Marble vs Granite: Which Natural Stone to Choose

Marble and granite are the two kings of natural stone, but their characters are very different. One is delicate and luxurious, the other nearly indestructible. In this guide we compare them point by point to make the choice easy.

Strength and durability

Granite wins. On the Mohs scale granite scores 6-7, marble 3-4. In practice this means: you can cut on granite with a knife (though we don’t recommend it — for the knife’s sake), while marble is scratched even by sand. Granite is also heat-resistant: a hot pan won’t harm it.

Acid resistance

Granite again. Marble is a calcareous stone: lemon, vinegar and wine leave dull etch marks on it. Granite is almost indifferent to acids. For a kitchen countertop this is the deciding factor: if you cook a lot, granite is the practical choice.

Beauty and warmth

Here marble is king. Marble’s fine veining, its play with light and warm lustre are unmatched: no other stone gives the feeling of luxury that well-polished white marble does. Granite looks more uniform and “granular” — restrained and solid.

Maintenance

Both stones need sealing and pH-neutral cleaning, but marble is far more demanding: spills must be wiped up immediately. Granite is forgiving: with the right protection it needs almost no care for years. Learn more about our maintenance service.

And the Armenian stones? Basalt and tuff

Don’t forget the local treasures. Basalt is as strong as granite, with a dark, noble look: excellent for stairs, terraces and floors. Tuff — Yerevan’s pink stone — is light and warm, but porous: it is more a stone for walls and facades than floors. Both age beautifully when cared for properly.

Criterion	Marble	Granite
Hardness	3-4 (soft)	6-7 (very hard)
Acid resistance	Low	High
Appearance	Luxurious, veined	Restrained, granular
Maintenance	Demanding	Easy
Best for	Living room, hall, bathroom	Kitchen, stairs, entrance

Our advice

Choose by room: granite for the kitchen and high-traffic zones, marble for representative spaces. And if your stone is already installed and has lost its looks — don’t replace it: both marble and granite are beautifully restored by polishing. For countertops, see our countertop service.