Marble Vs Granite Gravestones

Marble is softer and will likely deteriorate over time by cracking chipping and eroding especially in outdoor elements.

Marble vs granite gravestones.

Marble used to be the most popular stone for graves but today it is granite by far. Granite is a much harder material and lasts considerably longer than marble. 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.

Marble is at risk for cracking chipping and eroding even in relatively mild climactic conditions. Granite on the other hand is an igneous rock composed of primarily quartz and feldspar and some mica. 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. There are a few reasons for this.

The marble is slowly wearing away. The biggest difference between granite and marble is the hardness of the stone. 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.

Marble deteriorates from acids that are prevalent in rain. The darker colors are better for laser etching with dark black granite being the best. 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. Color varies from light to dark presented in flecks veins or solid patterns.

If you want intense detail that will withstand the elements then granite might be a better option. If you re seeking a standout structure without detailed carving then marble might be ideal. In a surprisingly short amount of time design work names and other customized elements will weather away and become difficult to discern. Granite is the future.

Unfortunately this is the case with many historic headstones made of marble. However if the marble does need upkeep you can hire a restoration expert to maintain the surface. Granite is a much harder material and lasts considerably longer than marble. Granite is much harder than marble and it is not brittle.

Marble is also very soft and can be scratched with a metal object. Granite unlike marble is an extremely hard rock that is more likely to endure the test of time in the cemetery. Granite headstones granite is an igneous rock which is the result of cooling magma.