Granite is one of the strongest and most durable natural stones. It also comes in various types, mainly categorized by color. Each granite type has a distinct durability level and application. Because it is highly resistant to scratches and stains, the granite slab is well-suited for countertops to outdoor paving. These variations form naturally and allow homeowners, designers, and builders to choose the right granite based on function, style, and location.
11 Types of Granite
Here are the top 11 granite types categorized by color, origin, and practicality. Each b features a distinct purpose according to the project type, design aesthetic, and performance expectations:
- Black Granite
- White Granite
- Red Granite
- Gold Granite
- Brown Granite
- Green Granit
- Pink Granite
- Grey Granite
- Yellow Granite
- Blue Granite
- Ivory Granite
Types Of Granite By Color
| Type | Appearance | Best Use | Country of Origin |
| Black | Dark, sleek | Kitchens, offices | India, South Africa |
| White | Light, airy | Bathrooms, small spaces | Brazil, India |
| Red | Bold, vibrant | Accents, monuments | India, China |
| Gold | Warm, rich | Entryways, commercial use | India, Brazil |
| Brown | Earthy, natural | Fireplaces, stairs | Finland, Saudi Arabia |
| Green | Deep, lush | Bathrooms, landscaping | Brazil, India |
| Pink | Romantic, soft | Trims, classic designs | Italy, India |
| Grey | Understated | Urban surfaces, paving | USA, Italy |
| Yellow | Warm, bright | Kitchens, patios | Spain, India |
| Blue | Rare, elegant | Luxury interiors | Norway, Brazil |
| Ivory | Neutral, timeless | Any modern space | India |
Black Granite
Absolute Black granite is the most common yet strongest granite variant that is rich in biotite or hornblende. It features a uniform surface that looks sleek and has matte or glossy finish countertops. This is the type of granite commonly used in modern kitchens, commercial lobbies, kitchens, and work countertops. The popular varieties include:
- Absolute Black
- Black galaxy granite
- Impala Black (South Africa)
It looks bold and low-maintenance, which is easy to pair with minimalist or high-contrast designs.
White Granite
This is the type of granite rich in quartz with subtle gray, beige, or blue veining. It features a crisp and clean surface that adds a touch of light to the rooms. This is one of those types of granite that is perfect for small space countertops, bathrooms, and backsplashes. The popular varieties include:
- Kashmir White (India)
- Alaska White (Brazil)
- Bianco Romano (Italy)
This is the type of granite that mimics the look of marble but offers better durability against wear and tear than marble countertops.
Red Granite
This granite type is rich with iron and features striking pink or burgundy tones. It looks and feels warm with its reddish hues. It is well-suited for accent walls, garden steps, monuments, large-scale projects, and working counters. Some of the most popular variants of red granites include:
- Imperial Red (India)
- New Imperial (India)
- Red Dragon (China)
Because of its uniquely colorful appearance, it adds personality to any space without compromising on durability.
Gold Granite
It is a type of granite that is rich in feldspar and features a golden or bronze hue. It looks and feels luxurious, especially under warm lighting. It is widely used in premium commercial projects such as Statement islands, entryways, and commercial installations like hotel corridors.
- Colonial Gold (India)
- Venetian Gold (Brazil)
- Giallo Fiorito (Italy)
This is one of those types of granite that adds instant warmth and prestige to any space.
Brown Granite
This granite type has a balanced mix of feldspar, quartz, and mica. It features a chocolate, tan, and chestnut tone. It offers a wood-like, rustic, and cozy feel to any space. The most common uses of it include kitchens with wood cabinets, stair treads, and fireplaces.
What it is: Granite with a balanced mix of feldspar, quartz, and mica in chocolate, tan, or chestnut tones. Other variants of it include:
- Baltic Brown (Finland)
- Coffee Brown (India)
- Tropic Brown (Saudi Arabia)
Brown granite pairs well with traditional or earthy designs.
