Is Limestone Softer Than Marble

The internal carbonate crystal structure of limestone and marble are different to each other.

Is limestone softer than marble.

Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock formed by the deposition of natural carbonate material whereas marble is a type of metamorphic rock formed by metamorphism of limestone. Limestone is softer than marble because of how they are formed inside. The name marble is used in a different way in the dimension stone trade. 6 limestone has gray white or black colors while marble although most commonly white in color has more diverse colors such as green and light colored marble.

Limestone generally ranks at around a 3 on the scale while marble falls between 3 and 4. 4 heat and pressure causes the formation of marble while they are not necessary for the formation of limestone. Limestone travertine are composed primarily of calcium carbonate and like marble belong to the calcareous group. 5 limestone is more porous than marble while marble is harder than limestone.

Soft stones such as talc rank at around a 1 on the scale while granite falls between 8 and 9 and diamonds rank a 10. This means that they are also susceptible to damage from acids and they are softer than granite.