When choosing a stone to cut with a machine, many people ask the same thing: Is marble or granite better? These two types of rock are popular in building, sculpture, and countertops. Both look nice and last long, but they are not the same when it comes to cutting. Let’s look at the facts.
What is Marble?
Marble comes from limestone. It changes under heat and pressure deep in the earth. Marble has smooth patterns and soft colors. It is not very hard, which makes it easy to cut. Stone shops use CNC (Comp. Num. Control) machines to shape marble into sinks, floors, or statues. The stone does not wear down the blades fast.
Fun Fact: The Taj Mahal in India is made of white marble.
But, marble can scracth easily. It also reacts with acid, like lemon juice or vinegar. This means it can get damaged in a kitchen or outside where there is rain.
What is Granite?
Granite is an igneos rock made from magma. It forms from molten rock deep underground. Granite is one of the hardest building stones. It has a strong mix of colors, specks, and grains.
Granite is harder to cut. It needs strong tools like diamond blades. Shops often use water jet or laser CNC macines. These tools help cool the blades and stop the stone from cracking. Granite can be polished to a high shine. It is good for places that get a lot of use, like kitchen counters or sidewalks.
Fun Fact: Mount Rushmore in the U.S. is carved from granite.
But granite wears down tools faster. Workers must change blades more often, and the cutting process takes longer.
Which One is Better?
If you want a stone that cuts easy and looks classic, marble is a fine choice. Many artists like it because it is soft. If you need a durrable, strong, and long-lasting stone, granite is better. It does not stain or crack easy.
Some companies use a mix of both. For indoor art, they pick marble. For strong projects, they pick granite.
Here is what others say:
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A stone factory in Italy says they cut 4x faster with marble than with granite.
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A home builder in Canada said granite tops last 15 years longer than marble ones.
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A factory in China uses 80% marble in its statue products and 90% granite for outside work.
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A U.S. school lab did a test and found granite is 3x harder than marble.
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An engineer said marble was easy to chizzle, but granite needs machines only.
In Short
Use marble for soft, pretty, and easy jobs. Use granite when strength is more important. Both are useful, but in different ways. Always pick the stone that fits your needs best.
