Granite is a fairly maintenance free material
Let's move on to durability. As you are probably aware, diamonds are the hardest material. Granite is the second. Ask any stone fabricator what they use to fabricate granite in their shops and their answer will be consistent-diamond blades! It is for this reason that granite is a highly durable material. It is recommended that you do not use knives on granite, not out of concern for scratching the granite, but because the hardness of the granite will dull the blades. In addition, you can set hot pots on your granite tops without any concern. Anything short of a blowtorch will not affect your countertop. Granite is one of the most heat resistant materials you can use. It is commonly used as building material for high-rises due to its ability to withstand gale force winds and rain. Needless to say, its durable.
Granite is a fairly maintenance free material, as well. Routine cleaning with mild soap and water is all that is generally required. Unlike marble, which is generally a callous stone formed from oceanic deposits and then compressed under pressure (metamorphosed), granite, an igneous rock, is less porous. An occasional re-application of a penetrating sealer should be performed, which only takes about 15 minutes-less time than scouring a solid surface countertop with a cleanser to remove scratches. Unlike marble, which will lose its polish with time, granite will shine years from now just as if it was brand new.