Get the Headstone — Is It Marble or Granite?

It is a significant choice to choose the right material for a headstone monument to honor a loved one. Although a headstone might not be the first priority, the option will inevitably come into play for you or a loved one.

Marble is, and for good reason, associated with headstones or memorials. Many of the markers are made of marble that surround our cemeteries. This revered natural stone was used exclusively before the 1920s not just because of its timeless elegance, but also because it was easier to cut, polish and carve with the tools of the day.

The issue is that marble is vulnerable to contamination and salt. Gravestone erosion dating from the early 1800s has left many engravings nearly distorted. The marble is wearing away steadily.

Over time, granite became more accessible with increased availability and the advancement of stone cutting and carving instruments. Today, as the most common headstone material, granite has surpassed marble.

Colors and Architecture

While marble can be obtained in many colors, white or gray shades have historically been the most widely used color for monuments and headstones. This was due largely to the much higher cost of rare, colored marble. Due to the unusual swirling patterns and embedded shadings that can make for a very unique look, some people prefer marble for tombs, headstones, and statues. Marble can provide a very long-lasting and elegant look when used indoors, such as inside a crypt or mausoleum. Marble could be the best choice for you if you are looking specifically for a bright white colored memorial, because granite does not naturally exist in a pure white color.

Granite is available in several colors, including black, brown, gray, pink, red, green and blue shades. Every granite stone, mostly due to the “flecks” that are a natural part of the original formation of the rock material, will have its own unique color variations. When properly etched, colored granite stones may offer high contrast lettering that is easy to read and long-lasting.

The capacity to take a laser etching well is another benefit of granite as a gravestone material. Laser etching may be used to customize a statue, headstone, memorial bench due to the hardness of the granite. A beautiful word, biblical verse, and even photographs can be grafted into granite in addition to a name and date, creating a truly special memorial for your loved one. Since granite is so robust, it is possible to create fine etchings that will not be easily eroded by the sun.

Longevity

The hardness of the stone is the greatest contrast between granite and marble. Granite is harder than other materials and lasts longer than marble. Marble is softer and, especially in outdoor parts may deteriorate or get cracks, chips or erosion. Centuries or decades old marble tombstones are very hard to read generally. This is because the wind and rain get through the pores of the soft finish of the marble. Conversely, even extreme weather can not affect granite.

Cost

Surprisingly, though certainly influenced by the material used, the cost of a headstone or memorial is more often a factor in style, scale, engraving, custom design, and location. When planning a memorial, it is necessary to use a competent monument company’s services. Due to the many factors involved, a remembrance that will last for centuries requires very close thought.

Headstones and granite-made monuments will stand the test of time. The granite memorial made for your loved one will continue to shine as it does now for decades from now. More importantly, in order to continue preserving your loved one’s memory for the years to come, it will always be legible. Visit here at Southwest Monument for building a monument in the loving memory of a loved person.

Originally published at https://southwestmonument.medium.com on February 10, 2021.