The Difference Between Stone and Granite Countertops
In the world of interior decorating, all granite countertops are stone, but not all stone countertops are granite. Rather, granite is a subcategory of stone. Other types of stone common in kitchen and bathroom countertop construction include marble, slate, soapstone, limestone and Jerusalem stone.
Characteristics of Granite
Granite is the most popular countertop material on the market. Its popularity stems from the value it adds to homes and its resistance to scratching, warping, chipping, extreme heat and staining. Granite, like most stone countertop materials, can be customized in a wide range of colors and compositions. It is considered to be the second hardest naturally occurring substance, next to diamonds. Granite countertops are routinely sealed with special protective coatings created exclusively for this purpose, but because it has a very low absorption rate, it doesn't need to be sealed as frequently as most other stones.
How Other Stone Countertops Differ
Nearly all other stone countertop materials are technically inferior to granite in all criteria, which is why granite is often the most expensive countertop option. A notable exception is marble; while it scratches and stains easily, its cool, smooth surface is particularly well suited for rolling and kneading dough. Many kitchens designed for bakers feature countertops made largely of more durable materials, but with marble panels that exist almost solely for the purpose of working with dough.
Other stone countertops range from very hard to very soft and from very porous to low absorption. The stone countertop material closest to granite is Jerusalem stone, a type of limestone quarried in the areas in and around Jerusalem.
Colors, patterns and the overall ability to match stone countertops to existing room decor also varies from one stone type to the next. Granite tends to have a more limited range of color and grain options than most other stone choices.
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