Types of Granite Colors

Granite provides tremendous versatility in the home. Due to its rich, varied color options and hardiness, it can be used as a working surface as well as a decorative accent. Whether you are considering counters in the kitchen or bathroom, an outdoor barbecue or a fireplace surround, you may be wondering how to narrow the myriad of options in granite color. Granite colors fall into six general categories, determined largely by the base color and patterns and shades that are evident in the stone.

Black

One of the most popular choices in modern home decorating, absolute black is something of a misnomer. Due to the combination of quartz, fedlspar or microline, achieving a true matte black is nearly impossible. However, quarries in India, South Africa, Australia and Sweden provide black granite that has little change in base color. The pattern is also consistent. However, the quartz characteristics of the granite make the stone appear textured.

Azul

Azul granite has blue as a dominant color, as you might expect from the name. It is a heavily patterned stone that includes whites, other shades of blue, black and gray. Brazil and Spain are the primary quarry locations for this type of granite color. This granite color is the second-most popular color, due largely to the complementary colors found in the stone.

White

Again a mild misnomer, white granite is found in China, Italy and Brazil. True white isn't possible in a granite due to the striations and chemical composition. But the closest provides a base of white with gray and black combinations. Another popular variation of white granite is actually more of an ivory.

Gold and Copper

Prized for the warmth the metallic elements included in the stone, gold and copper granite is found around the world. The richest deposits are found in Brazil and Italy. Generally this stone also includes elements of white, black and gray, providing rich tones to complement home decor.

Green

The granite color that provides the most variation is green. The base color is generally consistent, however, there are significant differences in the supporting colors. From Norway, you can find a green that is supported by blue and shades of aqua. From India, green granite is supported by shades of rose and gray. There are also granite colors that include black striping as well as stone that has flecks of metallics, such as gold.

Rose

This granite color is the rarest. It is possible to find reds, but true rose as a base color is relatively unusual. The base color varies from rose to lavender and includes supporting colors of white and yellow. Some variations also offer rose as a base with striking tones of black that add depth and drama. This stone is found primarily in Brazil and China.