Comparison of marble and granite

Marble and granite are durable and wear-resistant natural materials. Most often, both stones are used in construction, and also often in interior decoration of premises. These breeds are environmentally friendly and safe, are highly valued, and therefore, as a rule, have a rather high price tag. Not everyone can afford to buy them. Further, we will learn in more detail the main differences between rocks, consider which stone is stronger, and also get acquainted with the recommendations for choosing.

Marble and granite have a completely different composition, since they also have different origins. At first glance, it can be difficult for beginners to distinguish between two stones. Although, if you look at them at the same time, everything should be clear. The pattern of the rocks is completely different. There are some distinguishing features to look out for. Granite has a very wide range of natural colors. The natural color of granite in nature is gray. But in its pure form, it is very rare.

but you can find black, green, and brown stone, as well as many other shades, including red. The stone is considered to be very widespread throughout the world; today its numerous deposits are known. Externally, granite has a grainy pattern, its color is rather dull. Even after high quality polishing, it may not fully develop.

As for marble, then it has a uniform color and pattern, strikes with the depth of its color. White and its shades are considered natural, but, as a rule, various impurities of other tones are found in it. The marble pattern is very beautiful, it resembles waves, on which there are veins of various shades.

Marble, unlike granite, shines very strongly, reflecting light. In nature, they have found and continue to find yellow marble, pale pink, blue, blue, red, brown, black is quite rare.

The difference between the two stones is obvious: the hardness of granite is several times higher than that of marble. This is confirmed by numerous studies by specialists, and the composition of the stones itself speaks for itself. Various monuments are made of dark granite, which look many times more majestic than marble monuments, and most importantly, they are erected not just for years, but for centuries. Marble is composed of calcium carbonate and magnesium, it is softer and more pliable. Refers to sedimentary rocks that have a crystalline structure. Skilled craftsmen can give this rock any shape.

When choosing a stone for external finishing work, it is better to give preference to one that will be stronger and harder, namely granite of volcanic origin, although experts know some unique types of marble that can be compared to granite in strength, but they are very rare and expensive. It should be noted that to create, for example, a stone floor in places with high traffic, it is best to give preference to granite, since it does not scratch over time from constant contact with sand and other street dirt.

Experts say that there are no isotopes in marble, which means that it is completely safe for people, it is not for nothing that for many centuries it has been used to decorate the houses of noble persons and even decorate palaces. Many experts do not consider it as a radioactive rock at all. Granite, on the other hand, contains isotopes, its nature is volcanic. But isotopes in stone are present in very small quantities.

Today, do not be afraid to purchase these materials for external or internal decoration. As a rule, even before the stones reach the manufacturers, they are tested in laboratory conditions, and then the manufacturers themselves examine the raw materials sold for radioactivity. Experts are sure that ordinary bricks for construction can carry a much greater danger, which no one checks for their composition at all. For even greater confidence, you can use a special device that shows the radioactivity of minerals.

Both granite and marble are considered to be highly demanded in various fields. The average service life of marble is 100–150 years, some sources give other data, but this is also quite objective. As for granite, its service life can reach 500 years or more, that is, its durability is almost five times higher. However, this does not mean at all that granite can replace everything that has long been made of marble.

So, It is customary to use granite for outdoor decoration, complementing landscaping in parks and gardens, and it is also used for cladding the facades of buildings. Under the influence of high temperatures, granite does not change its shade, but after several years the appearance may change slightly, namely, it may darken, the pattern may become even less clear than it is.

Marble is considered less resistant to external influences on the street, therefore it is extremely rarely used for the same cladding of buildings, especially under regularly changing climatic conditions. Marble is very difficult to withstand constant precipitation and temperature changes, it is less wear-resistant than granite. Marble is most often used for interior decoration, because it looks expensive and noble. Marble is also chosen for furniture, such as coffee table tops, sculptures and other interior items. Marble staircases in the premises are popular, as well as luxurious fireplace portals made from elite varieties.

Experts do not recommend choosing marble for the kitchen. It is believed that a countertop made of this rock wears out very quickly, especially with the regular use of various kinds of detergents. If you want to order a countertop made of natural stone, it is best to give preference to granite, in addition, excellent sinks are made from it. Granite countertops with sinks integrated into them are in great demand, which will fit into both modern and classic interiors.

But a marble covering, for example, a dressing table will certainly last for many years, especially if you take care of it with the right detergents. Marble can be chosen for outdoor use, but usually it is coated with special compounds to increase its wear resistance, while granite does not require additional coatings.

Summing up, we can say that both stones are unique, they have their own characteristics and advantages, but they should be used exclusively for their intended purpose. Only then will they last for many years. Although the possibilities of both rocks are practically limitless in the modern world.

When choosing, many buyers pay attention to the cost. Sometimes it can even be the same, here it all depends on the decorative value of the stone, as well as on its grade and class. Often the country that supplies the breed has an influence on the price. In general, marble is considered one of the most expensive stones, possibly due to the fact that it has a high artistic value. One of the most expensive, refined and demanded stones is considered to be marble from Italy, but this country significantly inflates the price of its products.

Many experts say that marble is no worse in other countries. But, for example, granite of a rare blue hue can be several times more expensive than exquisite Italian marble. The prices for marble today in our country can be considered more affordable than before, which is why the choice becomes wider. So, in Russia there are several deposits where this rock is mined. Granite is also common in our country, and therefore has an even more affordable price tag. It is granite that is often chosen to create tombstones, although they are also made of marble.