Green Granite
This is the type of granite that gets its green hues because of minerals like epidote or serpentine. It looks and feels organic, exotic, and with depth. The most common uses of it include bathroom vanities, garden benches, and spa interiors. It comes in different variants, including:
- Verde Butterfly (Brazil)
- Tropical Green (India)
- Ubatuba (Brazil)
This granite type is ideal for creating nature-inspired indoor and outdoor spaces.
Pink Granite
One of the unique types of granite that gets its pink hue from feldspar. It gives this stone a salmon-like to rose-like color. It looks vintage, and romantic, and feels soft. This granite is well-suited to decorative trims, flooring, and historical restoration. Popular varieties include:
- Rosa Beta (Italy)
- Rosy Pink (India)
- Mt. Airy Pink (USA)
This granite type has more of a feminine look compared to regular granite. This is why they can be an ideal addition for a more intimate appearance, both outdoors and indoors.
Grey Granite
It offers a neutral tone with black, white, and blue spots. Its appearance makes it a versatile and understated granite type that is ideal for modern paving, countertops, and wall cladding. It hides dirt and damage well in high-traffic areas. It also comes in other varieties, including:
- Steel Grey (India)
- Silver Cloud (USA)
- Grey Sardo (Italy)
Yellow Granite
It is an ideal blend of beige and golden minerals. This granite type looks welcoming and Mediterranean, with warm feelings. This is ideal to be used on the patios, kitchen countertops, and exterior cladding. Popular varieties are
- Amarillo Ornamental (Spain)
- Sunset Gold (India)
- Giallo Antico (Italy)
The polished granite adds cheerfulness and light to spaces with natural warmth.
Blue Granite
It is one of the rarest types of granite with a striking appearance that is rich or sodalite minerals. It looks and feels iridescent, moody, and luxurious. It is well-suited for statement walls, luxury bathrooms, and custom furniture. The popular varieties are:
- Blue pearl granite (Norway)
- Azul Bahia (Brazil)
- Labrador Antique (Canada)
This granite offers unique drama for premium design applications.
Ivory Granite
This granite type has a subtle mix of cream, beige, and off-white quartz and feldspar. It looks and feels neutral, soft, and calm. The best applications for this granite type are outdoor kitchen countertops, calm bathrooms, and open-plan homes. It also includes:
- Ivory fantasy granite (India)
- Ivory Brown (India)
You can choose it for its balanced and timeless appearance that works in both classic and contemporary settings.
Granite Types by Surface Finish
Granite also comes in different surface finishes. Here are the surface types explained.
| Finish Type | Surface Characteristics | Best Use Cases | Common Granite Types Used |
| Polished | Smooth, glossy, reflective; enhances color and veining | Kitchen countertops, vanities, and indoor walls | Black Galaxy, Alaska White, Colonial Gold, Blue Pearl |
| Honed | Smooth but matte; no shine; more subtle colors | Bathroom flooring, entryways, and tabletops | Steel Grey, Kashmir White, Ivory Fantasy, Bianco Romano |
| Leathered | Softly textured, matte with a slight sheen; hides smudges | Kitchen islands, bar tops, fireplace surrounds | Ubatuba, Verde Butterfly, Coffee Brown |
| Flamed | Rough, slip-resistant, heat-treated surface | Outdoor paving, walkways, and pool decks | Tan Brown, Giallo Fiorito, Silver Cloud, Sunset Gold |
| Brushed | Softly textured, aged look; less rough than flamed | Accent walls, rustic interiors | Tropic Brown, Rosy Pink, Red Dragon |
| Bush-Hammered | Heavily textured with a coarse, pebbled finish | Public plazas, anti-slip flooring | Desert Brown, Grey Sardo, New Imperial Red |
| Sandblasted | Fine-grainy texture; lightens surface tone slightly | Wall cladding, monuments, landscaping | Impala Black, Giallo Ornamental, Baltic Brown |
| Tumbled | Softened edges and muted texture; vintage effect | Cobblestones, patios, and mosaic features | Amarillo Ornamental, Rosa Beta, Mt. Airy Pink |
Different finish of the granite gives it a distinct appearance and durability. Consider this to make an informed decision.
