And then there is quartz countertops which have also risen in popularity in recent years as a viable alternative to both granite and marble options.
Marble versus granite headstone.
Today granite has surpassed marble as most popular headstone material.
That means it is less susceptible to chipping and cracking.
Granite countertops have risen top popularity over the past few decades while marble countertops have been a focal point of homes for years on end.
Thus the reason that granite is more commonly used than marble.
The biggest difference between granite and marble is the hardness of the stone.
Granite is a much harder material and lasts considerably longer than marble.
Granite is a much harder material and lasts considerably longer than marble.
Photo by kevin fritz old town cemetery town of hillsborough n c.
Marble is available in white and gray.
However granite is more durable than marble and less prone to stains and scratching.
When choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom granite and marble surfaces are popular choices.
Marble is softer and will likely deteriorate over time by cracking chipping and eroding especially in outdoor elements.
It is common to see marble tombstones that are decades or centuries old that are very difficult to read.
Marble is softer and will likely deteriorate over time by cracking chipping and eroding especially in outdoor elements.
Granite on the other hand is an igneous rock composed of primarily quartz and feldspar and some mica.
While marble is easier to engrave than granite mild acid rain can significantly erode marble which can make inscriptions unreadable after a relatively short length of time years or decades depending on weather.
Marble is also available for grave markers and is often more expensive than granite.
Sometimes you run into darker stones made of gabbro maybe a few sandstone markers but especially in more recent monuments marble and granite and other plutonic rocks rule the roost.
In comparison to marble headstones custom granite memorials can last for centuries.
Prices fluctuate so check your local supplier for up to date prices.
To locate a certified stone and tile pro partner in your area click here.
Granite is less expensive than marble starting at roughly 75 square foot installed and 100 more than that for higher end stone.
Installed marble countertops start at around 100 square foot and can go over 200.
Marble headstone of henry richards sr 1813 1890.