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?
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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.
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.
For millennia, headstones have been used to mark and honor the graves of our loved ones. From stone to wood to granite, the history of headstone materials is a fascinating journey that reflects the evolution of human culture, technology and artistic expression.
And while the choice of materials for memorials has varied widely over time, two have undoubtedly been the most popular in recent decades: granite and marble.
Continue reading to learn more about the differences between granite and marble headstones, and why granite is now the preferred material for memorials.
The History of Headstone Materials
The earliest headstones date back to ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilizations, where stone slabs known as stelae or steles were used to mark graves. During the medieval period, headstones were often made of wood or simple uncarved stones. As the Renaissance period began, there was a renewed interest in classical art and architecture. Because of this, marble became a popular material for headstones.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, a wide variety of materials were introduced for headstones, including marble, granite, sandstone and slate. Neoclassical and Victorian styles also influenced the design of headstones during this time, leading to ornate and elaborate monuments featuring intricate carvings and sculptures.
Want more information on granite tombstone & marble sculpture? Feel free to contact us.
Suggested reading:
The Ultimate Guide to Selecting a Marble Slabs Supplier
Since the 20th century, granite has emerged as the preferred material for headstones due to its durability and range of customizations.
3 Key Differences Between Granite Headstones and Marble Headstones
Although marble had once been a preferred material for headstones, the following differences have made granite the material of choice when it comes to designing memorials.
1. Durability
Granite is a highly durable and resilient natural stone
'over 1,000 years, granite naturally deteriorates less than 1/1,000
th
of an inch. It is also known for its resistance to chipping, cracking, and weathering, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use in any climate.
In contrast, marble is softer and less durable than granite. It can be more susceptible to damage from environmental factors like acid rain, temperature fluctuations, and pollution.
>>> Related Resource: What Type of Headstone Lasts the Longest?
2. Maintenance
Granite is relatively low-maintenance. It is less porous than marble, which means it is less likely to stain or absorb moisture. Routine cleaning and sealing can help maintain its appearance over time.
Marble is more porous than granite, making it more prone to staining, etching, and discoloration. It requires more frequent cleaning, sealing and restoration to preserve its appearance.
>>> Related Resource: 5 Signs It's Time to Restore Your Memorial or Monument
3. Cost
Granite is generally more affordable than marble, which makes it a popular choice for familes with budget considerations. Take a look at our Memorial Cost Guide for all factors that impact a headstone's price.
Marble tends to be more expensive due to its luxurious appearance and the care required for its maintenance.
Color Options for Marble and Granite Headstones
While marble can be found in different colors, it is most common to see white and black marble used for headstones. Other varieties, like cream, red, brown, pink , yellow, green and grey are not widely available, nor suitable for outdoor use because of their porosity.
Forming from the natural fusion of molten rock, granite is a broad category of stone that is available in a variety of colors. The types of granite headstone colors vary depending on their geographical origin, sourced from regions such as North America, South America, Asia, India, Europe and other locations worldwide. Below are some of the most popular granite color options available at Milano Monuments.
Explore Other Headstone Design Elements
Headstone material is just one of the many factors that impact the final look of your loved one's memorial. To explore all of the design elements that go into a headstone, take a look at our headstone design guide.
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