Granite vs Marble

Both granite and marble are natural stones that have been extensively used in the areas of construction and decoration since time began. These stones are elegant and add character and beauty to any room or building, and the variety of shades and grains available nowadays makes them suited to any style. Although granite and marble are both rocks, they´re very different in terms of aesthetics, degree of hardness, their ability to resist staining and dulling, and overall longevity and durability.

Marble characteristics

Marble is a compact metamorphic rock (meaning it was made by extreme heat and pressure under the Earth´s surface) that is formed from limestone. Although hard, marble isn´t the toughest of these rocks, however. It´s a softer, more porous stone and so is more susceptible to staining by kitchen acids such as citrus juices and vinegars, other spilled household liquids, high temperatures, or even moisture. A small scratch can allow liquids or oxidation to penetrate and stain the marble. For this reason, marble is more suitable for less-trafficked areas and is more commonly used for pieces that require little use, such as sculptures and other decorative pieces. For floors or in areas like the kitchen or bathroom, marble, and the high-maintenance involved, isn´t the best idea.

Granite characteristics

Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock composed mostly of two minerals: quartz and feldspar. It´s an intrusive rock, meaning that it´s crystallised from magma that cooled far below the Earth’s surface to form solid rock. Because of its composition, granite is a far more durable and functional stone than marble. The fact that it contains quartz makes it denser and stronger, and its crystalline structure is far more resistant to abrasions, staining and discoloration. With the appropriate finish for its intended use, elements constructed with granite slabs have a surprising life span and maintain their beauty and elegance over time.

As well as being durable, granite is timeless; it will never go out of style. Its look is determined by two properties: its grain and colour. The variability in these two properties means that no two pieces are alike. Such variety of colours and textures makes it fit in with any decor from a country farm house to a minimalist modern apartment. Its use is ideal for unique kitchen countertops, accent islands, bar tops, dining tables, flooring…. the options are endless!

For pieces such as kitchen or bathroom countertops that are subjected to a lot of day to day use and abuse, granite is much more suitable than marble. It´s easily cleaned and needs no extreme care or special maintenance. And although a polished gloss is usually what pops into our heads when we think of granite, there are a variety of finishes available including matte, smooth, and rough finishes. The appearance of this natural stone is greatly modified by the finishing process, colours, design and style you select.

The same applies to outdoor use, such as facade and building cladding. Marble was traditionally the most widely used material because of its softer nature and so was easier to mould. But the with worsening weather conditions such as acid rain, and because of the ever-growing damage caused by urban vandalism, granite, as a more resilient material,  has begun to replace it. What´s more, even ornamental elements are being made from granite as modern techniques have come a long way and so carving this harder stone is not such hard work as it once was.

Plus, because of its abundance , its cost is usually lower than that of marble, and in fact can be surprisingly affordable, adding great value to any area or building.  No wonder granite remains one of the most popular choices for homes and building works!

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