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From time to time, granite and marble are used interchangeably in conversation; yet, despite the fact that both are natural stones and can be polished, they are quite different. Marble is a stone that results from a change that occurs in sedimentary rocks, composed principally of carbonate minerals—mostly dolomite or limestone—due mostly to the effect of heat and pressure. Granite, on the other hand, is a type of igneous rock that has been created by the cooling and hardening of heated liquid materials. Other differences include appearance, durability, care, and cost. Granite and marble are both popular, though granite countertops in Tampa are a popular choice for traditional homes while marble tends to be found more so in high-end kitchens and baths. Appearance Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder and as with anything, the appealing differences between granite and marble are mostly a matter of one’s personal tastes. Some people like granite’s more natural look and the fact that it comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, shades, and tones. Others appreciate marble’s seemingly sophisticated appearance as well as its veining properties, though mostly available only in black or white. Granite has a “salt and pepper” look with a variety of spattered colors that are a result of various minerals within the stone. Marble, on the other hand, is usually a solid grayish-white or cream color, with dark veins running through it, while some rarer varieties have a light green or pink color appearance. The striations in marble are due to impurities in the mineral. Finally, granite tends to have a polished, glossy look compared to marble, which tends to have a duller, smooth appearance, though marble can be made to look much glossier with polishing sealants. Durability Granite has a reputation of being a more durable countertop material known for resisting cracks and chips, due in no small part to the fact that it is composed primarily of quartz and feldspar, which are some of the hardest minerals known. Hot cookware can be placed directly on a granite counter, cutting can be done on the surface without damage since granite is actually harder than steel, and most spills can be wiped away effortlessly. Similar to granite, marble is also quite durable and will resist damage, though marble is a more porous material and, being the more porous of the two, much easier to stain and damage than granite. Placing hot pots and pans on marble can damage the stone and spilling foods or liquids that are acidic can dull the surface. In either case, applying polishes and sealants can considerably increase both the durability of both granite and marble’s. Care By simply using a good sealant regularly, granite can be made very resistant to stains, though in kitchens that see a great deal of use the sealant may need to be applied monthly. When slight scratches or chips occur in granite, they can be filled in with a matching epoxy or resin, though larger cracks should be attended to by professional installers. As for marble, minor damage can also be repaired in a similar manner, and larger problems require professional assistance, but over time marble naturally becomes duller—an irreversible process. In both cases, whether or not a stain can be removed depends on how permanent and deep is the damage that has been done. Given that both stones are porous, without a sealant, some stains can seep down into either stone's pores and cause a permanent change to the appearance. It’s recommended that marble surfaces be resealed twice a year, while once every two years is usually sufficient for granite countertops, though again the frequency, in either case, depends on usage. Cost Granite has tended to be more expensive, though prices have begun to decline, making granite countertops in Tampa homes much more popular. The final costs will vary according to colors selected and the stone’s appearance, but in either case, they should always be installed by professionals.
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