The grey granites of Europe compared

Grey granite is everywhere in European cities, paving squares, cladding civic buildings and forming kerbs and steps. It is so common that it is easy to overlook, but the greys vary more than they first appear.

What makes greys differ

• Grain size, from fine and uniform to coarse and characterful.
• Tone, ranging from cool blue-grey to warm silver.
• Fleck, the scatter of darker minerals that gives texture.
• How the colour shifts between polished, honed and flamed finishes.

Choosing a grey

For large projects, consistency across the order matters more than the perfect single slab. A fine, uniform grey reads as calm and modern, while a coarser grey adds depth and hides wear. Always view samples in the finish you intend to use, since a flamed grey can look very different from the polished version.