Indian varieties and what they cost
| Variety | Slab rate / sq ft | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Black Galaxy, Andhra | ₹220–420 | Deep black with bronze flecks |
| Absolute Black, Karnataka | ₹260–480 | Uniform matte-capable black |
| Steel Grey | ₹150–260 | Mid grey, forgiving of daily use |
| Tan Brown | ₹140–240 | Warm brown, hides turmeric |
| Kashmir White | ₹180–320 | Pale with garnet spots |
| Imported exotics | ₹600–1,800 | Book-matched, statement slabs |
Finishes change the material
Polished is the default: reflective, easy to wipe, shows water spots. Leathered or antiqued granite has a textured matte surface that hides fingerprints and is superb on a dark stone — it costs ₹60–120 per sq ft extra and is worth it on a black island. Flamed granite is rough and slip-resistant, used on balconies, steps and thresholds. Honed is matte and smooth, and on a black stone it will show every oil mark, so we avoid it in kitchens.
Buying by the slab, not by the sample
Granite is natural, so the sample tile in a showroom tells you the variety and nothing about the piece you will receive. Go to the yard, see the actual slabs, and mark them. Check the back for resin mesh, which is used to hold a fractured slab together and is a legitimate practice on exotic stones but not on a Steel Grey. Check the polish under a raking light for wave.
Sealing: the maintenance nobody mentions
Granite is 2–5% porous depending on variety. A penetrating sealer applied at installation and refreshed every eighteen to thirty months keeps oil and turmeric out. It costs ₹8–15 per sq ft and takes an hour for a whole kitchen. Skip it, and a pale stone will carry a permanent grease shadow around the hob within two years.
Granite versus quartz
Quartz is non-porous and colour-consistent, but its resin binder scorches. Granite is heatproof and cheaper at the entry level, but every slab is different — you must select the physical slab, not a sample tile, and you must plan the cutting so the vein or fleck pattern carries around the corner. In Mumbai, granite also holds its value in a parallel kitchen where two long runs need to match. See kitchen costs and the materials guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does granite stain?+
Unsealed, yes — oil and turmeric are the usual culprits, and on a pale stone the mark is permanent. Sealed granite resists both. The sealing is cheap and quick; it is skipping it that causes the problem people blame on the stone.
Can you put a hot pan directly on granite?+
Yes. Granite formed under heat and pressure and will not scorch, discolour or craze from a hot vessel. This is its single biggest practical advantage over engineered quartz in an Indian kitchen.
Which granite is best for a kitchen countertop?+
A mid to dark stone with a tight grain: Steel Grey, Tan Brown or a leathered Absolute Black. Pale, coarse-grained stones are more porous and show oil. Whatever the variety, see the actual slab before it is cut.
Is granite flooring still used in Mumbai homes?+
Less than it was, mostly in lobbies, thresholds and kitchen floors where it is hard-wearing. Large-format vitrified tile has taken over living spaces because it is lighter, cheaper to lay and available in bigger formats.