Marble vs Granite Headstones - Which is better?

Marble vs Granite Headstone - Which is Better

Headstones are a tribute to our loved ones who left us too soon. When it comes to choosing the right stone, there are various options available in the market. The most popular headstones are made from marble or granite. But which one is better and will be able to stand the test of time?

Contact us to discuss your requirements of tombstone & marble carvings solutions. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Overview of granite and marble

Granite - It is a type of igneous rock consisting of quartz, feldspar, mica and other trace minerals. It forms from the slow cooling of magma present in the earth&#;s crust.

Marble - It is a type of metamorphic rock consisting of dolomite or calcite. It forms from the transformation of other rocks under high pressure and temperature. As a result, marble is available in different colours and beautiful patterns.

Both granite and marble are mined from quarries. The blocks of rocks are transported to industrial facilities where they are cut into slabs and transported across the world. The stone fabricators then transform the slabs into the desired shape.

How to identify granite and marble?

Marble

Marble has colourful swirls in the pattern of the stone. It is also soft and can scratch easily with a sharp object.

Granite

Granite is durable, tough, and can withstand extreme climatic conditions. Granite&#;s strength and durability make it an excellent choice for headstones. It cannot be scratched with a sharp object.

Stone colours

Marble is available in a range of colours - white, beige, grey, black, brown, green, yellow, and blue. Its unique veiled surface and the wide selection of colours make marble a popular choice for headstones. If you want the gravestone in white colour, consider marble.

Granite is available in colours like black, grey, red, pink, brown, green and blue. It can be engraved with contrasting colours making it easy to read. Granites can be etched with laser and you can have anything etched on the headstone without worrying about the lettering getting damaged due to weather.

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Pros and cons of marble and granite headstones

Marble

Pros

• It has been a popular choice for monuments for centuries. The Taj Mahal, the white marble mausoleum, is one of the timeless marble treasures that the world has seen.
• Easy to cut and polish.

Cons

• The lettering can lose its details over the years and become illegible.
• Prone to chips, cracks and discolouration due to weather and pollution.

Granite

Pros

• It is nearly indestructible and can withstand harsh weather conditions and pollution for extended periods of time.
• Granite headstones are commonly used as headstones and have withstood many, many years in variable conditions.

Cons

• Granite can get damaged by acid rain

So what should you choose - granite or marble?

All stone can get weathered due to chemicals and physical processes. Marble can get weathered easily and develop cracks especially if the headstone is located outdoors in an open area. The wind and rain can also make the lettering illegible. In contrast, granite can withstand rain and wind with little effect to the monument. Granite headstones will look beautiful but the lettering will also remain legible so you can continue to honour your loved one's memory for generations.

Choosing a headstone is a deeply personal choice. If you are looking for a white structure that stands out from the rest, marble is the ideal choice. And if you want the headstone to have intricate engravings and want it to last forever, granite is suitable.

Want more information on tombstone & marble carvings company? Feel free to contact us.

A headstone is a tribute to your loved ones and it is important to choose a material that will stand the test of the time while meeting the requirements of your family. Choosing granite will ensure the memory of your loved one lasts for a very long time.

If you are unsure of the best stone product to use on your Brisbane memorial, speak to the team at MMS Memorials for expert knowledge and recommendations.

When you&#;re considering a headstone, monument or grave marker to remember a loved one, an important choice is what material will be used. In the past, marble was a popular choice especially for headstones and monuments. In recent years, granite has outpaced marble as the material most people choose.

If you&#;re considering a marble tombstone or a granite tombstone for your loved one, then read on.

Differences between marble and granite

The difference between the two is that marble is made of limestone, whereas granite is made of igneous rock. The sediment rock that marble is made from means it reacts to acids and may be soft enough to be scratched using the blade of a knife. Marble also comes in a range of colors that are displayed in swirling patterns on the stone.

The igneous rock that makes up granite has been formed via the solidification of magma, creating a tough and durable rock. This rock will last through whatever Mother Nature throws at it, from rain and sleet to snow. It is scratch resistant as well. A granite tombstone is a strong choice because it is resistant to both water and heat. The color variation in granite is evident in the color flecks on the stone.

Durability

The bottom line is that the biggest difference between granite and marble is that granite is much harder and lasts much longer than the softer marble. Marble is more likely to crack, chip and erode over time due to being exposed to the outdoor elements. In a few decades, an inscription on a marble tombstone may be difficult to read. On the other hand, granite tombstones can withstand severe weather and will appear almost identical decades in the future.

Color and design

Marble is available in a wide range of colors, though the most popular for headstones and monuments has been white and gray. Part of this is that other colors of marble are rarer and, consequently, more expensive. Marble is a good choice for interior uses, like a crypt or mausoleum, as it is not exposed to the elements as much. In these cases, marble makes for a long-lasting and aesthetically-pleasing design.

Granite is found in many color variations including pink, brown, green and blue. Each stone is unique, as the flecks of color are part of the original formation of the rock. Granite withstands laser etching well, which means that there is a range of customizable designs that can be used. With engraving, this rock provides high-contrast lettering that will remain easy to read for a long time.

Are you looking for the right way to remember a loved one? Then trust the team at Phillipsburg Memorial Company. For more than 80 years, we&#;ve been providing local residents with quality services to preserve their loved ones&#; legacies for years to come. We offer everything from specialty monuments to lettering and etching to restoration and cleaning. Contact us today to learn more about how we can honor your family&#;s legacy.

Categorised in: Headstone

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