Is the Color of Marble Surface Plates Always Black?

Many buyers often assume that all marble surface plates are black. In reality, this is not entirely correct. The raw material used in marble surface plates is typically gray in color. During the manual grinding process, the mica content within the stone may break down, forming natural black streaks or shiny black areas. This is a natural phenomenon, not an artificial coating, and the black color does not fade.

Natural Colors of Marble Surface Plates

Marble surface plates can appear black or gray, depending on the raw material and processing method. While most plates on the market appear black, some are naturally gray. To meet customer preferences, many manufacturers artificially dye the surface black. However, this has no effect on the plate’s measuring accuracy or functionality under normal usage.

Standard Material – Jinan Black Granite

According to national standards, the material most recognized for precision marble surface plates is Jinan Black Granite (Jinan Qing). Its natural dark tone, fine grain, high density, and excellent stability make it the benchmark for inspection platforms. These plates offer:

• High measurement accuracy

• Excellent hardness and wear resistance

• Reliable long-term performance

Because of their superior quality, Jinan Black Granite plates are often slightly more expensive, but they are widely used in high-end applications and for export. They can also pass third-party quality inspections, ensuring compliance with international standards.

Market Differences – High-End vs. Low-End Products

In today’s market, marble surface plate manufacturers generally fall into two categories:

1. High-End Manufacturers

   • Use premium granite materials (such as Jinan Qing)

   • Follow strict production standards

   • Ensure high precision, stable density, and long service life

   • Products are suitable for professional users and export markets

2. Low-End Manufacturers

   • Use cheaper, low-density materials that wear out quickly

   • Apply artificial black dye to imitate premium granite

   • The dyed surface may fade when wiped with alcohol or acetone

   • Products are mainly sold to price-sensitive small workshops, where cost is prioritized over quality

Conclusion

Not all marble surface plates are naturally black. While Jinan Black Granite is recognized as the best material for high-precision inspection platforms, offering reliability and durability, there are also lower-cost products in the market that may use artificial coloring to mimic its appearance.

For buyers, the key is not to judge quality by color alone, but to consider material density, accuracy standards, hardness, and certification. Choosing certified Jinan Black Granite surface plates ensures long-term performance and accuracy in precision measurement applications.