What Is The Difference Between Marble And Granite Headstones?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The biggest difference between granite and marble is

the hardness of the stone

. Granite is a much harder material and lasts considerably longer than marble. Marble is softer and will likely deteriorate over time by cracking, chipping, and eroding, especially in outdoor elements.

What type of headstone lasts the longest?


A flat quartzite headstone, with laser engraving

, is the longest-lasting headstone. It can last centuries if the weather is the only factor in degradation. Quartzite is a very hard material that can withstand almost all climates & the laser-etched engraving will last as long as the headstone does.

Is marble good for headstone?

Marble has a distinctive and uniquely striking appearance, its natural white colour standing out brightly on even dull weather days. This makes it

a popular choice for headstones

– however, it is more prone to becoming dirty over time than granite, and can be susceptible to the effects of rain in the long term.

Why do granite gravestones weather better than do marble gravestones?


Granite is much harder than marble

, and it is not brittle. That means it is less susceptible to chipping and cracking. It also means that design elements will not weather in the same way, keeping your loved one’s memorial legible and in good condition for decades to come.

What type of headstone is best?

If you want a memorial that will last, then the best headstone material is either

granite or bronze

. Both are known for their durability. However, a lesser-known alternative is the field boulder. While it will not last quite as long as the other two, it will hold up to the elements.

What is the average cost of a granite headstone?

Prices can vary greatly from a simple grave marker to a full family monument, but as a guide for a single full covered granite monument it is

about $5,500-$7,500

on average. For a double side by side monument is roughly around $8,00$12,000 is average.

What lasts longer granite or marble?

Durability. The biggest difference between granite and marble is the hardness of the stone.

Granite is

a much harder material and lasts considerably longer than marble. Marble is softer and will likely deteriorate over time by cracking, chipping, and eroding, especially in outdoor elements.

Is granite better than marble?

Hardness and Durability:

Granite is harder than marble

, so it is more resistant to chips and scratches. … Both marble and granite countertops are quite durable, but ONLY if they are properly sealed every one or two years. Granite and marble are porous, so without a seal, liquids will penetrate and stain.

What is the difference between Tombstone and headstone?

As nouns the difference between headstone and tombstone

is that

headstone is a gravestone, a grave marker

: a monument traditionally made of stone placed at the head of a grave while tombstone is a headstone marking the person’s grave.

Can I make a headstone myself?


Yes

, you can put your own headstone on a grave in almost areas in The States. The major factor if you are allowed to put and/or make your own headstone, would be the cemetery that you choose. Some cemeteries will allow any type of headstone, many don’t for aesthetics.

Does granite weather faster than marble?

The students should then conclude that granite is more durable and will last longer than marble in a humid, temperate climate. … This would lead to

more mechanical weathering

of marble than of granite because of the differences in the hardness of their constituent minerals.

What is the cause of the wearing down marble statues and granite headstones?


Physical erosion

is the natural degradation of the rock through wind, rain, etc, as well as through freeze/thaw cycles. Biological erosion details the effects of trees, shrubs, lichens, and vines of the rock, which can lead to damage to the surface and body of the gravestones.

Why do gravestones turn black?

The reason is most likely

algae, lichen, moss, mold, or mildew growth and stains

. These growths develop on the surface, making headstones and memorials look dark and dirty. The majority of monuments sit outside and are constantly subjected to moist, humid conditions.

When should a headstone be installed?

Since the ground often needs time to settle, it is advised that you

wait about six months

before you erect any kind of memorial. Otherwise, if you decide to go ahead with this too soon rather than waiting for the recommended time period, you are highly likely to find yourself ordering replacement memorials soon.

What is the normal size of a headstone?

Standard sizes for single graves are usually 24 by 12, 28 by 16, or

18 by 24 inches

. Standard sizes for companion graves are usually 36 by 18 inches or 44 by 14 inches. Make sure the size of your headstone is within the range that your cemetery allows.

How much is the cheapest headstone?

Our standard flat grave markers cost around $1,000, smaller garden memorials for home memorialization begin at 300, and

upright headstones start at $1,200

. Upgrades like adding photos or emblems, decorative bronze inlays, etc. will add to the cost of your memorial.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.