What is better for a headstone, granite or marble?

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When deciding on a suitable headstone, monument, or grave marker to commemorate a loved one, a crucial decision revolves around the material to be utilized. Historically, marble was a favored choice for headstones and monuments. However, in recent years, granite has gained popularity and is now the material that many people opt for.

If you are contemplating between a marble tombstone and a granite tombstone for your loved one, continue reading.

Differences between Marble and Granite

Marble is derived from limestone, while granite originates from igneous rock. Due to its sedimentary composition, marble can react with acids and is soft enough to be scratched with a knife's blade. It displays a range of colors with swirling patterns throughout the stone.

Granite, in contrast, is a strong and durable rock formed from solidified magma. This resilience better equips granite to withstand various environmental conditions, including rain, sleet, and snow. It is also scratch-resistant. Therefore, a granite tombstone is a robust choice, as it can endure water and heat effectively, exhibiting fine color variations through its flecks.

Durability

The most significant distinction between granite and marble is that granite is much harder and has a longer lifespan compared to the softer marble. Marble is susceptible to cracking, chipping, and erosion due to exposure to outdoor elements. An inscription on a marble tombstone might be unreadable after just a few decades. In contrast, granite tombstones can withstand severe weather conditions and will retain their appearance for years to come.

Color and Design

Marble is offered in numerous colors, with white and gray being the most popular choices for headstones and monuments. Other, more exotic colors of marble tend to be rarer and pricier. Marble serves well for indoor applications, such as crypts or mausoleums, where it is less affected by environmental exposure. In these situations, marble offers an enduring and visually striking design.

Granite is available in a broad spectrum of colors, including pink, brown, green, and blue. Each stone retains a unique character, with its original color flecks forming part of its individuality. Granite is also considerably suited for laser etching, allowing for various customizable designs. The high-contrast lettering that can be achieved through engraving will remain legible for extended periods.

If you're searching for the right way to honor a loved one, consider the Phillipsburg Memorial Company. With over 80 years of experience, our team is dedicated to providing local residents with exceptional services aimed at preserving the legacies of their loved ones. We offer a comprehensive range of options, from specialty monuments to engraving, etching, and cleaning. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help commemorate your family's heritage.

For more granite tombstone & marble sculpture information, please reach out to us. We are here to provide professional guidance.

While headstones may not be the favorite topic of most conversations, it is essential to discuss them to ensure that our loved ones receive the everlasting respect they deserve. One frequent question arises: which type of stone is superior - marble or granite? Below, we will explore both materials, their advantages and disadvantages, and when to select one over the other.

Marble or Granite Headstones in Colorado?

Many people mistakenly believe that marble is the hardest rock available, but granite proves to be tougher due to its origins as cooled magma, subjected to immense heat and compression over millions of years. Installing a granite headstone today means it will retain its beautiful appearance even 200 years later (after removing accumulated dirt, of course).

Conversely, marble is derived from limestone, which is considerably softer than magma. Thus, it doesn't take much force to scratch, and it shows a negative reaction to various acids. Additionally, marble is more prone to chipping or cracking over time, leading to difficulty in reading inscriptions after two centuries.

When considering headstones, prioritize durability since the ultimate goal is to honor the deceased and retain their legacy throughout history.

Headstone Appearance

Marble is renowned for its almost unlimited variety of colors and patterns, with unique veining present in each piece, contributing to its long-standing popularity as a premier building material. The most common colors for gravestones are gray and white, as they tend to be the more affordable choices. Conversely, rarer colors increase the prices of headstones.

Typically, marble is used in memorials that are placed inside enclosed mausoleums or crypts, protecting them from harsh environmental effects and helping them last for centuries.

Like marble with its veining, each piece of granite showcases unique color flecks. Frequently found colors for granite memorials include green, blue, and brown. Granite effectively supports laser etching, enabling customers to personalize headstones with various designs, letters, and numbers. The high-contrast lettering produced by laser engraving remains pristine for centuries, even outdoors, where exposure to rain, snow, and environmental corrosives is inevitable.

Pros and Cons of Both Headstone Options

Below are the advantages and disadvantages of each material for headstones.

Marble Headstone Pros

• Each piece of marble is entirely unique.
• Marble has a longstanding association with gravestones and memorials.
• Marble carries an intrinsic prestige that granite cannot match.
• Marble is comparatively easier to cut and polish than granite.

Marble Headstone Cons

• Marble is more prone to cracks, chips, and scratches than granite.
• Weather exposure can dull marble lettering over the years.
• Marble has a higher tendency to discolor than granite.
• It is generally more expensive than granite.

Granite Headstone Pros

• Granite stands among the most resilient natural building materials.
• Etched lettering on granite remains sharp and clear indefinitely.
• Granite is less costly than marble, though not by a significant margin.
• Granite is a traditional material used for headstones.
• Every piece of granite is uniquely formed.

Granite Headstone Cons

• Granite may be less costly than marble, but it isn't cheap.
• It is more resistant than marble but can still be damaged by acid rain.

Granite or Marble Headstones: The Verdict

Selecting a headstone is a deeply personal decision; however, in objective terms, granite presents distinct advantages over marble that should be acknowledged. It is both less expensive and more resilient, with etched letters and graphics standing up better over time compared to those on marble when used outdoors. Like marble, each piece of granite tells a story of the unique geological history that formed it.

However, for some individuals in Littleton seeking to make a statement with their memorial, the diverse color options offered by marble may suit them better. For example, one might create a stunning white marble structure reminiscent of the Taj Mahal while opting for granite for the inscription to ensure durability. Ultimately, the decision is yours.

Contact Our Custom Memorial Designers

If you are still unsure which material is best suited for your loved one's memorial, reach out to Mile High Memorials. We can offer expert advice ensuring that you select a headstone that truly honors your loved one for eternity.

We provide an extensive array of custom stone memorials, including upright memorials, bench memorials, natural stone memorials, flat stone memorials, and more. Our services also encompass onsite letter engraving on marble or granite headstones, as well as tasteful pet memorials. Search for 'headstones near me' or call us at 303-794-xxxx. If preferred, you may also send a fax to 303-794-xxxx.

The company is recognized as the world's leading classic white marble cherub and tombstone leading supplier. We are your one-stop destination for all related needs. Our highly specialized staff is here to assist you in finding the perfect product.