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What's the Difference Between Marble and Granite Countertops?
The Short Answer
Granite shows many more colors and crystals you can almost see into, marble has smoother, softer movement, and quartz is a consistent pattern on a smooth canvas.
Read the video transcript
John Bujak: We've got quartz, marble and granite. It's very difficult to tell the difference. Can you point out the subtleties that make them different?
Kleopatra: Yeah, for sure. Let's start with granite. With granite, you're going to see many more colors. In some stones you can see these little bits of natural quartz. It's kind of like a little window that you're looking into the stone. So this is for sure a granite. With a marble, it's much smoother. It just gives you soft movements. And then with a quartz, it's just straight: here's a pattern and here's the canvas. So it's much smoother than either.
John Bujak of America's Home Experts talks with Kleopatra from Marble and Granite Express. Lightly edited for readability.
How to Tell Granite and Marble Apart
Look closely. Granite is a mix of minerals, so you will see many colors and crystal flecks, some almost translucent, like looking through a little window into the stone. Marble shows softer, flowing veining with fewer specks. Quartz looks the most uniform, a consistent pattern on a smooth background.
Which Holds Up Better in a Kitchen?
Granite is harder and more heat resistant, which makes it the practical choice for a hard-working kitchen. Marble is softer and can etch or dull from acidic foods and harsh cleaners, so it needs more care.
Caring for Either Stone
Clean both with soap and water, and avoid lemon juice, vinegar, bleach and disinfecting wipes. See Kleopatra's answer on what not to use on stone countertops.
Have a Countertop Question of Your Own?
Marble and Granite Express templates, fabricates and installs granite, quartz and marble countertops from our shop at 38680 Michigan Ave in Wayne. Call (734) 772-4431 or request a free estimate.