Granite countertops are a favorite in many kitchens and bathrooms for good reason—they’re durable, beautiful, and hold up well to everyday wear and tear. But one common question people ask is: Can you scratch granite with a knife?

Short Answer: It’s Unlikely—But Not Impossible

Granite is one of the hardest natural materials used in home surfaces. On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness (which goes from 1 to 10), granite typically ranks between 6 and 7, while steel (like most kitchen knife blades) falls between 4 and 5.5. That means, under normal circumstances, a typical kitchen knife shouldn’t be able to scratch granite.

So Why the Confusion?

While granite is hard, it’s not invincible. There are a few situations where a knife might appear to scratch granite:

• Soft Spots in Granite: Natural stone isn’t perfectly uniform. Some areas might contain slightly softer minerals or imperfections that are more prone to scratching.

• Forceful Impact: Dragging a knife forcefully, especially with a serrated edge or repeatedly over time, could leave minor surface marks or dull the finish.

• Dull Finish or Residue: Sometimes a knife leaves behind metal residue that looks like a scratch, but you can often buff it away with a granite cleaner or polish.

Should You Cut Directly on Granite?

Even if a knife can’t scratch granite, it’s still not the best idea to use your countertop as a cutting board. Here’s why:

• It’s Bad for Your Knives: Granite is harder than steel, which means repeated cutting can actually dull or damage your knife blades.

• Stains and Bacteria: Cutting raw food directly on granite could lead to stains or even bacterial contamination if the surface isn’t cleaned properly afterward.

How to Keep Granite Scratch-Free

• Always use a cutting board, even for quick slices.

• Avoid dragging heavy or rough-bottomed objects across the surface.

• Clean regularly with a pH-balanced granite cleaner to avoid dulling the finish.

Final Verdict

Your average kitchen knife won’t scratch granite under normal use—but that doesn’t mean your countertop should double as a chopping block. With proper care, your granite will stay glossy and gorgeous for years to come.