Vihiga Red Granite

About
Item Details
- Material Type:
- Granite
- Origin:
Kenya (Vihiga District, Western Province of Kenya) - Primary Color(s):
- Red
- Recommended Usage:
- Kitchen and bathroom countertops, monuments, building stone, ornamental stone, stairs, interior, exterior wall and floor applications, mosaic, waterjet pattern, wall panels, table tops, window sills, balustrades, columns, wall and pool copings, pool pavers, sculptures, fireplaces, pavers, cobbles, curbstone
- Additional Names:
- Vihiga Rose Granite, Red Vihiga Granite, Vihiga Red Granite
- Finished Surface:
- Polished,Flamed,Bush Hammered,Tumbled,Brushed,Honed,Split,Machine Cut,Natural Surface,Sandblasted,Acid Washing,Combed,Leathered,Water Jet,Filled,Chiseled,Pickling
Testing
- Water Absorption:
- <0.3–0.5% by weight
- Density:
- 2650–2750 Kg/m³
- Flexural Strength:
- 12–17 MPa
- Compressive Strength:
- 180 MPa
Description
Appearance & Texture
Color Palette: Vibrant garnet red background with misty mauve tones and scattered black and white mineral speckles.
Texture: Fine-grained, evenly distributed granitic texture that gives a classic salt‑and‑pepper appearance with rich red hues and subtle contrasts.
Technical & Mechanical Properties
- Compressive Strength: ~180 MPa
- Flexural Strength: ~12–17 MPa
- Water Absorption: <0.3–0.5%
- Density: ~2.65–2.75 g/cm³
- Mohs Hardness: ~6–7 (very durable)
- Abrasion Resistance: High
These values fit a high-quality granite suitable for both heavy-duty and decorative applications
Chemical & Mineral Composition
Typical composition by weight:
- SiO₂ (Silica): ~65–72%
- Al₂O₃ (Alumina): ~12–14%
- K₂O + Na₂O (Feldspars): ~6–8%
- Fe₂O₃ + FeO (Iron Oxides): ~2–4%
- CaO + MgO: ~1–2%
- Others (TiO₂, trace minerals): <1%
Minerals predominantly include quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving the polished surface a brilliant, reflective finish.
Usage & Applications
Widely used because of its hardness, rich color, and durability:
- Interior and exterior flooring
- Countertops and vanity tops
- Wall cladding and facades
- Stair treads and pool surrounds
- Monuments, memorials, and landscaping stones
Maintenance Tips
- Regular cleaning with pH-neutral stone care products
- Periodic sealing recommended to maintain luster and stain resistance
- Ideal for high traffic with minimal wear visible over time
- Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaning agents
Standard Cut Sizes Slabs and Tiles (Metric & Imperial):
Slabs: Typical size 240 × 120 cm / 300 × 150 cm (94″ × 47″ or 118″ × 59″), thickness generally 2 cm or 3 cm
Tiles: 30×30, 40×40, 60×60 cm; 12″×12″, 16″×16″, 24″×24″
Custom sizing available on request.
Surface Finish Options
Polished – high gloss, enhances depth and color
Honed – smooth matte, elegant and low glare
Flamed – coarse textured surface for anti-slip outdoors
Brushed or Leathered – lightly textured finish for rustic appeal
Sandblasted – matte, slip-resistant
Bush-hammered – rough finish, ideal for rugged outdoor use
Quarries & Current Supply Status
Kenyan authorities are actively developing a modern granite processing plant in Vihiga County, with construction initiated in 2024–2025. The plant spans multiple sub-counties and is expected to significantly boost local quarrying and processing capacity.
Preliminary geology surveys confirm significant deposit coverage, and local authorities are promoting value-added production of granite products.
Vihiga Red Granite is currently being quarried and processed, with plans underway to support large-scale export and domestic value addition.

















