Granite on the other hand is an igneous rock composed of primarily quartz and feldspar and some mica.
Marble vs granite gravestones.
Marble is softer and will likely deteriorate over time by cracking chipping and eroding especially in outdoor elements.
Either way knowing the pros and cons will help you make a well informed decision.
Color varies from light to dark presented in flecks veins or solid patterns.
On the flip side granite markers created 100 plus years ago remain in good condition because granite can hold its own against pollution salt and other erosive outdoor conditions.
In a surprisingly short amount of time design work names and other customized elements will weather away and become difficult to discern.
Erosion to gravestones dating back to the early 1800s has left many inscriptions virtually unrecognizable.
The biggest difference between granite and marble is the hardness of the stone.
In comparison to marble headstones custom granite memorials can last for centuries.
Unfortunately this is the case with many historic headstones made of marble.
The darker colors are better for laser etching with dark black granite being the best.
The biggest difference between granite and marble is the hardness of the stone.
Marble is at risk for cracking chipping and eroding even in relatively mild climactic conditions.
Granite is metamorphic or igneous made up of silica mica feldspar and quartz generally with a packed granular surface.
If you re seeking a standout structure without detailed carving then marble might be ideal.
However if the marble does need upkeep you can hire a restoration expert to maintain the surface.
Marble used to be the most popular stone for graves but today it is granite by far.
There are a few reasons for this.
Marble is softer and will likely deteriorate over time by cracking chipping and eroding especially in outdoor elements.
Granite is the future.
The marble is slowly wearing away.
Granite is a much harder material and lasts considerably longer than marble.
This is why the old gravestones of the midwest are barely legible because acid rain created by factory pollution has dissolved a lot of the calcite in the limestone and marble gravestones.
Commercial marble is typically available in variations of black and white.
Marble deteriorates from acids that are prevalent in rain.
Marble is also very soft and can be scratched with a metal object.
Granite is much harder than marble and it is not brittle.
Granite unlike marble is an extremely hard rock that is more likely to endure the test of time in the cemetery.