The Difference Between Granite And Marble
Posted on: 28 May 2016
Natural stone countertops can make any cabinet or desk look so much more stylish and classy. However, not all stones are the same when it comes to installing them on countertops. The two most common countertop stones are marble and granite. These two products are very similar in a lot of ways, but they have some key differences that you need to know about. This article explains the main differences between granite and marble countertops.
Marble
Marble comes in a variety of different shades with many different textures and patterns. The famous white marble that is used in so much Italian-style interior design is not your only option. You can choose from a wide range of color palettes with varying degrees of shimmer and sheen.
Marble is a (comparatively) soft stone. It has a measure of hardness (or Moh) of just 3-4, while granite has an Moh of 6-7. This means the surface can get scratched and bacteria can form within the pores if it is not properly maintained over the years. This is why marble is probably not the best solution for kitchen countertops that see a lot of traffic. It is not only problematic if you are constantly preparing raw food directly on your marble countertop, but the surface can also get scratched by knives, pots, pans and plates. You can still conceivably install marble on your kitchen countertop, but you would need to take extra measures to protect it from scratching and you would need to reseal it more often.
Granite
If you're looking for a very durable and stylish kitchen countertop stone, granite is the way to go. Just like marble, it is available in a wide variety of different, natural colors and finishes. The great thing about these stones is the fact that every piece is completely unique because it is directly mined from the earth. Granite is much harder than marble, but still needs to be sealed every few years. Sealing your granite countertop is especially important in the kitchen. This protects against bacteria and prevents scratching. Sealing is very simple, so it should not prevent you from choosing granite.
Marble and granite are very similar in a lot of ways. Both will need to be sealed, but granite will ultimately be a little easier to maintain over the years. When it comes down to it, you should just use the product that you find the most visually appealing.
For more information, contact a company like All Marble Granite & Tile Imports Inc.
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