How do granite headstones and tombstones rocks hold up over time?

Question

I need to get a granite headstone for a family member. I am particularly interested in the black ones.
My concern is how much the color will fade over time. Is it better to get a lighter color so it attracts less sunlight?

Answer 1

The sun generally does not bleach stones. A black stone will stay very black for a very long time indeed. But be prepared to pay a lot for it because black granite is not as common as the gray variety. Granite is one of the hardest of stones.

Answer 2

Any headstone holds up great in the desert, though wind abrasion might be a problem. Wetter climes
or tropics, or urban areas with acid rain, not so well. Using polished stone is an advantage.
Look at your older buildings in your area and how ornamental
stone used in the tens and twenties of the last century
have held up.

Answer 3

It is highly unlikely that a piece of polished stone as hard as granite or marble will fade over the next 2-3 thousand years.