What is the Most Durable Type of Natural Stone?

Natural stones have been acknowledged and appreciated for centuries in various industries. Whether creating magnificent monuments, building homes, or crafting intricate flooring, natural stones have done justice to each. We have a wide range of natural stone varieties on earth. But, not all of them are equally strong and durable. Every stone has its own unique property to offer. So, if you are planning to consider natural stones in your upcoming project, you need to understand which stones are the most durable.

As a leading Granite headstone manufacturer and supplier across the UK/Ireland, USA/Canada, France, Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, we are here to help you understand the different types of natural stones, their hardness, and their suitability for various applications. In this blog, we’ll dive into the durability of different natural stones, comparing them based on their hardness, structure, and practical uses.

How do we Determine the Durability of the Stone?

Before moving on to which natural stone is most durable, it’s important to understand what makes a stone durable in the first place. Durability is defined as the ability of the stone to withstand daily wear and tear, pressure, and certain damages over time. Here are a few pointers to determine the durability of a stone:

• Hardness – Harder stones are generally more resistant to scratching and wear.
• Density – A denser stone is usually stronger and more resistant to cracking or chipping.
• Porosity – Stones with low porosity are less likely to absorb moisture and degrade.
• Compression Strength – Stone’s ability to withstand weight without breaking or cracking.

Granite: The King of Durability

When we talk about the durability of natural stones, Granite is the first to strike our minds. No one can beat the durability of the granite stone. It is considered as ‘The King of Durability’ in the stone industry. It is highly versatile and is widely used in both residential and commercial construction.

Granite ranks 6-7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it is highly resistant to scratching, cracking, and chipping. Granite is most suitable for high-traffic areas such as kitchen countertops and flooring. It’s also commonly used in manufacturing gravestones and headstones, due to its exceptional durability.

Marble: The Stone of Elegance and Luxury

Marble has always been recognized as the stone of elegance and luxury. It is popular for its striking visual appeal and timeless aesthetics. Marble has a smooth, polished finish with a wide range of color options to choose from. However, the downside of Marble stone is that it is a soft stone with high porosity, which means it is easily susceptible to staining, scratching, and damage over time.

Coming to its hardness, Marble is not as durable as granite. It ranks 3 to 5 on the Mohs scale, which means that may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas. It can easily get scratched and show significant damage over time. However, it is still highly preferred for decorative features, sculptures, and even flooring in areas that aren’t exposed to heavy wear and tear. Due to its soft nature, intricate carvings are easily possible and therefore it is highly preferred for statues, monuments, and gravestones.

Limestone: A Stone with Natural & Earthy Appearance

Limestone is a natural stone that genuinely offers natural aesthetics with its pale, earthy tones. It is highly versatile and is used in exterior cladding, flooring, and as a decorative building stone. However, its durability may vary depending on its composition and formation.

Limestone generally ranges from 3 to 4 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means it is a soft stone in comparison to granite. Therefore, it is more prone to scratching, staining, and frequent damage over time. However, certain types of limestone, such as Mexican limestone can be more durable due to its high density and low porosity.

Sandstone: Perfect for Outdoor Settings

Sandstone is another popular stone that is highly used in outdoor settings. Its warm, earthy tones and varied textures make it an attractive option for outdoor applications such as patios, walkways, and stone walls.

Sandstone typically ranges from 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is similar to Granite stone. But sandstone is often more porous, which means it can absorb moisture and may degrade over time. Natural sandstone is prone to weathering and erosion, particularly in regions with extreme temperature fluctuations or high moisture levels.

For stone flooring or stones for building walls, sandstone can be a great option if you’re looking for a more natural, rustic look. However, its lower density and increased porosity make it a less durable option for projects that require long-term durability.

Other Types of Natural Stones for Building

In addition to granite, marble, limestone, and sandstone, there are several other types of natural stone used in building and construction. Let’s explore a few of them:

• Slate: Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that is quite durable and is used in flooring, roofing, and even countertops.
• Quartzite: Often confused with quartz, quartzite is a harder and more durable material that can stand the test of time. It’s commonly used in outdoor settings due to its resistance to scratches.
• Soapstone: Soapstone is a softer, heat-resistant stone that is often used for countertops and sinks. While it’s durable against heat and moisture, it can scratch more easily than granite or quartzite.

How to Choose the Right Stone for Your Project?

The ideal stone for your project depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Location: Before picking the right stone for your project, it is important to keep the location in mind. If it’s an outdoor project, choose granite and quartzite, as they stand the test of time.
• Function: The functionality of the space is also a key factor in choosing the right stone for your project. For high-traffic areas like flooring or kitchen countertops, granite is the most durable option. But if it’s for decorative accents, marble or limestone may be more suitable.
• Aesthetic Preferences: Every stone has its unique look. Whether you’re searching for a specific color or texture, understanding the natural stone colors available can help you find the perfect match for your design vision.
• Maintenance: Consider the maintenance required for each stone. Granite and quartzite require minimal maintenance, while marble, limestone, and sandstone may need more attention, especially if used outdoors.

Conclusion

Natural stone is an excellent choice for a variety of construction and design projects. When it comes to durability, granite stands out as the most resilient option, followed by quartzite and slate. While marble, limestone, and sandstone have their place in design, they tend to be softer and more prone to damage over time.

No matter what stone you choose, be sure to select one that fits both the functional and aesthetic needs of your space. Whether you’re designing a luxurious natural stone outdoor countertop or crafting a timeless monument, the right stone can make all the difference.
As natural stone suppliers, we offer a wide range of stone collections to suit any project worldwide.

We offer premium-quality natural stones, sourced right from our quarries and cut, polished, and delivered safely to your doorstep. We supply bulk orders to wholesalers and retailers at competitive prices. Stone Discover is renowned for its high-quality stones and timely delivery. You can check our website and see our latest collection of natural stones and their pricing. Our sales expert team will help you decide the right fit for your project as per your budget and preferences. Click here to reach out to us.