If I Buy These Granite Kitchen Counter Tops - Should I Seal Them?

The Oil And Lemon Juice Test

You may not know the true geological name of the stone you're considering for your granite kitchen counter tops. It may not even matter. What you really want to know...

"Which stone will make me happy?"

You don't want a "Granite" for your kitchen counter tops that's too absorbent nor do you want a "Granite" that's mixed with calcite - the main ingredient of marble and some limestone.

If there's even a little calcite in the stone or another mineral that's sensitive to acids, your granite may react negatively.

Note: Most granites do not contain calcite but it's best to test before buying! ;-)

What's Calcite?

Calcite is a mineral. It's sensitive to the acids in lemon juice, orange juice, soft drinks, tomatoes, wine and even some household cleaners. These products, as well as others, can leave all sorts of surface marks on your granite kitchen counter tops.

Because of this, The Oil and Lemon Juice Test will not only test for absorbency, it will also determine if the "Granite" you've selected is mixed with calcite or other minerals sensitive to acidic spills. Use this test on other natural stones too!

The Oil And Lemon Juice Test

Getting Started: (Perform this test prior to your stone purchase.) Line your stone samples on a table with the polished side up and then dust them thoroughly. Spill a few drops of lemon juice and cooking oil on each one of them. Be sure to use different spots of the surface on the stone for the juice and oil. Let the lemon juice and the oil sit on the surface of the stone for 5 minutes or so, and then wipe it dry.

Test Results: If you notice dull spots where the lemon juice hit the surface, you do not want this Granite for your kitchen counter tops. This "Granite" is mixed with calcite or other acid sensitive minerals and maintenance will be a nightmare! If the stone surface turns dark almost immediately, you do not want this Granite for your kitchen counter tops. This "Granite" is extremely absorbent and you will be a slave to it! If it takes 30 seconds or a little more to turn dark, you may have a stone that can be controlled with a good quality impregnating sealer. If it takes more than 5 minutes to turn dark, you have a stone that probably doesn't even need to be sealed!