Though both are natural and mined from the environment, there is a difference between marble vs. granite. Marble typically has veins, while granite has a more granular look.
Based on its composition, natural stone has two broad categories: Siliceous rock is mainly composed of silica or elements similar to quartz. It tends to be very tough and stress-free to clean. Stones of this sort are granite, slate, and sandstone. Limestone is made mainly of calcium carbonate. It is sensitive to acids, including washing products and foods like vinegar, wine, citrus fruits, tomatoes, etc. It requires different cleaning procedures than siliceous stone. These types of rocks include marble, travertine, limestone, and onyx. So what’s the best choice? You must be asking yourself. It all depends on the looks you seek and the amount of maintenance you are willing to do. While both are natural and take out from the ground, they have very different properties. The most significant difference between granite and marble is its absorbency. The marble is laxer and more absorbent than granite. Granite, whose crystalline structure makes it more resistant to staining, abrasion, and discolouration, is, in fact, the hardest of all-natural stones.
Table of Contents
Appearance
It has veins that swirl throughout the stone, whereas granite has a more flake, light, granular look.
Colour
It is mostly available in Black or White, whereas granite can be sourced in various colours.
Composition
It is a calcareous stone, and it is made of mainly calcium carbonate travertine. Limestone and Onyx are also calcareous stones.
Granite is a siliceous stone composed mainly of silica, feldspar, and quartz, which are hard minerals. Slate and sandstone are also siliceous stones.
Durability
It is less durable.
Whereas granite tends to be very durable and easy to clean.
Strength
Marble has a hardness of 3 to 5 on the Mohs scale. Everyday kitchen tasks such as cutting contact with hot pants and dishes may also damage marble.
Granite has a hardness of six to seven on the Mohs scale. Granite quickly resists scratches and heat damage, making it ideal for kitchen counters both inside the home and outside.
Porosity
Marble is soft and more porous than Granite, whereas granite is hard and solid.
Cost
Cost varies according to colour and general appearance. However, the actual price depends on the stone’s quality, the job’s complexity, and the tiles’ style. As the varieties of marbles and granites are many, each stone’s cost will depend on its availability in the market.
The cost of marble depends on many factors, and it is expensive as compared to granite.
On the other hand, granite is generally less expensive than marble as it is a much more abundant material.
Scratch-resistant
It will get scratch with a knife.
On the other hand, granite is mostly scratch resistant.
Maintenance
Maintenance is required for both stones. Both are porous, and both need to be sealed at the time of installation.
Resistance to acidic foods
Marble is poor to acid, like cleaning products and foods like citrus fruits, vinegar, wine, tomatoes, etc. Hence, sealing is very much necessary.
Granite is an acid-resistant stone, which is as long as the sealant is maintained on the surface, liquid spills will not permit into the surface.
Stain resistance
It can cause permanent staining.
The high density of granite makes it able to resist Virtually all stains from foods and liquids.
Fading of colour
It is susceptible to fading of colour and becoming duller over time. Unlike the stains, which can be removed, a light marble has no way of getting its Shine back. It is an Irreversible process and a significant drawback of marble, whereas granite can retain its colour.
Heat
Marble is a natural stone that is susceptible to heat.
Granite is resistant to heat and can simply withstand hot cookware. Therefore, it is perfect for a kitchen countertop.
Uses
It is more appropriate in fewer traffic areas, like the bathroom, famous for Tub desks, vanities, shower walls, and flooring.
If we talk about granite’s durable nature, it is suitable for kitchen countertops and flowers with high footwork.
Sealants
Sealing is essential to keep the material elegant for both Granite and marble.
It(marble) requires sealing much more frequently than is twice a year.
Whereas granite sealing is required once in 2 years.
It may be damaged by cleaning liquids.
Both granite and marble can be damaged by cleaning liquids hence use gentle dish soaps.
Marble requires a diligence schedule of resealing to protect the porous surface.
Because granite countertops possess inherent stain-resistant properties, they require less frequent sealer application than marble materials.
Conclusion
So, with better, marble vs. granite, there is no one of the best materials. It all depends on the aesthetic you prefer and how much maintenance you are willing to do.
If you need a fair and affordable design, you can go for marble, but looking for a long-term durable solution and spending some money and going for granite and spending on it is not a bad option.
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R.K Marbles India is a renowned granite manufacturer in the USA. We offer a wide range of natural stones with assured quality and the best price in the market.
For more information regarding any other natural stone contact- +91-9928979999
