Quick Guide: Choosing Your Granite Color
Best for Value & Tradition: Gray Granite is the most affordable and popular choice. It is timeless, hides dust well, and provides excellent contrast for traditional sandblasted lettering.
Best for Portraits: Black Granite (Jet Black) is essential if you want laser-etched photos or detailed scenes. Its dark background creates the high contrast needed for realistic images.
Best for Uniqueness: Exotic Colors (Red, Blue, Pink, Green) make a memorial stand out in the cemetery. These are ideal for personalization but typically cost more than standard gray.
Maintenance Note: While all granite is durable, darker colors (Black, Mahogany) show pollen and water spots more clearly than lighter colors, which naturally hide weathering.
View Available Granite Colors
Choosing the Right Granite Color for your Cemetery Memorial
Selecting the color of granite is an important step in creating a meaningful and lasting tribute. The color you choose not only affects the overall look of the memorial but also influences the types of personalization and designs that can be applied. Granite is available in a wide range of shades, each with its own unique character and advantages.
Gray Granite
Gray is the most traditional and widely used color for cemetery memorials. Its timeless and classic appearance makes it a popular choice for families who want a dignified look that fits well in any cemetery. Gray granite also tends to be more affordable and offers excellent contrast for traditional sandblasted lettering and designs.
Black and Dark Colored Granite
Black or dark colored granite creates a striking and elegant memorial. These colors are especially well-suited for laser etchings, which can capture portraits, detailed images, and intricate artwork with precision. The deep background allows etched designs to stand out clearly and beautifully.
Red, Blue, and Other Unique Colors
For families looking for something distinctive, granite is also available in shades of red, blue, green, and even pink. These vibrant colors provide a more personalized touch and can reflect individuality, heritage, or personal taste. While less common than gray or black, they create a memorial that stands out as a unique tribute.
Things to Consider
-
Personalization – Think about the type of designs you want, as some colors work better with specific techniques like sandblasting or etching.
-
Durability – All granite colors are durable, but darker colors may show natural markings more prominently than lighter shades.
A Lasting Reflection
No matter which granite color you choose, each option provides a strong and lasting memorial that will honor your loved one for generations. The right color will not only reflect their personality and spirit but also provide a beautiful presence in the cemetery.
Whether you prefer the timeless look of gray or the striking elegance of black granite, we’re here to help you make the perfect choice. Reach out to us to start designing a lasting tribute.
Frequently Asked Question
Which granite color is the most affordable for a headstone?
Gray granite is typically the most affordable option. Colors like Georgia Gray or Barre Gray are abundant in North America and easier to quarry, keeping costs lower than imported exotic colors. While affordable, gray granite is incredibly durable and provides a classic, timeless look that offers high contrast for traditional sandblasted lettering.
What is the best granite color for laser-etched portraits?
Solid Black (often called Jet Black or Premium Black) is the best choice for laser etching. Laser etching works by removing the polished surface to reveal the lighter stone beneath. This requires a high-contrast background to make detailed images, like photos or faces, visible. Lighter colors like gray or pink do not provide enough contrast for laser designs to show up clearly.
Will the color of the granite headstone fade over time?
No, natural granite colors will not fade because the color is part of the stone’s geological composition, not a dye or paint. At Tegeler Monument, we select high-quality, natural granite meant to withstand decades of weathering without losing its hue. Note: Be cautious of “dyed” black granite sold by budget retailers, which can fade; we do not use these inferior materials.
Does the color of the granite affect how hard it is to keep clean?
Yes, darker colors require more maintenance to look pristine. While all granite is durable, Black and Dark Red granites tend to show water spots, pollen, and dust more visibly than lighter colors like Gray or Pink. If you want a “low maintenance” memorial that hides dust well, a lighter speckled gray is the best option.