# G603 or G654 Granite: What to Check Before Ordering

> G603 is commonly offered as light-gray granite and G654 as a darker gray option.

Source: [G603 or G654 Granite: What to Check Before Ordering](https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/)

Language: en

[Back to Insights](https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/) 

Material Knowledge

G603 is commonly offered as light-gray granite and G654 as a darker gray option.

Updated 2026-10-05 · 3 min read · Boda Stone

### Key Takeaways / TL;DR

A deep dive into the physical properties, density, and water absorption rates of China's most popular monument granites: G654 (Dark Grey) and G603 (Light Grey).

![G654 vs G603 Granite: Properties & Buyer Checks](https://www.cnmonuments.com/images/colors-1.webp)

G603 is commonly offered as light-gray granite and G654 as a darker gray option. Start by comparing current samples in the finish you want. Confirm the material, appearance and matching parts for your order. If your project requires a test report, ask the supplier to connect it to the stone being offered; a trade name alone does not confirm its properties.

## What buyers should compare

| Control point | G654 purchase check | G603 purchase check |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Appearance | Agree the acceptable darkness, grain and natural variation. | Agree the acceptable light-gray tone, grain and spotting. |
| Finish | Approve the polished, steeled, honed or textured face actually required. | Approve each visible finish because light granite can change markedly by finish. |
| Lettering | Test contrast for sandblast, lithochrome or laser work. | Test lettering depth and color fill on the approved surface. |
| Evidence | Record supplier or quarry source, current lot, sample reference and any required test report. | Record supplier or quarry source, current lot, sample reference and any required test report. |

## How to specify water absorption and density

ASTM C97/C97M provides a laboratory method for absorption and bulk specific gravity of dimension stone. A buyer who needs these properties should state the test method, specimen condition, report date, tested material identification and acceptance criteria. A number copied from a generic data sheet should not be assumed to represent every block sold under the same trade name.

Density or specific gravity can help identify unusual variation, while absorption is one input in assessing stone behavior. Neither result alone proves that a finished monument is suitable. Design, climate, cracks, repairs, finish, anchoring, installation and maintenance also matter.

## Recommended approval workflow

1. Send the factory the final drawing, finish details and intended application.
2. Approve a labeled sample representing the proposed supply lot.
3. State whether a laboratory report is required and which method and acceptance value apply.
4. Require production photos under consistent lighting and trace the pieces to the approved lot.
5. Inspect dimensions, visible defects, finish, lettering and packing before shipment.

## Questions to put on the purchase order

- What source and current lot will be supplied?
- Which face and edge finishes are included?
- What natural color or grain variation is acceptable?
- Is the technical report from the same source and representative lot?
- How will replacements be evaluated if material differs from the approved sample?

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does every G654 or G603 slab have the same technical values?

No. Trade names can cover natural variation and different commercial sources. Confirm the proposed lot and supporting evidence.

### Should importers request ASTM C97 testing?

Request it when absorption or bulk specific gravity is relevant to the project specification. The report should identify the tested material and method.

### Is the darker granite automatically more durable?

No. Color alone does not establish durability. Evaluate relevant test evidence, condition, fabrication and intended use.

## Sources and further reading

- [ASTM C97/C97M-26](https://store.astm.org/c0097_c0097m-26.html): Current public scope and edition for absorption and bulk specific gravity; not a report for a supplied lot.
- [Natural Stone Institute — Testing Services](https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/resources/natural-stone-testing-services/): Material-test context, not proof of an individual product or supplier.

Updated October 5, 2026. Check the current requirements for your destination and order.

Published by: [Boda Stone](https://www.cnmonuments.com/) · [Contact](https://www.cnmonuments.com/contact-us/)

### Planning a monument order?

Send a drawing or product photo, sizes, granite, quantities and destination port. We can then discuss the details and prepare your quote.

 [Request a Quote](https://www.cnmonuments.com/contact-us/) 

Our stoneworking history goes back to 1996. Our current company was registered in 2017.

\#materials  \#G654  \#G603  \#granite specs

## Related Articles

Material Knowledge 

### How Granite Monument Polish Is Checked

Jul 18, 2026 · 3 min

[How Granite Monument Polish Is Checked](https://www.cnmonuments.com/how-we-work/quality-control/)

Material Knowledge 

### CNC or Hand Carving: What Matters When Ordering Monuments?

Jul 12, 2026 · 3 min

[CNC or Hand Carving: What Matters When Ordering Monuments?](https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/cnc-machinery-vs-hand-carving-monument-quality/)

Material Knowledge 

### Choosing Granite Colors for North American Monument Orders

Jun 2, 2026 · 3 min

[Choosing Granite Colors for North American Monument Orders](https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/top-selling-granite-colors-for-north-american-monuments/)

## Other language versions

- [Deutsch (de)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/de/brancheneinblicke/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Français (fr)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/fr/actualites-secteur-funeraire/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Italiano (it)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/it/approfondimenti-settore/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Español (es)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/es/perspectivas-industria/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Português (pt)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/pt/perspectivas-setor/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Nederlands (nl)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/nl/branche-inzichten/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Polski (pl)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/pl/wiedza-branzowa/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Magyar (hu)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/hu/iparagi-betekintes/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Čeština (cs)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/cs/oborove-postrehy/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Slovenčina (sk)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/sk/odborove-postrehy/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Română (ro)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/ro/perspective-industrie/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Eesti (et)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/et/toeala-ulevaated/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/index.md)
- [Русский (ru)](https://www.cnmonuments.com/ru/resursy/stati/granit-g654-g603-plotnost-vodopogloschenie/index.md)

---

Canonical HTML source: https://www.cnmonuments.com/industry-insights/g654-g603-granite-density-water-absorption-specs/