Technical Differences between Marble and Granite: Durability, Maintenance and Price

Technical differences between marble and granite will be highlighted in the following text. When choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, granite and marble surfaces are popular choices. They are natural stones. So both marble and granite surfaces are susceptible to chipping and staining. However, granite is more durable than marble and less prone to stains and scratching. For this reason, granite is often found in kitchens, while marble is more common in other areas, like bathrooms.

Choosing Marble or Granite

Choosing marble or granite is one of the hardest decision for homeowners, when it comes to making changes to their bathroom or kitchen. And their decision usually comes down to using either marble or granite. That’s why mostly people get confused at the time of choosing natural stones. Both Marble and granite are beautiful, attractive and can bring a pleasing aesthetic element to your home. It is hard to say which one is better and which not. So, now how you guys decide which is the best option for you? Here’s a look at what sets granite and marble apart, as well as what they have in common, so that you can make the best decision for your countertops.

The Technical Difference: Marble vs. Granite       

Marble is a metamorphic rock, formed when limestone is subjected to extreme heat and pressure caused by tectonic movement of the earth’s crust. Granite is an igneous rock made up of grains of mica, quartz, feldspar and other types of similar materials.

Marble is typically a solid grayish-white or cream color and has dark veins running through it, though there are other, rarer varieties that have a pale green or pink base color. The lines in marble are formed from mineral impurities, like silt and iron oxides.

Granite is a stronger and harder stone than marble is, which lends it a shiny, glossy appearance compared to marble’s dull smoothness. However, with certain polishing sealants, modern marble can be made to look much glossier than it did in the past.

Marble & Granite Similarities

The question is that, what marble and granite have in common?

Both marble and granite are natural stone materials that make a beautiful countertop surface.

Both materials are porous, which means they readily absorb things deep within their surface. Without the right sealant this makes both surfaces more prone to stains.

Marble & Granite Differences

What are some of the differences between color and overall appearance?

The appearances of both marble and granite is quite different from each other.

Granite is made up of different grains of materials, and you can actually see these grains in granite surfaces. That’s why granite is available in wide range of colors and patterns. Each slab of granite may contain a wide variety of hues typically in medium to dark shades of blue, orange, red, brown, green, burgundy etc.

Marble, on the other hand, has more consistent color with veins running through it. The veins in marble are usually due to impurities like iron oxide.

Some people find marble more attractive, while others are more attract to granite. After all it all comes down to personal choices.

Durability: Which is More Durable and Stronger?

When it comes to durability and hardness, there is no competition granite wins the prize! It is comparatively stronger and durable than marble which makes it more resistant to scratching and chipping.

Also both materials are fairly resistant to heat, but that doesn’t mean you should put your hot pans directly on the surface for an extended amount of time. Always use potholders and never place anything hot directly on the surface because heat damage can occur.

Maintenance: Which Requires More Maintenance?

Maintenance required is less in case of granite countertops as compared to marble countertops.

Many experts agree that granite requires moderate amount of maintenance. Marble, on the other hand, requires moderate to high amount of maintenance. In other words, you can expect to spend more time and money maintaining marble countertops compared to granite.

Sealants are used on both granite and marble to prevent staining and liquids from penetrating the surface.

If we talk about marble, it requires sealing much more frequently i.e. twice a year whereas for granite sealing once every two years is sufficient. Also the actual requirement for resealing depends on how heavily the surface was used and how regularly the stone’s cleaning was done.

 Pricing – Which is More Expensive?

When it comes to cost, granite is expensive as compared to marble. The actual price however depends on the complexity of the job, the number of joints and corners and the style of sink you select.

Signs Proving that Granite Countertops Are the Best Option for You? If you

Prefer granite look.

Want a wider selection of colors and patterns to choose from.

Work on countertops recklessly and with a lot of force and need a surface that can bear all this.

If a lot of people use your kitchen or your countertop gets dirty fast while working.

Signs Proving that Marble Countertops Are the Best Option for You? If you

Prefer marble look.

Don’t mind spending more time on maintenance.

Are fairly careful with your countertops and not much concerned about scratches or dings.

Can clean a lot and know you are capable of preventing the formation of stains on marble surface.

Conclusion

So by now, marble vs. granite you know all the properties of both stones. Both have their own unique properties and qualities. In the end, it all depends on the aesthetics and where you’re going to use this stone. If you are willing to devote some of your time in maintenance, then go for marble. But if you want a natural stone with more durability, scratch resistant properties and less maintenance, then granite is the best option for you.

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Sources

www.rkmarblesindia.com/blog/marble-vs-granite-which-one-you-should-choose-for-your-countertop/

www.diffen.com/difference/Granite_vs_Marble