Test the Granite Samples You are Considering for your Project.

Aug 03, 2016

Are you planning a kitchen, bath or new bar update? We are your source for inspiration.


If it’s time to select the stone for your counter tops, what do you look for?


Two things: Absorbency and acid sensitivity.You do NOT want a granite that is too absorbent, and you do NOT want a granite that is mixed with calcite (the main component of marble and limestone.)

Here is how to test your granite choices to ensure resiliency. Line samples of any stone you are considering on a table or counter to, dust them thoroughly then pour a few drops of lemon juice and cooking oil on each one of them.



If you notice a stain immediately turns dark where the juice and the oil were applied to the stone, the stone is very absorbent and will not be ideal for the kitchen, bath or bar area.

If you note that the juice and the oil take a little time to get absorbed, (a half minute or better), then you have a stone whose absorbency can be effectively controlled with a good quality impregnator. If you note that some samples will not absorb anything within, half an hour or longer, then you may have a winner! That stone may not even need to be sealed. Now how to eliminate the word, “may,” from the equation? The answer resides in another question:

Why use lemon juice instead of, say, plain water?

Because, as mentioned above, you’re not just looking to determine the absorbency of the stones you’re considering, but you also want to determine that your samples are 100% silicate rocks, opposed to some stones – still traded as granite – that are mixed with various percentages of calcite. If there’s even a little calcite in the stone, it will react to the high acidity of the lemon juice, (citric acid.) When you wipe your samples dry, you will notice a dull spot of the same shape of the lemon drops. If this is the case, this stone would not be a good candidate for your project. If instead it’s still nice and shiny where the drops were, then you eliminate the “may” factor and have a stone that is acid resistant and has a low absorbency rate.


More questions? We’re here to answer them!

07 Jun, 2023
CSW, known as “Home of the 1-Week Turn,” is the top countertop fabrication and installation company in the Kanas City metro area. Our team consistently seeks new and beautiful colors in granite, quartz, and quartzite. Here we feature another our most recent additions to our vast color offering.
By Jenni Grisso 23 May, 2023
CSW, known as “Home of the 1-Week Turn,” is the top countertop fabrication and installation company in the Kansas City metro area. Our team is always searching for new colors in granite, quartz, and quartzite. Here we feature two of our most recent quartz colors, Symphony Carmen and Symphony Tosca. See our full line of quartz, quartzite, and granite on our stock color page.
By Jenni Grisso 15 Feb, 2023
CSW is the top countertop fabrication and installation company in the Kansas City metro area. Our team is always on the search for the best, most unique and best value granite, quartz, and quartzite. Here we feature two of our most recent additions to our vast color offering. Calacatta D’oro Quartzite and Statuario Lincoln Quartz. The post CSW FEATURED COLORS IN QUARTZITE & QUARTZ appeared first on Canaan Stone Works.
By Jenni Grisso 01 Feb, 2023
CSW adds new quartz colors and updated pricing to their stock colors of granite, quartz and quartzite. The post CSW Offers Stunning New Quartz Colors appeared first on Canaan Stone Works.
granite countertops
12 Dec, 2022
Discover the origins of granite countertops at CSW. Learn about the sourcing and journey of this exquisite natural stone. Uncover the beauty of where granite comes from.
28 Nov, 2022
Natural stone, including granite and quartzite lasts a lifetime. Its durability stands up to busy households, and a wide variety of colors, styles, and veining make it perfect for any décor. The post Five Questions to Ask When Choosing Granite or Quartzite for your Kitchen Countertops appeared first on Canaan Stone Works.
11 Jul, 2022
We are so excited to announce the arrival of Lacey Dibben! Lacey joins our sales team, bringing over 10 years of experience in project management and design consulting. The post Welcome Lacey Dibben, Sales at CSW appeared first on Canaan Stone Works.
15 Jun, 2022
When choosing your kitchen countertops and cabinets, you’ll want to think about quality and material, first and foremost. You will also want to make sure you have the best contractors working on your remodel. In this blog we will take a peek at the ultimate kitchen update. CSW and Tarvin Products partner to bring this kitchen remodel to an entirely new level.
13 Jun, 2022
CSW offers 8 new Cambria Quartz Colors. Cambria is a versatile, beautiful choice for any area of the home from kitchen countertops to bathroom vanities. Their countertops require little to no maintenance. The post CSW Offers 8 New Cambria Quartz Colors appeared first on Canaan Stone Works.
27 Apr, 2022
Graham Power, sales at CSW chose Blue Leathered Granite for the island and surrounding countertops. The post Leathered Granite Countertops by CSW appeared first on Canaan Stone Works.
More Posts
Share by: