Compare Countertop Stone Types
| Granite | Marble | Quartz | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Granite has a variety of speckled colors and comes in numerous shades and tones. Granite is a stronger and harder stone than marble is, which lends it a shiny, glossy appearance compared to marble’s dull smoothness. | Marble is typically a solid grayish-white or cream color and has dark veins running through it, though there are other, rarer varieties that have a pale green or pink base color. | Quartz is man-made it is available in solid colors and well as in patterns made to mimic granite colors. |
| Durability | Durable | Less durable | Durable |
| Porous | Less porous | Porous | Not porous |
| Resistant to organic food | Mostly | No | Yes |
| Damage by cleaning liquids | Use mild dish cleaners | Use mild dish cleaners (avoid aid based cleaners) | No |
| Outdoor use | Yes | Yes, with proper sealants | No |
| Stainable | Yes | Yes | No |
| Scratch resistant | Mostly | No | Yes |
| Heat resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Low maintenance | Yes, clean up spills immediately and reseal once in 2 years | Less so than granite, Clean up seals immediately and reseal twice a year | Yes |
| Recommended use | Kitchen counters, island tops, bar tops, and all areas of heavy use and high traffic where beauty and elegance are essential. | all areas of the home but not strongly recommended for kitchens and high traffic areas because of its soft and porous nature |