Granite and marble vary quite a bit as countertop materials. Granite is the choice for many applications due to its hardness, durability, and scratch resistance. Marble on the other hand is softer and can stain and scratch.
Knowing the characteristics of natural stones will help you decide which ones will suit your needs on counters. Don't just consider how the stone looks, or you could be very disappointed with your stone tops in no time.
Here are some answers to your questions on granite and marble countertops.
Granite and Marble
Granite is one of the hardest materials known. Quarried from mountains in Brazil, India, and Italy, to name a few, it consists of quartz, and feldspar. Granite is igneous meaning it formed naturally as molten rock millions of years ago. And though you'll find a geological definition for granite, the commercial definition is quite broad.
All stones that perform, work, or behave like granite are called granite. The fact is, stones such as gabbro, diorite, and anorthosite are all called granite in the countertop world.
What is Granite . . .
Available in many striking granite colors and patterns, granite is well suited for countertops and high traffic areas because of its durability and longevity.
Other synthetic countertop materials scratch easily and can melt from placing hot items on them.
Also, granite is one of the best surfaces for resisting bacteria, although competitors of granite surfaces have mounted a campaign to convince consumers of the inherent dangers of granite. Check out Radon From Granite Countertops to see the facts about radon and bacteria on granite and UV Wand to see how UV-C light can disinfect granite and marble.
The quality of granite counter tops goes well beyond the material itself. How the tops are made and how they are installed contribute to the benefits of granite countertops. For some frequently asked questions about granite tops, check out Granite FAQ. Compared to quartz countertops, laminate, corian, and butcher block, granite has the highest overall rating of any countertop material.
How Does Granite Compare to Other Natural Stone?
Natural stone including limestone, marble, and granite, offers distinct advantages and disadvantages as countertops. Each has its own look and feel as well. Granite offers superior heat resistance, scratch resistance, hardness, durability, and stain resistance. Here's how other countertops compare . . .
How Does Granite Compare to Quartz Countertop?
Natural quartz surface has been getting a lot of press lately as the best countertop material on the market. Fact is, quartz (or engineered stone) is non-porous, heat resistant, scratch resistant, and looks like granite. There is a major difference though.
Some brand names are Cambria countertops, Caesarstone countertops, and Silestone. Check out Granite Vs. Quartz to see all the differences between these two materials and more facts about granite.
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Marble and Granite countertops and tile backsplashes will always give you the natural, imperfect beauty you won't find in manmade quartz tops.
Granite, however, is heat resistant and nearly impossible to scratch. It will not stain under normal use and it's unaffected by citric acid, wine, tea, coffee and most anything else. See Granite Care for tips on stone countertop maintenance.