Granite is one of the most sought-after materials for kitchen and bathroom countertops, and for good reason. It’s durable, relatively affordable, and comes in many very attractive types, grain styles and colors. There’s a granite for every style and theme, and each tells its own story and has its own very robust personality.
Black granite probably isn’t the one most thought of when the material is casually mentioned. Usually, it’s a reddish or brownish, bubbly-grained material most people think of when you bring granite up. Black granite (which many mistake for a type of marble or quartz) has had a bit of a rollercoaster ride as far as popularity throughout modern history.
The last time it was wildly popular was in the late 70s on through the 80s, when sharp contrasts and sleek “modern” designs became all the rage. In the 90s and 2000s, gray and white granites became the order of the day, with softer “organic” and understated styles taking precedence.
However, black granite is making quite a comeback in recent years, though it’s sad having to combat some misconceptions and a bit of ignorance about the material. Let’s demystify this beautiful stone today, and maybe learn some things we never knew about black granite!
Misconception – All Black Granite is the Same
Black granite comes in as many varieties as any other type of granite, with numerous hues and distinct grain/patterns to choose from. Contrary to the name, not all black granite is even black, with some such as Indian black being a dark gray with white streak patterns. Black Galaxy is a speckled white and black, where black pearl has an almost celestial appearance to it.
Agatha black granite has a distinct personality, with wavering light gray streaks and clusters of off-white clouding that many say resembles a darkened image of the skies of Jupiter. It feels almost alive and flowing.
Of course, solid, jet-black granite also exists but is actually the least common variety of black granite around. It requires a chemical purity where almost no quartz is present, making it rare. It’s less desirable due to its plain nature, making it one of those unusual cases of a rare material is less valued.
Debunking Some Downsides
Many of the cons associated with black granite are actually complete bunk. It’s entirely untrue, for example, that it’s hard to clean and maintain. It’s durable, stain and scratch-resistant and very sanitary. All granite is slightly more fragile than marble due to the lower crystalline content, certainly, but black granite is no softie.
Along with this, the myth that black granite makes kitchens or bathrooms darker is also poppycock. While it does reflect less natural light than white or brown/gold granites, it doesn’t absorb the light, and still has an ambient, reflective sheen to it. It’s excellent for contrast in nice, bright kitchens, or to complete the effect in softer, earthier decors as well.
Lastly, on the list of misconceptions, black granite has often been thought of as unduly expensive as far as granite varieties go. This is not true, as black granites are no more costly than others, in some cases even more affordable.
Black Granite Looks Modern
People often think a modern kitchen needs white or gray granite. These are good choices too, but black granite can add a sleek, sharp and chic appearance to a modern and practical kitchen, bring both contrast and softness at the same time.
It’s less cliché than white or gray, making a bold but pleasant statement!
Black Granite Works Great with Maple Cabinets
People often default to brown/gold or gray granites to go with mid or dark maple cabinets, due to white being less than complimentary to it. They expect black to contrast it in either too much or not enough of a way, and so people rarely even consider black granite for these handsome cabinets.
In truth, black granite, especially black galaxy or impala black, compliment medium or dark maples marvelously, blending organically while still making a fashionable and pleasant statement. If you look around online at kitchens done by bold, forward-thinking people who appreciate black granite, you’ll be quite shocked at how well these mix.
Black Granite with White Cabinets
This was popular in the 1980s in upper-class homes and businesses, but it’s making a comeback in recent years just like black granite as a whole. Black granite with white countertops produces a high contrast that adds dynamic lines and lively personality to a kitchen, and again, does not reduce the light in any way.
Timeless Choice
While black granite comes and goes from popularity, it never actually goes “out of style” to the point it’s a detriment during its lulls in popularity. Compare this to avocado green and harvest gold materials popular in the 1970s which are now not only out of style but much maligned and regarded as hideous.
If black granite goes temporarily out of fashion again tomorrow, nobody’s going to call it ugly for this, just extemporaneous at most. This is a timeless look indeed.
To learn more about black granite, the varieties out there, and find out how well it also compliments backsplashes (even steel ones), fill out the contact form below to stay in the know.
