When purchasing granite precision platforms, understanding the difference between natural granite and artificial granite is essential for making an informed decision. Both materials are used in the precision measurement industry, but they differ significantly in structure, composition, and performance characteristics. Knowing how to distinguish between them helps ensure you get the right product for your application.
Natural granite is a type of igneous rock formed deep within the earth over millions of years. It is composed mainly of quartz, feldspar, and other minerals that interlock tightly, giving it excellent rigidity and long-term stability. This natural crystalline structure provides outstanding resistance to wear, corrosion, and deformation. Natural granite platforms—like those made from ZHHIMG® black granite—are known for their high density, uniform texture, and consistent mechanical strength. When polished, they exhibit a smooth, glossy finish with subtle variations in grain and color that reflect their natural origin.
Artificial granite, sometimes referred to as mineral casting or synthetic stone, is a man-made composite material. It is typically made from crushed granite aggregates bonded together with epoxy resin or polymer. The mixture is poured into molds and cured to form precision components. Artificial granite offers certain advantages in damping performance and production flexibility, as it can be shaped into complex forms more easily than natural stone. However, its physical properties depend heavily on the resin ratio and manufacturing quality, and it may not achieve the same hardness, thermal stability, or long-term flatness retention as high-quality natural granite.
For a simple way to tell them apart, you can rely on visual inspection and tactile observation. Natural granite has distinct mineral grains visible to the eye, with small color differences and a crystalline sparkle under light. Artificial granite tends to have a more uniform, matte appearance with fewer visible grains due to the resin binder. Additionally, when you tap on the surface with a metal object, natural granite produces a clear, ringing sound, while artificial granite gives a duller tone because of the damping properties of resin.
In precision applications—such as coordinate measuring machines, surface plates, and inspection platforms—natural granite remains the preferred material due to its proven stability and endurance. Artificial granite can be suitable for some applications requiring vibration absorption, but for long-term accuracy and dimensional stability, natural granite platforms are generally superior.
ZHHIMG, with decades of experience in ultra-precision manufacturing, uses only carefully selected natural black granite for its precision platforms. Each block is tested for uniform density, low thermal expansion, and high modulus of elasticity to guarantee exceptional metrological performance and long service life.
Post time: Oct-23-2025