What's the difference between Granite and Marble?
When choosing countertops and for your kitchen or bathroom, NATURAL STONES like marble and granite are popular choices. Granite, being a harder stone than marble is less prone to stains and scratching. For this reason, granite is often found in kitchens while marble is more appropriate in areas like bathrooms, where it can be used for vanities bench tops, shower walls and floors. Whilst Marble is less resistant to acids i.e. soft drinks, wine, citrus fruits etc... with a little more attention it can still be used for kitchen bench tops and flooring. The beauty of natural stone is that it can be revived even after many years of neglect.
GRANITE
Granite is an igneous rock, which means it was once molten and formed as it cooled deep within the earth. Minerals within granite typically appear as small flecks throughout the stone.Granite is one of the hardest materials on earth. Used as a countertop material, it is resistant to scratches, acids, stains and heat. It is long lasting, durable and available in a wide variety of colours, textures and unique crystal patterns that create an inviting environment for your kitchen or bathroom.
Appearance of Granite
The physical appearance of granite is very different from that of marble. Granite has a variety of speckled colors resulting from the melded stones within it — namely, quartz, feldspar, biotite mica, and sometimes amphibole — and comes in numerous shades and tones.
MARBLE
Marble was once limestone that achieved metamorphosis from intense pressure and temperature within the earth. This altered its crystalline structure and introduced other minerals that produced the characteristic colours and veining. The complex formation of these stones over millions of years produced a look that is unlike any machine-made products. Marble works beautifully especially in the bathroom where its veining patterns and colour create exquisite designs. Marble is sensitive to acidic foods such as vinegar, lemon, tomatoes, wine, as well as some tile cleaners, mildew removers and other harsh cleansers.
A Marble/Granite countertop or slab is a traditional working surface for pastry chefs, because the cold stone keeps the butter in the pastry layers from melting.
Appearance of Marble
Marble is typically a solid grayish-white or cream colour and has dark veins running through it, though there are other, rarer varieties that have a pale green or pink base color. The lines in marble are formed from mineral impurities, likesilt and iron oxides.