What are the Difference Between Marble and Granite
What is Marble?
Calcite and dolomite, two recrystallized carbonate minerals, make up the metamorphic rock known as marble. The Ancient Greek term “marmaron,” which means “crystalline rock dazzling stone,” is where the modern word “marble” originates.
It is a type of rock produced by the metamorphism of sedimentary rocks like dolomite or limestone. The initial carbonate mineral grains undergo varied recrystallization as a result of this process. Thus marble is created. In the world, marble is available in a wide variety. Each of them has unique qualities, colours, and origins.
For instance, the pure white marble from Greece, Pantelis, and the white marble from India’s Rajasthan, Makrana, both have their origins there. Marble from Makrana was used to build the Taj Mahal.
Buildings, sculptures, interior design, tabletops, etc. are the main uses for marble. The colour and appearance of marble are its most crucial characteristics. These characteristics make marble quite attractive and widely utilised among consumers.
What is Granite?
Granite is a type of medium- to coarse-grained igneous rock that is abundant in feldspar and quartz. In addition, it contains traces of minerals including mica and amphiboles.
It is created when magma that is existing at a specific depth below the earth’s surface cools. Granite’s primary component is feldspar.
Granite can be found in shades like red, pink, grey, or white due to its composition. Granite contains large enough dark-coloured grains that may be seen with bare eyes.
Five Famous Monuments made from Granite are:
- Mount Rushmore in South Dakota
- Brihadeshwar Temple in India
- Avukana Buddha Statue in Sri Lanka
- Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain in London
- Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, DC
Key Differences
For homeowners, builders, purchasers, engineers, and contractors, choosing between marble and granite is among the most difficult selections. The owners struggle when choosing between the two natural stones, marble and granite while buying a new building or restoring an old one.
The choice of these stones might be very confusing due to a lack of information and expertise about them. Which one ought I to utilise? Where should I apply it, exactly? While deciding between marble and granite, several fundamental questions come to mind.
Since both marble and granite are elegant & stunning and may provide a satisfying aesthetic element to the home, they are both equally popular among buyers.
Here is a detailed explanation of each distinction:
Appearance:
Granite and marble are both renowned for their aesthetic appeal. They are widely utilised for ornamental architecture and construction for this reason, among others. A layman initially would not be able to distinguish between marble and granite since they are similar in appearance. Nonetheless, their distinctive physical characteristics set them apart from one another.
For example, the veins that run along a slab of marble are often larger and have fairly uniform hues, whereas the veins on a slab of granite are smaller and can be seen as specks on the surface. Granite has a range of tints and varies in colour as well.
Marble is often striated on its smooth surface with mineral veins and is metamorphic or sedimentary in nature. Serpentine, a greenish mineral, makes up some marble, while others are made of quartz. Black and white variations are the most common colours of commercial marble. Granite is formed of silica, mica, feldspar, and quartz and is either metamorphic or igneous. It often has a packed, granular surface. The colour ranges from light to dark and is displayed as veins, flecks, or solid patterns.
Remember that depending on the natural source and position of the cut, the appearance of both kinds of stone differs between slabs.
Origin:
Both marble and granite are untreated natural stones. Mining and excavation are required processes in order to obtain these stones. Rocks formed by sedimentation include marble. It is produced when large rocks spontaneously split into smaller pieces. Due to its exposure to intense heat and pressure, stone develops its natural pattern. Igneous rocks include granite. Molten lava present beneath the earth’s surface cools and solidifies to become granite. Granite’s longevity and hardness are due to the repeated heating and cooling that it experiences.
Durability:
These stones are extremely durable in terms of hardness, provided that regular maintenance is done on them. Granite is less permeable than marble. Spills and stains are more prone to damage it. Moreover, marble is vulnerable to acidic solutions.
Although granite is less porous than marble, spills and stains can still damage it. To increase its resistance to spills and stains, sealants may occasionally be applied.
Cost:
Expenses for materials, installation, and maintenance are included in the cost. Granite is less expensive than marble, but only slightly. The quantity purchased, the quality of the stone and other considerations are also important. Although a costly countertop option, the stone is well worth the money for its aesthetic appeal and durability. When installed, granite costs around $75 per square foot less than marble, though higher-end stone costs about $100 more. Marble countertops that have been installed can cost more than $200 and start at about $100 per square foot. It is recommended to get professional advice before purchasing a particular stone and to take into account all associated costs.
Maintenance:
Many types of natural stone require varying amounts of upkeep, so owners should keep an eye on the quality of their bathroom or kitchen countertops. In general, granite is more maintenance-free, stain-resistant, and durable than marble. If granite is adequately sealed after installation, water will bead on the surface. Every year, resealing should be carried out to guarantee a reliable and effective surface. Stone epoxy can be used to fix tiny chips or scratches.
A sealer made especially for porous stone surfaces should be used to completely and routinely protect the marble. Remember that marble is naturally susceptible to stains even when sealed, so be sure to clean up accidents as soon as they occur. Lemon juice, tomato sauce, and other acidic liquids are harmful to marble and can scrape into the stone.
So that’s the distinction between granite and marble.