How is granite graded?
Granite is graded based on quality, appearance, thickness, and origin. Buyers can compare durability, consistency, and cost using these grades. You’ll be able to choose the right type of granite for your project if you understand how granite is classified. The table below outlines how different granite types are typically categorized with these industry-standard grades.
| Grade | Description | Common Granite Types (Expanded) |
| Grade 1 (Commercial Grade) | Entry-level granite with visible natural imperfections, inconsistent veining, and thinner slabs (around ½”). Used in low-cost projects or high-volume construction. | Rosa Pink, New Imperial Red, Desert Brown, Tan Brown, Rosa Beta, Tropic Brown, Mt. Airy Pink |
| Grade 2 (Standard Grade) | Mid-quality granite with better color consistency, medium thickness (¾”), and moderate natural variation. Common in residential kitchens and bathrooms. | Kashmir White, Baltic Brown, Steel Grey, Giallo Ornamental, Ivory Brown, Venetian Gold, Verde Butterfly, Grey Sardo, Coffee Brown, Amarillo Ornamental, Tropical Green, Sunset Gold, Silver Cloud |
| Grade 3 (Premium Grade) | High-end granite with uniform veining, minimal flaws, vivid colors, and thick slabs (typically 1¼”). Sourced from top-tier quarries and used in luxury applications. | Black Galaxy, Blue Pearl, Alaska White, Colonial Gold, Azul Bahia, Absolute Black, Labrador Antique, Bianco Romano, Giallo Fiorito, Ubatuba, Ivory Fantasy, Red Dragon, Impala Black |
Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Granite
With so many types of granite to choose from, it can be overwhelming to choose the right type for your space. These are the factors you should consider to choose the right granite type for your space.
| Factor | Consideration |
| Color & Pattern | Match it with your space’s lighting, cabinetry, and overall style theme. |
| Durability | Choose dense granite (like black or grey) for high-traffic or outdoor areas. |
| Finish Type | Polished for easy cleaning; honed or leathered for a matte or rustic look. |
| Porosity | Low-porosity granite resists stains better, important for kitchens and bathrooms. |
| Maintenance | Light-colored granites may need more frequent sealing than darker ones. |
| Slab Variation | Always view full slabs; granite veining and tone can vary between batches. |
| Application | Thicker slabs for countertops; thinner tiles for walls or flooring. |
| Budget | Exotic or rare granites cost more; regional options offer good value. |
FAQs About Granite Types
Here are the most common questions about granite types answered by our professionals.
What is the most durable type of granite?
Level 3+ Black and grey granites are usually considered the most durable granite types due to their dense composition and fewer impurities.
Does the granite’s strength differ between granite colors?
Yes. The darker color of granite, like Absolute Black or Steel Grey, is usually considered strong due to the tighter grain structures compared to lighter varieties like Kashmir White.
Which granite is best for outdoor use?
Black pearl, black galaxy, Kashmir white, and steel grey are best suited for outdoor use. Generally, types of granite with low porosity are ideal for outdoors.
Does granite require sealing?
Yes. Most granite generally requires sealing, especially the lighter varieties. Darker granites may be dense enough to go longer without resealing, depending on usage.
Bottom Line
Granite is one of the strongest and most durable natural stones. It comes in a wide range of colors. Granite countertops. Different types of granite color feature different levels of strength, thickness, and origins. Just make sure to buy the right type of granite according to your project requirements, aesthetics, design goals, and area of installation. Make sure to buy your granite from reputable natural stone suppliers. NT Pavers provides various types of granite to its valued clients across the US. You can contact us right now to learn more about granite and even have a live product demo.
