Marble vs Limestone: Key Differences and Similarities

The mentioned stones are natural, long-lasting, and were used in the ancient times to be buildings and construction’s Marble vs Limestone.Key Differences and Similarities material by skills of masonry. In fact, limestone and marble are indeed functional they have a pleasing appearance and remain popular.

Nevertheless it can be said that these two materials have some features in common but they are not similar hence cannot be used interchangeably.

These sturdy rocks can be seen in households across Columbus to Cincinnati. Each has its own unique characteristics, giving a special look to both indoor and outdoor spaces. We will therefore consider the similarities as well as differences between limestone and marble so that you can use them appropriately in your lovely homes.

What Is Limestone?

Limestone is a kind of sedimentary rock mostly consisting of calcium carbonate that was formed millions of years ago. When shells and skeletons of marine organisms collected on the floor of the sea. Calcium carbonate is also used by clams, muscles as well as choral cells which dwell in oceans to produce their bones and exoskeletons.

After their deaths, the waves break down their bones and shells into pieces. That come to rest in the ocean where they are compressed under water pressure until they become a sediment called limestone. It occurs in gorges and precipices created by retreating inland seas.

The area around the # such as Michigan, Indiana and Illinois has large deposits. The Mediterranean Basin in France, Spain, Italy, Israel and Egypt is also one of the sources for limestone quarrying. It can be identified through fossils presence making up 10% among all other types of sedimentary rocks.

What Is Marble?

When limestone is exposed to high temperatures, its crystals interlock and metamorphose into marble. During metamorphosis, clay, sand, and other impurities sometimes produce distinct veins and swirls within. The stone, giving it a distinct and sought-after veining synonymous with luxury and wealth.

The top four countries that export marble are Italy, China, India and Spain-although it also quarries in Turkey Greece USA. Marble is typically composed of one or more of these minerals: calcite dolomite or serpentine. Later on it’s cut into slabs after being quarried in large blocks which are then polished and distributed among suppliers of stone.

The presence of certain minerals during formation gives marble different colors. It is widely used as a building material for monuments, sculptures, as well as kitchen countertops and vanities. White color denotes the purest calcite marble while yellow ones contain limonite etcetera.

Common Applications of Two Stones

Synonyms: Expensive, expensive, precious or noble. In other words, what are the various uses of marble? Surely from ancient times to nowadays when people can find even a piece of that material in a kitchen slab or bathroom vanity, one cannot help but notice how beautifully it shines and how luxurious it is.

What makes the use of limestone in architecture stand out is demonstrated by the likes of the Taj Mahal as well as the Great Pyramid of Giza. At present limestone is extensively used in residential and commercial buildings. For example, you will see limestone surrounds for fireplaces, facades on homes’ exteriors and floorings, pavers for driveways among others. It’s even commonly used for landscaping purposes because it has permeability and porosity features.

Marble vs. Limestone: A Detailed Comparison

Both marble and limestone are valued natural stone resources, made up of calcium carbonate, used in construction for both useful and ornamental purposes. Despite having the same basic makeup, there is a difference between them in terms of looks and how long they stay presentable. Let’s explore the details about each one so as to pick out the best one for your project.

Which One Is More Durable?

Consequently, which between marble and limestone is stronger? Understand that both marble and limestone are tough. However, because this stone is actually young marble,. It tends to be a little bit softer and more porous since there are some small openings among fossil fragments in it. Marble is made harder than limestone by the process of metamorphosis. However, it does not mean that it can get damaged easier.

They are closely ranked on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness with higher numbers representing harder stones. Limestone usually falls at about 3 while marble ranges from 3 to 4. It may be useful to look into what the natural stone is used for before analyzing its durability. To illustrate, if one had to choose between limestone pavers or marble tiles for their house’s patio they would likely go for the former given the lower price tag while still achieving a similar effect as using marbles.

It should be stated that exposure to acid is damaging in case of using these materials indoors. Even spilling lemonade or vinegar can result in permanently etched marks that will require professional resurfacing and re-honing.

Limestone to Marble: The Visual Differences

However, limestone and marble look different from each other although this can depend on the type as there are some which have similar appearances. Limestone’s colors are found in natural colors such as gray, tan and brown and usually bears fossils or remnants of fuels. When it is rich in organic matter it may be almost black while traces of iron or manganese give it off-white to yellow or red color.

When marble contains few impurities, it is often light-colored. Presence of clay minerals, iron oxides or bituminous materials will give it a bluish, greyish, pinkish yellowish or black color for example. This Thassos marble is known to be the whitest and purest one all over the world whereas Bahai Blue is an example of exotic species that are highly expensive. In conclusion, varied option exists in marble such as white; pink; brown; even black.

How Marble and Limestone Differ in Costs

Without a doubt, limestone is the cheapest among the two. For marble, it is one of the most expensive architectural and decorative stones that exists in the market. Retailing at around $40-$200 per square foot while limestone costs between $45-$90. However, this will depend on what type of marble and how it is being used.

Depending on the pattern and veining, where the quarry is situated, demand for it, availability of slabs as well as thicknesses. Marble cost more wildly than any other stone. Limestone could be easily accessed by people. For example there are some marbles that have to be shipped from abroad whereas. United States already has huge quarries such as Indiana.

Do the Stones Require Sealing?

However, one of the similarities between limestone and marble is that both these natural stones require sealing. The result is an increase in their lifespan and ease in maintenance. Moreover, sealing maintains its natural look as well as avoids stains. It’s unfortunate that most homeowners think only spills can lead to staining. On the other hand water and dirt could “crystallize” inside a stone’s pores creating ugly marks. Not to mention grounds for bacterial breeding.

The frequency of sealing depends on how much traffic passes over the stone. For instance, some installers would recommend resealing every 18 months while others do it four or five years after installation. Where limestone or marble looks dull or “matte” after a regular clear coat application, then it probably needs to be sealed again. Resealing, etch removal and refinishing are parts of stone restoration.