Marble vs granite

When it comes to making changes in the kitchen or bathroom, one of the hardest decisions for every homeowner is to choose the right countertops of Marble vs Granite. This is where many people get confused at the time of choosing natural stones. Both marble and granite are attractive, beautiful and can even bring a pleasing aesthetic element to your home.

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Marble and granite each have their own characteristics that make them suitable for different applications. Mable has a classic and polished look that is perfect for foyers and living rooms. Granite is more durable, harder, and is ideal for messy and high-traffic areas like kitchens.

However, it is hard to say which one is better as both come with their distinct features and qualities. But, we can help you with this article to know what sets marble vs granite apart and what they have in common so you can make an informed decision for your countertops.

Marble vs granite: Technical difference

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is generally formed when limestone is subjected to extreme pressure and heat that is caused by the tectonic movement of the earth’s crust.

Whereas, granite is an igneous rock that is made up of grains of mica, feldspar, quartz, and other types of similar materials. It is generally formed deep under the earth when the Magma solidifies and then cools down.

Marble vs granite: Differences

We have listed some of the important differences between marble vs granite in the table given below:

Qualities	Marble	Granite
Acidic Resistance	Marble is porous, so it is more prone to etching.	Granites offer high density.
Durability	It is durable with a hardness of 3-5 on the Mohs scale.	It is highly durable with a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale.
Cost	Marble is more affordable than granite. However, some can cost more.	Granite is also affordable. However, its price ranges depend on different factors.
Porous	Marble is a soft metamorphic stone that generally requires sealing.	Granite is not porous and doesn’t get affected by water. But, it would be better to have it sealed.
Stains	It is prone to acquiring spills & strains due to high porosity.	Granite isn’t prone to stains. Even the acidic liquid cannot permeate granite as long as it has a sealant barrier.
Damage by Strong Chemical Cleaning Liquids	Strong chemical cleaning liquids can cause discoloration and damage to marbles.	A strong chemical cleaning liquid can clear away the sealant and can even cause discoloration.
Heat Resistance	Marble is susceptible to heat damage so it is not recommended for kitchen countertops.	Granite is highly heat resistant and is ideal for kitchen countertops.
Maintenance	It might be better to reseal and polish marble twice a year.	Granite requires low maintenance and only requires polishing once every few years.
Scratch Resistance	Marble is prone to getting scratches from some common activities such as cutting.	Granite is a very hard stone and naturally scratch-resistant.
Properties	Marble is a crystalline rock that can get dull over time.	Granite is an igneous rock that can easily retain its shine.
Appearance	Marble has different color veins, which mainly include black, white, chocolate, and green which are available in light to medium shades.	Granites can have freckles in a variety of veins or colors as every slab of granite is unique and generally comes in solid or black colors. It is also available in dark to medium shades.
Origin	Marbles originate from the Metamorphosis of sedimentary rocks	Granites originate from solidification as well as the cooling of Magma.
Used for	Pooja rooms, floorings, shower walls, wall cladding, tub decks, vanities, and more.	Tabletops, countertops, outdoor landscaping, flooring, and wall cladding. Moreover, it is highly recommended for high football areas due to its strength.
Health Risks	Marbles can emit carbon dioxide when exposed to acidic and heat substances. Hence, not good for kitchen countertops.	Granites are considered safe by the EPA.
Environmentally-Friendly	Marbles can last for many years.	Granite can last for many years.

See also: Top 10 marble companies in India

Why is marble the best option?

If you have these five given below signs then you should definitely opt for marble:

If the look of the marble is your preference.
If you can clean a lot and are also capable of preventing stain formation on the surfaces of marbles.
If you don’t mind spending more on its maintenance.
If you are careful with your countertops and are not even very concerned about dings or scratches.
If you don’t mind spending extra money on marble countertop slabs.

Why is granite the best option?

If you have these five given below signs then you should definitely opt for granite:

If your countertop gets dirty very fast while working.
If the look of granite is your preference.
If a lot of people use the kitchen.
If you want a wider variety for a selection of different colors and patterns to choose from.
If you work on a countertop recklessly with using lots of force and require a surface that can easily bear this all.

So now, you know all the features, qualities, and properties of both marble vs granite stones. But in the end, it completely depends on where you are going to use this stone as well as the aesthetics of the space.

If you want a natural stone with more scratch-resistant properties, less maintenance, and durability then granite is the best option for you. However, if you are willing to devote some of your time to maintenance then you can simply go for marbles.

FAQs

What do you mean by marbles vs granite?

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is generally formed when limestone is subjected to extreme pressure and heat that is caused by the tectonic movement of the earth's crust. Whereas, Granite is an igneous rock that is made up of grains of mica, feldspar, quartz, and other types of similar materials. It is generally formed deep under the earth when the Magma solidifies and then cools down.

Which is more durable marble vs granite?

Granite is highly durable with a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale.

Which is more affordable marble vs granite?

Marble is more affordable than granite. However, some can cost more.

What is the appearance of marble vs granite?

Marble has different color veins, which mainly include black, white, chocolate, and green which are available in light to medium shades. Granites can have freckles in a variety of veins or colors as every slab of granite is unique and generally comes in solid or black colors. It is also available in dark to medium shades.

Which is ideal for kitchen countertops, Marble vs granite?

Granite is highly heat resistant and is ideal for kitchen countertops.

What is the best place to use marble vs granite?

Marbles can be easily used in Pooja rooms, floorings, shower walls, wall cladding, tub decks, vanities, and more. Granite can be used in tabletops, countertops, outdoor landscaping, flooring, and wall cladding.

Which is best to choose marble vs granite?

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com

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