In the past, it was quite easy to choose between marble and granite. Over time, the material selection has become even larger, and we have noticed from numerous e-mails that more and more customers are finding it difficult to decide between marble or granite.
Since the company was founded, Marmi Rossi has been importing marble and granite blocks and producing slabs (see online warehouse), which are purchased by retailers and architects, but rarely by end-consumers. Nevertheless, we try to answer all their e-mails (and recommend the material that meets most their needs).
Sometimes we receive material requests that are too general and therefore difficult to answer. In some e-mails, we are asked which natural stone is best suited for design or decoration of different settings (bathroom, kitchen, living room), without specifying colour, architectural style and budget, which are important criteria for the correct material choice.
In addition, many natural stones are generally referred to as "granite", including quartzite and dolomite, which, however, are very different from each other due to their different characteristics. This can be confusing and makes it difficult for the customer to choose the right material.
The aesthetic component when choosing marble or granite
In the stone industry, the choice of natural stone depends mainly on personal taste. If you ask two stonemasons which natural stone is best suited for kitchen design, they will probably agree to use rather granite than marble, but they will never agree on type, thickness and surface finishing.
Regarding the choice of material, everyone has their own taste and "quirks". We too are afflicted with doubts when deciding on natural stone, especially since there are many variations of the same stone type, given that you will find nowhere in the world one and the same marble or granite slab. Each decision should be made therefore on a case-by-case basis, to choose the best that nature offers us in that very moment.
The economic factor: how nature, market and creativity influence the prices of marble and granite
The industry of marble and granite is vast and variegated, and the choices are so wide, that you may feel overwhelmed. In addition, nature does not produce anything in "series", and each natural stone slab is quarried as a unique and inimitable piece.
To choose the best fitting marble or granite, you should consider that marble and granite slabs, like all other commercially available materials, are subject to simple market rules, such as price-quality-service-ratio. Another important element is the aesthetic component. Even if it is true that the material choice is purely personal, the vast optical differences between the various natural stones should be considered, as this has a significant impact on the price.
After all, we are talking about materials made by nature during millions of years, true art works, with very different and unique shades and nuances. It is therefore difficult to determine the exact value of the blocks and slabs that humans use for sculptures or interior design.
Even though nature offers us a wide range of selection, human originality and creativity must be considered, too. Traditional and innovative processing techniques as well as increasingly advanced technologies will extend the use of natural stones to other commercial fields. The surface finishing of a slab can also lead to price changes.
More explanations for choosing marble or granite
As you can see, there is great variety in the stone industry. Therefore, here some advice for evaluating the most important criteria to make it easier for you to choose between marble and granite.
In the next articles, we will answer to questions such as:
- when is it better to choose marble over granite?
- why choose natural stone in design?
- how to choose the right material?
- which factors change the thickness of a marble or granite slab?
- depending on the application, which surface treatment enhances the material?
Essentially, we’d like to guide you through the world of natural stones with a few instructions.