What is the difference between marble and granite?
Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives ‘ limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is one of the oldest, most durable and most respected of building materials. Traditionally, it is the material chosen by both architects and engineers when permanence, enduring color and texture, and complete freedom from deterioration and maintenance are prime requirements. The marble family ‘ limestone, travertine, marble, and onyx ‘ starts out as sediment ‘ animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt ‘ at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages can affect it.
The difference is in the chemical makeup and how they were formed. Granite is formed from magma within the Earth’s crust. The magma is deep within the Earth and is subjected to extreme pressure over millions of years. The composition is primarily silicate crystals and it goes through a metamorphic stage changing the basic composition. The result is an extremely dense hard material. Marble is basically limestone, a sedimentary stone, and is composed primarily of calcium carbonate. However the marble, unlike limestone, goes through a metamorphic stage where the crystalline structure is changed becoming more dense and harder than limestone. Due to marbles calcium carbonate base it is not as resistant to stains or abrasions as granite. Premier Surfaces does not recommend marble for kitchen countertops. However we will fabricate and install marble with the appropriate caveats.
In most cases granite and marble can be identified by the visible particles on the surface of the stone. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. It is considered a siliceous stone composed mainly of silica or quartz-like particles. The minerals of granite will typically appear as small flecks distributed uniformly in the stone. Granites are harder rocks of volcanic origin and are not acid sensitive.
A. Although both are stones and both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures, and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, and onyx – starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies into stone. Because its main component is calcium, acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages can affect it.
