempting a DIY stone cleaning.
For polished granite monuments, you can try these conventional cleaning methods:
To clean off surface level dirt, mud, moss, and grime, mix a batch of soapy water and apply to the stone marker with a soft cloth. Your monument can tolerate aggressive and repeated cleaning with a cloth and soapy water. For tough to remove growth or grime, use a soft nylon bristle brush to gently scrub off unwanted elements.
To remove light stains, combine baking soda and water to create a runny paste. Apply the paste over the stain and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub with a cloth and rinse with plain water to remove.
For persistent moss or algae growth, remove the growth with a soft nylon bristle brush and clean the affected area with a one-to-one vinegar-water solution. Vinegar is mildly acidic and should be used sparingly on granite but may be effective in inhibiting unwanted persistent growth. Always rinse the vinegar off thoroughly with clean water.
For mild hard-water calcification and tough to remove stains or organic growth, you could try a commercially available stone cleaner, such as D/2 Biological Solution or Wet & Forget Headstone Cleaner. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle of any commercial cleaner and verify that the solution is non-acidic, non-toxic, and non-bleaching before applying to your stone.
Avoid using metal bristle brushes on your marker, as these abrasive brushes can scratch and damage the polished stone. Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners as these can stain, pit, or strip your marker’s surface.
To remove stubborn hard-water calcification, heavy stains, or repair stone damage, it is recommended to consult a professional stone cleaner or monument repair company. For stone care and cleaning consultations, drop us a line. We would be happy to help.