Marble vs Granite: hardness, care and where to use each
Marble and granite behave differently in a kitchen. Granite is harder (Mohs 6–7) and is not etched by lemon, vinegar or wine, so it needs the least care on a worktop. Marble is softer (Mohs 3–4) and reacts with acids: it can be used for kitchen tops, but with a honed finish, a sealer and the habit of wiping spills quickly.
By Fabrizio Musetti, Marmi di Carrara srl, quarry owners in Carrara since 1956.
Marble vs Granite
| Marble | Granite | |
|---|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 3–4 | 6–7 |
| Water absorption (EN 13755) | 0.1–0.6 % | 0.1–0.6 % |
| Bulk density (EN 1936) | 2,650–2,750 kg/m³ | 2,600–2,800 kg/m³ |
| Compressive strength (EN 1926) | 70–140 MPa | 100–250 MPa |
| Flexural strength (EN 12372) | 7–20 MPa | 8–25 MPa |
| Weight of a 2 cm slab | about 54 kg/m² | about 54 kg/m² |
| Typical finishes | Polished, honed, brushed, sandblasted, bush-hammered | Polished, honed, flamed, leathered, bush-hammered |
| Typical uses | Flooring, wall cladding, bathrooms, vanity and kitchen tops, stairs, fireplaces, sculpture | Kitchen worktops, exterior paving and cladding, stairs, high-traffic floors |
| Interior floors | Excellent | Excellent |
| Wall cladding | Excellent | Excellent |
| Kitchen worktops | With care | Excellent |
| Bathrooms and wet areas | Excellent | Excellent |
| Exterior paving and façades | Good | Excellent |
| Frost exposure | With care | Excellent |
| Back-lighting | Limited | Not suitable |
| Stones in our catalogue | 691 | 1135 |
Density, absorption and strength are indicative ranges for the stone family, not test results of this block. Certified values for a specific lot are provided with the offer.
Marble · Granite
Questions and answers
Which is harder, marble or granite?
Marble: Mohs 3–4. Granite: Mohs 6–7. These are typical values of the stone family.
Which is better for kitchen worktops, marble or granite?
Marble: with care. Granite: excellent.
Which is better for bathrooms and wet areas, marble or granite?
Marble: excellent. Granite: excellent.
Which is better for exterior paving and façades, marble or granite?
Marble: good. Granite: excellent.