Granite - Marble
If you’re building or remodeling your home, you might have thought about using granite, marble, or natural stone as a material in that work. After all, all of these types of stone are beautiful in appearance and can easily increase the value of a home dramatically. Before you make the final decision, you should learn a little bit more about why these building materials are such an exceptional choice....Continued Below |
Granite is actually formed from magma which means it’s a type of igneous rock. You can actually find this stone all over the world below the earth’s crust but some of the most famous quarries can be found in the United States, in southern African countries, and in parts of Europe. In fact, granite has been used for centuries as a building material. The Red Pyramid of Egypt, for example, was built from blocks made from granite. Many of the amazing Hindu temples found in India were also built using granite. Today, granite is more likely to end up in the inside of a home than on the outside of an awe-inspiring structure.
Uses & Benefits of Granite
The two most common uses for granite in the home are in flooring and countertops. Regardless of how you use granite in your home, there are some impressive benefits that come with the material. For example, granite is one of the most durable materials in the world. Did you know that only diamonds are harder? Plus, granite is not going to be cut or chipped through daily use like other materials.
Granite is also heat resistant so you don’t have to worry about placing a hot pot on the surface. You don’t do any damage to the material. Staining should also not a problem. The material is one of the least porous out there so you rarely have to worry about red wine, spaghetti sauce, or any other stain.
If you’re not a fan of cutting boards, don’t use them. You can cut directly on your granite countertop if you wish because the surface is resistant to cuts and scratches. And because granite is natural – not man-made – every countertop or floor made from it is going to be unique.
Some Background on Marble
While granite comes from solidified magma, marble is a metamorphic rock. That means marble is formed through changes in other stones, usually limestone. In fact, if you’ve ever seen the very white marble that is sometimes used in statues then you’ve seen metamorphosed limestone. Most of the marble we see today, however, includes veins of color which come from silt, sand, or other impurities that have been trapped in the stone overtime.
Marble comes in a number of different colors but extracting those different colors must be done in specific areas of the world. For example black marble quarries are normally found in Spain, Poland, and Ireland. Red marble is found in Belgium, and the highest quality white marble comes from Greece. Like granite, marble has long been associated with beautiful construction. The Taj Mahal in India, for example, is built completely from white marble much like the famous Venus de Milo statue.
Uses & Benefits of Marble
Like granite, marble is a useful natural stone building material for counters and floors. One of its primary advantages is that it can be hypoallergenic. Because the surface of marble is so dense, germs and other nasty organisms will have no place to live. It’s also a great choice in damp environments prone to mold because the water will have difficulty seeping inside the natural stone so mold will be less likely to develop. In warm locations, the cool marble floor is a nice way to keep temperatures indoors more comfortable without having to rely as much on fans or air conditioning.
One drawback of marble is that it is more prone to staining and is not quite as heat resistant as granite.
The Choice of Natural Stone
Whether you opt for granite or marble for your decorating needs, both types of natural stone are going to be excellent options. Because marble can be stained more easily, it might be a better countertop surface in bathrooms than in kitchens. Marble can also be a good flooring choice in any room but may be a bit too cold and hand for family rooms or bedrooms.
With their long history of use in building and their beautiful appearance, granite and marble can both make great additions to any home.
