Find the best supplier/store for granite and marble works, counter tops and terrazzo floor works in Uganda. UEL Granite & Marble Limited is a renowned granite countertops installer in Kampala and supplier of quartz countertops in Uganda that have helped many homeowners achieve a lustrous look with the addition of granite to their homes.
Granite: Derived from the Italian word “granite”, meaning “granulated”. Granite is very hard, crystalline, metamorphic or igneous rock, primarily composed of feldspar, quartz and smaller amounts of dark minerals. Mineral grains are visible to the naked eye and are a distinct feature of granite. Most used in countertops and Kitchen, gourmet and floors.
Marble: Marble is a metamorphic rock from limestone and, depending on the composition of its ores, it can have different colors. Among these ores are mica, feldspar and others. This explains why the largest marble deposits are found in regions of volcanic activity and which have the limestone matrix rock. Most used in bathroom countertops, stairs and floors.
Marble or granite
With the most varied sizes, tones and shapes, the stones are easily found in the natural environment. In construction, its application is always very well selected, taking into account factors ranging from resistance, to aesthetics and, of course, reaching cost. Some stones, however, have very similar characteristics, which can end up confusing the consumer at the time of purchase. This is the case, for example, of marble and granite, materials widely used in the composition of spaces not only for their beauty but also for their practicality and durability. But what effectively differentiates them? Is it better to choose marble or granite?
The truth is that, at least visually, marble and granite do not have so many differences, since both stones have enough variations so that it is not at all difficult to find many similarities between them. In fact, the main difference is in their compositions, with granite being formed by three minerals – mica, feldspar and quartz -, while marble is composed of only one mineral and calcite. Do you want to know more about these materials and learn to choose between them? So keep an eye on today’s post:
Resistance
Granite is more resistant because it has a lower porosity in relation to marble, consequently achieving greater durability. This characteristic of hardness of the stone is perfect to be used in places more subject to impacts and more intense use, as is the case of external floors. Marble, on the other hand, is a softer and more porous stone, so its resistance and durability are a little compromised. Therefore, the ideal is to apply it in spaces of more moderate use and, preferably, free from excessive humidity.
Cost
As the varieties of marble and granite are many, the cost of each stone will depend basically on its availability in the market. In Brazil, granite deposits correspond to a large part of the export of stone in the world, while marble still has a relatively small production. In general, it can be considered that the rarer the stone, the more expensive it will be. Not to mention the possibility of being imported or not.
Maintenance
Regardless of the chosen stone, maintenance care is practically the same. So, as marbles and granites are porous, avoid spilling liquids on them or leaving them wet for a long time. When cleaning, the ideal is to wipe only a damp cloth and, if necessary, add a detergent – in this case, opt for the colorless neutrals, which do not damage or scratch the material. Never use products that are too strong, such as bleach or acids, on the stones, as the damage can be irreparable.
Application
Due to their typical beauty, both marble and granite are widely used in the interior decoration of homes and other establishments. Stoves and sinks, floors and even bathroom walls are often covered with these materials. Some furniture can also be worked with stones, such as tables and counters. In some details of the houses, such as sills and windowsills, it is common to find a strip of marble or granite to give it an extra charm.
Taking these characteristics into account, we see that it is more than possible to work smoothly with the two stones in decorative projects. Just don’t forget that granite is more resistant to external areas, while marble is a more noble material, ideal, therefore, for small internal details.
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