Marble and granite are both:

- natural products, which mean there can be variations in color and pattern, and sometimes what you see in the display is not very close to what you actually get delivered

- come in a wide range of colors and patterns

- can be stained by oily or highly colored foods. So both require resealing every once in a while (it seems like yearly is the usual rule.)

- are relatively heatproof, and they won't scorch (a very hot pot placed on either type of stone could crack it, theoretically.)

Granite                                         Marble

But granite is a much harder, stronger stone than marble. It resists impacts and scratches better. And it is resistant to acids like tomato juice, lemon juice or vinegar. Marble is simply calcium carbonate, just like chalk, but in a compressed and crystallized form. So acids can etch the surface permanently. (And it will fizz, just like chalk in vinegar.) And it cracks and scratches more easily. Some marbles have very little pattern (some are totally pure white) so stains and marring stand out more. Granite typically has a complex mottled pattern that hides stains better. So for hard use, granite is a better choice.

A marble countertop or slab is a traditional working surface for pastry chefs, because the cold stone keeps the butter in the pastry layers from melting. But polished granite would probably work as well.

Practical considerations aside, marble has a look that is possibly more elegant and luxurious. It has extremely fine crystals, which create a snowy or satiny look. And the colors and patterns can be quite dramatic. Granite tends to have larger crystals, perhaps the size of peas or rice grains. This creates a coarser, more sparkly look. And while granite comes in a range of colors and patterns, that range is probably narrower than for marble.

Most people seem to recommend granite for hard use areas like countertops. Marble is higher maintenance, less durable and recommended for vanities in bathrooms. Its one advantage may be in appearance, but that will depend on the owner's taste and the kitchen's overall style.

But just a FYI, there is another possibility that is even more durable than granite, and that is quartz or "engineered stone". It is made of quartz powder that is fused together at very high heat. Unlike granite, it resists stains and doesn't need sealing. It comes in patterns and colors that mimic granite very closely, but it is totally predictable and more uniform than real stone (which might be good or bad, depending on your tastes.) It also comes in colors and patterns not found in nature, like bright blue. It costs about the same as marble or granite.

For more information please contact Violetta  violetta@marbletreasure.com (416) 884-0902