Unexpected Causes of Rust On Granite

Natural granite stone is durable, rugged and attractive in appearance. However, at times the unsightly orangish colored stain from rust on granite can rear its ugly head. Hence, it can hinder the look of an otherwise beautiful natural material. Therefore, many people ask, “What causes rust stains on granite?” In this post, we will take a look at three sources of rust that can affect your granite stone.

Granite is a rock that is very popular in the use of home decor. It is used for both in home decorating as well as landscape design. Depending on the particular stone that you have and whether it is outside or inside, the stone can be stained by a variety of sources. Let’s look at some of these.

Contact With Metal

Metal coming in contact with your granite can cause it to rust and become discolored. Metal high in iron content can be a particularly formidable. Granite steps with an iron rail, cast iron patio furniture on granite pavers, or metal pet chain lying on against a granite slab. These are all examples of granite coming in contact with metal that can rust. The rust, in turn, can stain the granite.

Iron In Lawn Fertilizer

Iron in metal that touches granite (or other kinds of natural stone) is not the only source of rust staining. Some lawn fertilizers can iron as a nutrient in the mixture. There are reports of rust stains developing when fertilizer is left on a stone surface in a humid or wet environment. Again these rust stains can be unsightly and difficult to remove.

Rust From Within

It can be a problem when you notice that an environmental factor has produced rust on one of your granite surfaces. But the last cause of rust stains may come as a real surprise to you. Some stone contains iron or iron ore that can cause the stone to appear to change color or turn rust colored in certain spots. This kind of rust stain can be very stubborn since it is not a surface discoloration, but one that originates from inside the stone itself.

Although these kinds of deep rust stains are very stubborn, there are reports of treating even rust stains that evidently originate inside the granite.

How to Treat Granite Rust Stains

When granite rust stains arise, it can be worrisome to you, the home owner. However there are products to remove rust stains from stone. Some rust removers are in a powder form and others are available as liquids. Additionally, some recipes involve mixing a liquid and a powder together for added potency. Of course the hope is that you will never have to remove rust stains from your granite surface. But if you do, it is nice to know that there are solutions available that can be used for correcting those troubling stains caused by rust on granite.

Another technique that can be helpful is the practice of sealing your granite or other natural stone material in an effort to improve the stone’s resistance to staining. This however is a topic for another post.

In closing, understanding how rust stains occur on granite and from where they originate, can help you protect your stone surfaces. And, knowing how to treat stains – whether surface or deep stains – is practical knowledge to have.