Top 5 Reasons of Selecting Black Natural Granite Cobblestones
Marble vs granite: what is the difference?
May 13, 2024
Marbles
Granite and marble are two enduring natural stones commonly used in construction and decoration. While they share similarities, they differ notably in terms of hardness and finishes. Below, we delve into marble and granite, highlighting their disparities and primary applications.
What is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock made of carbonate materials formed from limestone under high temperatures and pressure. This process results in a structural transformation where calcite crystallizes into small pieces that gradually grow larger and interlock. From a construction perspective, marble stands out as an elegant and luxurious natural stone with a long history of use. Its versatility makes it ideal for wall and floor coverings as well as decorative elements. Marble features a diverse chromatic palette ranging from neutral tones like white, grey, and black to vibrant colors such as green, brown, yellow, or red.
What is Granite?
Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock with a rough texture formed by the crystallization of magma beneath the earth’s surface. Comprising mainly quartz and feldspar, granite is known for its rough granularity and light coloration. It finds extensive use in both interior and exterior construction, commonly seen in public spaces as paving or floor tiles.
Granite vs. Marble: 5 Key Differences
1. Aesthetics and Appearance:
Both granite and marble exhibit natural beauty, with each piece being almost unique due to their composition. Granite has a speckled appearance due to small stones like feldspar, mica, and amphibole, while marble appears cleaner and smoother with elongated veins that create wavy patterns. Marble also boasts a more varied color palette compared to granite.
2. Uses and Applications:
Marble is favored for cladding and flooring, whereas granite is typically used for kitchen and bathroom countertops. Granite is more suitable for high-traffic floor areas compared to marble, which is often limited to low-traffic zones. Both materials add elegance to spaces, but marble provides a sophisticated and exclusive touch suitable for diverse design styles.
3. Durability and Hardness:
Granite surpasses marble in terms of hardness and strength, making it more resistant to heat, scratches, and damage. This durability makes granite a preferred choice for kitchen worktops and bathroom surfaces. Granite also retains its natural shine longer than marble, which requires periodic polishing to maintain its luster.
4. Maintenance:
Both marble and granite are relatively easy to maintain but require sealants to prevent stains and marks due to their natural porous nature. Marble typically needs more frequent sealing than granite, which can be sealed every few years depending on usage and cleaning frequency. Special care must be taken while cleaning marble to preserve its natural shine without causing damage.
5. Price:
The cost is a significant factor when choosing between granite and marble. While both materials require professional installation, marble tends to be cheaper than granite. The overall cost depends on factors such as stone quality, tile style, and installation complexity.
Conclusion: Granite or Marble for Your Home?
The choice between marble and granite ultimately depends on the project requirements and budget constraints. For a luxurious finish with intricate designs and veining, marble is recommended despite its higher cost and maintenance needs. Marble offers elegance and versatility in various shapes and finishes, with the added advantage of repairability in case of damage.
At Grava Stones, we offer a range of marble floorings that blend traditional concepts with modern. Explore our marble and natural stone floors on our website to discover timeless beauty for your space.
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