For those who have experienced it already or are about to, when it comes to choosing natural stone for your homes during a redesigning project, there are two most sought-after options that homeowners pick from – marble or granite. But more often than not, we are not fully aware of the difference between the two. It is very crucial to weigh the pros and cons of both before deciding which one to pick. So , what exactly is the difference? Let us find out.
| MARBLE | GRANITE | |
|---|---|---|
| Marble is a stone that is metamorphic or sedimentary in origin. In simpler terms, metamorphic means a stone that is formed by undergoing transformation due to heat, pressure and other natural actions. Sedimentary rocks are formed with a distinct layering of bedding of natural particles that are deposited by water or air. | Granite is a metamorphic and igneous stone made of silica, feldspar and quartz. It has a granular surface. | |
| Appearance | Marble bears streaked veins of minerals on its smooth surface. Whilst some marble is quartz based, others are composed of serpentine, which is a greenish mineral. And of course the most popular colours that we see in marble are white and black in their various hues. | Granite is seen in different colours from light to dark, be it the earthy shades of brown, brick red, or even black, white, grey and so on. Granite bears granular patterns like flecks or veins. |
| Properties – Hardness and Durability | Being a naturally formed stone, marble is definitely strong and durable, but using a natural stone comes with a set of do’s and don'ts that need to be followed for the long life and efficiency of marble. Between the two, marble is more prone to reaction. It is susceptible to heat and acidic spills that granite is not. Placing hot cookware on a marble surface for an extended period of time calls for damage. It is also the more porous stone of the two. Pilferage of any kind of acidic substances like juices, vinegar and lime starts to dull the marble. Marble also sees an ageing over time, with a change in colour that appears to look dull. This change is kind of irreversible which is another aspect. | If there is a prize between the two in hardness and durability, then we have a clear winner. Granite is widely used in kitchen countertops till date because it is resistant to cracks and scratches and can withhold heat better than marble. This is because granite is harder and tougher compared to marble. Discoloration in granite doesn't happen as evidently as it does in marble. |
| Applications | Because of its innate properties, marble is most appropriate for areas that witness less traffic like bathrooms, where they can be used for vanities, tub decks, shower walls, flooring and so on. | Granite being the tougher one is great for areas that have high volume of traffic like kitchen countertops, fireplaces, bar tops, etc. |
| Maintenance | Natural stone comes with its fair share of maintenance. Where you have installed it will make all the difference in its maintenance. Marble must be protected with a sealant at regular intervals to keep it away from porosity. Cleaning spills as soon as they happen will prevent them from seeping in and forming stains. Avoid using harsh abrasives for cleaning the surface as they will start damaging the stone instead of cleaning it. Use coasters and heat preventers if you are using marble to keep your hot pans. | Compared to marble, granite demands less maintenance from its homeowners. Thanks to granite’s durability and stain resistance, it needs less maintenance. It needs to be sealed solidly during its installation and should be resealed every year to maintain its efficiency. If there are any minor scratches or chipping over a period of time, they can be fixed with stone epoxy. Be fervent in cleaning it regularly to keep it away from stains. |
| Cost | Marble has carried its legacy for decades to be a stone that represents timelessness and elegance. Thus it is priced on a higher side and is an expensive stone. | Granite is a household brand and it is far more commercial than marble, thus it is priced reasonably and is affordable compared to marble. |
| Production | Marble is extracted in large blocks from its quarries and is then cut and processed into more manageable rectangular slabs. | The process of mining and extraction of both is the same and granite is also cut into large rectangular slabs for its end users. However, granite slabs tend to be larger compared to marble because of their commercial use and sturdiness. |
