Which One is Better- Granite or Marble?

Marble and Granite stones have been the choice of builders throughout history. These stones have been quarried all over the world, to build great monuments and buildings. When one thinks of marble, one immediately remembers the great monument, Taj Mahal, which is one of the wonders of the world. Granite too has made its impact by being the stone used in the building of the great Pyramids of Egypt, particularly the burial chambers.

In the modern world today, granite and marble, both are still extensively used in the building industry. Kitchen and bathroom countertops, flooring and designer paneling are the places where these two stones are most used today.

So which is better, Granite or Marble? Well, after looking at each stone's pros and cons, one can decide, which stone is suited best and for which purpose.

Firstly, let us look at what type of stone each one is. Marble is a metamorphic stone. When Limestone undergoes intense heat and pressure, marble is formed in the earth. So the basic ingredient of marble is limestone that is a kind of sedimentary form of calcium. This suggests that marble has a porous quality to it and can be damaged by acid, excessive heat and water. Being porous, it will allow any liquid to seep into it, and cause it to stain. It has been observed that even if you apply a sealant, marble is not able to withstand the onslaught of too many liquids. Marble is easily scratched and a small scratch will remove the sealant and allow the liquid to seep through. So in a place of heavy usage like a countertop, it is not advisable to install marble. It needs high maintenance and will need replacement often. Due to its porosity, marble is not resistant to germs and bacteria. It allows the microbes to breed in its pores and is not considered as a hygienic material to have as a countertop. Marble is more suited for making sculptures and other works of art, like engravings and so on. Since it is a softer stone, it is more manageable by the artist.

Granite is an igneous rock, formed by the cooling of lava. It mainly consists of quartz, feldspar, mica and traces of many other minerals. The different minerals, gives granite it’s elegant colors and designs. Presence of quartz in granite, gives the rock its hardness and durability. Being hard it can withstand the vagaries of weather and is also suitable in areas of heavy usage. It is considered one of the most hygienic materials, as it resists all microbes. A simple wipe with a soapy solution will leave the granite clean. So we can say that granite is best suited as a countertop in kitchens and bathrooms. An initial application of a sealant is enough to maintain it for a long time. So being low on maintenance and its ability to withstand rough usage, it makes it the number one choice for countertops and floors.

Granite is more easily available than marble. So unless you are looking for a material for use in an intrinsic artwork, granite would be the obvious choice.