Your home is more than an asset or investment – it is a witness to your milestones and happy memories with your family. So its understandable why you’d choose a natural stone like granite or marble over artificially made materials like tiles or quartz. But when it comes to choosing between granite and marble, the dilemma is real.
What is granite?
Granite is an igneous rock that consists mainly of hard minerals like Quartz (20-60%), Feldspar (10-65%) and Mica (5-15%). It is composed of silica and varied amphibole minerals. These pockets of mineral lend the granite a speckled appearance and vibrant colours.
Another type of rock, Quartzite, which comprises mainly of Quartz and minerals – albeit harder than other natural stones, is also commercially available in the same category as granites.
Granites have a more packed appearance as compared to marble.
What is marble?
Marble is a metamorphic stone featuring attractive colours and patterns. It mainly consists of Calcium Carbonate which is much softer than the components of granite.
Granite is an extremely durable stone which may well outlast the building it is installed in.
How can you tell the difference between granite and marble?
Both marble and granite are known for their enduring beauty. While obvious differences exist, both of these materials only add value to your home.
Marble generally has a flowy pattern, created by fickle veins, often in a contrasting hue to the base colour. While marble does come in an array of colours, they are often muted and sober.
Granite colour variations generally appear as flecking throughout the stone, although this is not a rule. Many exquisite granites come in vibrant hues featuring a rainbow spectrum of veins and patterns as a result of the minerals in its composition.
Vibrant granites can be used in bathrooms and showers due to their durability.
How to choose between granite and marble?
Before finally choosing one of the two extraordinary natural stones, here are a few things you should know about them:
Hardness
Marble has a hardness of 3 to 5 on the Mohs scale.
On the other hand, granite has a hardness of 6 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale.
Granite is practically immune to weathering and erosions, making it perfect for both inside the home and outside. Furthermore, it easily resists scratches and damage from heat, making it an ideal material for kitchen counters.
Spilled some lemon juice? No worries. Granite is resistant to etching, scuffs and discolouration from everyday household activities – unlike marble.
Thickness and polish
Imported granite is available pre-polished while marble is always polished after installation. Moreover, granite is available in 10mm and 20mm thickness whereas marble is available in standard thickness of 18mm.
Application
The hardness and durability of granite make it perfect for heavy traffic areas and harsh weather conditions. Their common applications include:
Exterior façades and elevation
Granites can retain their original vibrant colour even in the face of rough weather, harsh environment and pollution. So they are vastly used in exterior facades and elevations making a striking impression.
Granite flooring requires less maintenance than marble.
Flooring
Granite flooring is a go-to choice for high-traffic areas, such as living rooms in homes and commercial spaces. Opting for a matte or anti-slip surface finish over a standard polish can completely change the vibe of the room, elevating its ambience instantly.
Wall cladding
Exotic granites with stellar surface finishes cast a spell of luxury over the interior space, earning awe and envy from guests.
Countertops and kitchen islands
Naturally stain-proof, granites make for sturdy kitchen islands and countertops that are practically immune to hot pans and citric spills – unlike the delicate marble.
Granite kitchen countertops and islands are immune to heat and stains.
Restrooms and showers
Granites are a good choice for powder rooms and showers owing to their durability.
Lifetime
You only need to maintain granite every three years or so. Whereas marble calls for more frequent buffing and polishing. Both of these materials will easily last for decades with proper care, but granite is the more robust natural stone.
Granite or Marble: Which one is right for you?
It boils down to your needs – if you’re only looking for beauty in less traffic areas, marble would be a great fit. But if you need a combination of strong and scintillating, tough and tantalizing, sturdy and sophisticated, then granite is undoubtedly the way to go.
Explore exquisite Imported and Indian granite at Ninety Degree Stone. Contact us at +91-9119118118 for more information.
Granite wall cladding can be the highlight of your home. Iexplorer Crack
