Are you making a new home or renovating your space and wondering which is the best choice for you: marble or granite? Here is a complete guide for you to help you choose better.
When we talk of luxury stone slabs and blocks, both marble and granite are a class apart. Both granite and marble provide long-term durability and look to suit various purposes if you are selecting natural stones for your personal or business properties. Still, one should be aware of the variance between granite and marble to make the right choice. Whether interior designer or designing your own dream home, here’s a comparison guide to assist you in comparing these two natural stones based on composition, care, price, and visual beauty, to assist you in deciding on the most suitable marble for your space.
Understanding the Unique Properties of Marbles
Marbles, one of the premium natural stones is used in different historical monuments. They are available in different colors and patterns, perfect for creating architectural masterpieces. Primary, marbles are composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals like calcite and dolomite. It is formed through the metamorphism of limestone, which gives it a soft and veined appearance. Marbles are available in characteristic colors, including white, green, black, and pink. Marbles are commonly used for flooring, countertops, wall claddings, and fireplaces.
Understanding the Unique Properties of Granite
Granite is another natural stone, formed with igneous rocks, primarily composed of quartz, mica, and feldspar. Granite is formed when magma cools within the Earth’s crust. The slow cooling of molten magma makes granite exceptionally hard and durable. Granite offers a contemporary look and is available in black, white, gray, blue, and red colors adorned with veiny or grainy patterns. It is popular for countertops, flooring, cladding, outdoor paving, and monuments.
Quick Comparison Between Marble and Granite
If you are planning to choose project material in granite and marble, here is a comparison article based on different properties:
Aesthetics and Appeal
When it comes to aesthetics, marble offers a luxurious and classic appeal. Marbles offer unique veins-like patterns that create a sophisticated look. It is associated with high-end architecture.
On the other hand, granite offers a contemporary industrial appearance due to its unique mineral composition. It present a rugged look that makes granite perfect for modern and high-traffic commercial spaces.
Durability and Longevity
If you are looking for the hardest stone, granite is the ultimate choice. Granite is highly resistant to scratches, chipping, and heat. Therefore, it is best for kitchen countertops and high-traffic regions that undergo rigorous use.
Marble is also durable but softer than granite. It is sophisticated and prone to scratches, especially when exposed to acidic substances like lemon juice or vinegar.
Heat and Scratch Resistance
When it comes to flooring options, it is all about choosing durable options that can withstand heat and scratch. Granite can withstand high heat, which makes it ideal for kitchen countertops and fireplaces.
On the other hand, marble can withstand extreme heat, but is prone to scratches. Moreover, it can also get damaged by heat if you don’t care for it properly.
Maintenance
If you are looking for a low-maintenance flooring option, granite is more stain-resistant and often requires less effort. However, the only drawback is that granite require frequent sealing, still easier to maintain than marble.
On the other hand, marble is porous and requires frequent sealing to prevent staining and water damage. Additionally, in case of accidental spills, marble may require regular polishing and refinishing.
Budget Constraint
The actual cost of exotic stone blocks and slabs depends on a lot of factors like type, quality, and origin. If you have budget factors it is best to consider granite over marble. Marble is generally more expensive due to its rarity and neat look. Moreover, premium varieties like Carrara and Makrana are more expensive compared to others.
On the other hand, granite is more affordable. Further, it is easily available which makes it a pocket-friendly choice. If you are on a budget conscious project you can choose granite over marble alternatives.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Best Project Material in Granite and Marble
If you are choosing versatile project materials in granite and marble, the best choice depends on your needs and preferences. Here is the final verdict based on the above comparison:
- If you want an artistic look, marble is better. For bold industrial appeal go for granite stones.
- Granite is highly durable and low-maintenance compared to marble. It can withstand rigorous uses that makes it perfect for high traffic region.
- Furthermore, granite is less expensive compared to marble, if budget is the major cost factor.
- For interior projects, marble is better and for high-traffic regions, granite is better.
Final Takeaway
Both granite and marble are unique in themselves. If you are planning exotic stones, blocks, and slabs for your upcoming project, you can source premium quality project material in granite and marble. We export fine-quality Indian marble and natural stones across various countries. For more information, connect with us today.