Is Sandstone Harder Than Marble

Most people are familiar with marble.

Is sandstone harder than marble.

On the mohs test that measures how hard a material is it has been given a hardness reading of 8 10. It has been in use extensively since the ancient times for both indoor and outdoor applications. Granite is harder and more stain resistant than marble which makes it perfect for fireplaces bars and kitchen counters. In its purest form it s white like marble but can have impurities in it that lead to some incredible patterns and colors.

However with certain polishing sealants modern marble can be made to look much glossier than it did in the past. Marble basically classifies into four groups which include. This composition much like human dna is what makes each stone a beautiful unique. Granite is comparatively harder and stronger than marble.

From greek statues to roman baths it has been used for centuries in just about every possible interior and exterior application. Groups a b c and d. This means that granite is slightly harder than marble but both offer reasonably good durability. While definitely not a cheap countertop option the look and endurance of stone make it well worth the cost.

Granite is less expensive than marble starting at roughly 75 square foot installed and 100 more than that for higher end stone. It is mostly known as the most durable natural. Marble and limestone lie at the opposite end of the hardness scale from granite. This mean that it is harder than glass and can actually cut it.

Granite is mainly composed of quarts and feldspars it is coarse grained and usually in light colors. While marble is slightly harder and denser than limestone both rate very low on the mohs scale a rating used to measure the hardness of stones. Granite is a stronger and harder stone than marble is which lends it a shiny glossy appearance compared to marble s dull smoothness. These are both beautiful options for countertops.

And while in general your quartzite is harder than your granite or your granite is harder than your marble keep in mind that natural stone is a product of mother nature. The hardness of marble is 3 4 and that of sandstone is 6 7. Marble is mostly available in light white or pastel colors although there are some darker slabs available. The types of marble are breccia marble carrara marble calacatta marble cultured marble polished marble honed marble sand marble whereas types of sandstone are grey sandstones crystallized sandstones hard sandstones.

Properties of rock is another aspect for marble vs sandstone. It s hard to find a color that granite does not come in. Comparing marble and granite head to head in important categories will assist you in deciding which stone to use in your building or renovation project. Granite is a harder stone than marble and holds up better to chips and scratches.