Maple Red vs Sanbao Red: two Guangxi reds, what separates them
Maple Red (G562) leans jujube-red with fine, even grain; Sanbao Red (G563) is deeper and darker with larger, more scattered grain. Both are local Guangxi red granites and both hold their colour outdoors. When unsure, read the grain: fine and even means Maple Red.
Why are the names so confusing?
Red granites from the same belt carry several trade names. Maple Red is also sold as Cenxi Red, and Sanbao Red appears in the market as Xili Red. Different names do not make two stones, but the reverse is also wrong: a different code means a different material.
How far apart are the colours?
Maple Red sits closer to jujube red with a brighter base; Sanbao Red is deeper and heavier, close to dark red. Both carry small black and white dots, but Sanbao Red grain is larger and more scattered. Side by side the difference is obvious; seen alone, either is easy to mistake.
Will they fade after years outdoors?
The red comes from pigments in the feldspar and does not fade noticeably in normal outdoor use. What darkens a red facade is surface contamination: dust, rust-bearing water, acid rain residue. Regular washing with clean water does more than any sealing product, and costs less.
Which one for municipal work?
Both are used, often in large volumes where colour consistency is specified. The real risk is variation between batches, not between varieties. A tender that says only red granite invites disputes at handover; name the code and the origin instead.
How do you tell them apart quickly?
Look at the grain: Maple Red is fine and even, Sanbao Red is larger with sharper black and white dots. Then hold them to the light and compare the base: Maple Red reads brighter, Sanbao Red heavier. Two samples side by side beat any photograph.