How to Care for Headstones
Weathering of Your Granite Memorial
The granite memorial you have chosen for your loved one is a beautiful monument that will last forever. Granite
is a hard, natural stone with a polished surface. It is also porous, which allows for absorption of water or rain
over time. This is not a defect of the stone, but a natural characteristic.
Granite is one of the earth’s most durable materials, and so it can withstand the elements better than marble or
bronze. With a durable rating of 7, granite is much harder than marble (which has a rating of 3), but not quite as
hard as a diamond (rated 10). Even with very little maintenance, granite retains its natural beauty. Weather
conditions will, over time, alter the appearance of the granite surface somewhat. This is a natural process and
should not detract from the beauty of the stone. Your granite marker truly will last forever.
Caring for Your Granite Headstone
Periodic cleaning: Windex and paper towels can be used to clean and shine granite's polished surface.
Removing water spots: Please contact your cemetery if the granite headstone develops water spots from natural
moisture or sprinklers. We do not recommend using cleansers or solvents to clean the stone's surface yourself; many
cleansers will strip the polished surface and paint from your memorial.
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