Difference Between Natural Stones
Over the weekend, one of my friends text me asking about countertops. She’s in the middle of building a home, and her builder was requesting her countertop material. In the midst of decision fatigue, she rang for advice (which I was happy to share). She wanted natural stone, but wasn’t sure which one… and there are tons of options. Today, I’m breaking down the difference between natural stones. I’ve talked a lot about it here on the blog over the years and have used just about every kind in my design projects, but I never actually lined them up side-by-side. So today, I’m walking you through the differences between each natural stone I commonly recommend, and we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each. Click through or save this post for your next renovation!
Whether you’re working on a new build, starting a kitchen renovation, or are just curious about material options, I hope this guide helps you choose the right stone for your home. And since you’re here, I’d recommend reading this design discussion about natural versus engineered materials. Nine times out of ten, I’m team natural materials. I hope this comparison guide helps you choose your home materials wisely… from countertops to floor and wall tile, these natural materials have my designer stamp of approval. Let’s dive in!
Why Stone Selection Matters
Choosing the right natural stone is about more than just looks. These materials are an investment, and they do more than cover a surface. The stone you choose sets the tone for your home, holds up to everyday use, and often adds long-term value. I’ve helped many clients weigh options between marble, soapstone, and quartzite- and I always remind them to think about both aesthetic and practicality. Each stone comes with its own personality and maintenance routine, so I like to be realistic when helping homeowners choose what’s best for their space.
Stone by Stone Breakdown
Most natural stones work beautifully both indoors and out. I mean, they come straight from the earth, so they’re materials that last. That said, some stones are tougher than others depending on where you use them. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each…
Marble
Marble is definitely one of the most popular stones, and it’s easy to see why. It’s beautiful, easy to source, and adds that classic, high-end look. As a designer, it’s usually at the top of my list when I’m working on a space that needs a timeless touch. Since there are so many different types of marble, be sure to read my guide on how to choose a marble slab for your renovation!
PROS:
- Easy to source and visually timeless
- Provides a high-end, designer or historic look
- Can be used anywhere- indoors and out
- Naturally cool stone… great for cooking & baking
- Patina builds character with time
- Classic aesthetic
- A long-term stone that has staying power & lasts
- Lots of variety from slab-to-slab… lots of colors, veining patterns, etc…
CONS:
- Very porous and prone to stains and etching
- Can be costly- it’s an investment stone
- Patina can be bothersome to some
- Needs regular sealing and requires gentle cleaners
- Vulnerable to acids- including those commonly found in the kitchen
- Can scratch easily
Granite
Granite is one of those go-to choices that builders and homeowners both tend to love. It’s easy on the budget compared to other natural stones, and it really holds up over time. I’ve used it in plenty of projects when durability is a top priority, and it doesn’t hurt that there’s such a wide range of colors and patterns to pick from. Some colors and patterns are more timeless than others… but leathered black granite is certainly having a moment.
PROS:
- Extremely durable and heat resistant
- Large pattern and color range
- Naturally bacteria resistant
- More affordable than other natural stones
- Resistant to cracking
- Not affected by acidic spills- like citrus, coffee, tea, alcohol, wine, etc
- Nearly impossible to scratch
- Difficult to stain
CONS:
- Can be difficult to fabricate
- Can easily fall out of style, depending on the slab selection
- Requires regular resealing
Soapstone
This is one of my personal favorites, as we’ve used it as our countertop material in our last two kitchen remodels. Check out this post to read why we used soapstone in our kitchen… again. It’s durable, has lots of character, a timeless look, and is easy to maintain. I think it achieves a very classic or historic aesthetic. It can also be enhanced for a totally different, dark look. Be sure to read my post on how to darken soapstone countertops, if you’re considering them!
PROS:
- Heat resistant
- Stain resistant, because it’s non porous
- Very durable
- Antimicrobial and bacteria resistant
- Eco friendly & chemical free
- Can be used indoors and out
- Low maintenance- no sealing required, but it can be oiled, waxed, or enhanced
- Accessible and moderately priced
CONS:
- Depending on the slab and quarry, it can take on a green look- which some find unappealing
- Softer than other stones, so it can chip and scratch
- Not as widely available
- Wears unevenly
- More expensive to fabricate or install
Quartzite
If you’re going for that marble look but need something a bit more durable, quartzite is a solid choice. It gives you a similar aesthetic, without the worry of staining or wear… which is why I often recommend it for hardworking spaces, like kitchens.
PROS:
- Looks similar to marble
- Tough like granite
- Heat and UV resistant
- Mostly resistant to staining
- Many different color variations to choose from
- Mostly resistant to acids that cause etching
CONS:
- Can still scratch or stain without proper care
- Often more expensive
- Not all slabs are created equal
Serpentine
Serpentine isn’t a natural stone I’m often asked about, but when I do- it’s usually because someone thinks it’s a dark marble or green soapstone. I get it… they look really similar, but serpentine is actually a bit tougher when it comes to acid and scratches, which makes it a smart alternative if you’re after that marbled look without the extra upkeep.
PROS:
- Etch resistant and non porous
- Holds up well to daily use
- Looks like marble but requires less care
- Beautiful veining and variation
CONS:
- It’s only available in one color: green or dark green
- It’s softer than granite, so it can chip
- Can be difficult to find a nice slab
- Wears unevenly
Slate
If you’re after something neutral and timeless, slate might be worth a look. I love the rustic, old world charm it add to a space- especially when used in traditional or outdoor settings. I think at some point in our home renovation, you’ll definitely see me integrating some sort of slate materials!
PROS:
- Classically attractive
- Works both indoors and outside
- Easy to work with and fabricate
- Nice textural look
- Soft and textural
- Resistant to cracks, scratches, breaks, and chips
- Resistant to freezing and thawing
- Great texture underfoot, for floor use
CONS:
- Texture may not be ideal for all surfaces
- Can be cold to the touch
- Susceptible to moisture issues
Limestone
Limestone always has this beautiful, historic, charming look. The tile in our entryway has a soft and tumbled European look that I really enjoy. Tumbled limestone adds an especially nice texture, and while it might be trending, I see it as a classic that never really goes out of style.
PROS:
- Easy to shape & fabricate
- Can be used indoors, out, and for structural elements
- Tumbled texture and old world feel
- Texture and patina improves over time
- Texture provides traction underfoot
- Timeless and earthy
CONS:
- Susceptible to acidity and etching- it’s porous
- May stain, since it is chemically susceptible
- Fewer color choices
- Requires maintenance and sealing
Things I Think About When Choosing Stone
Whenever I’m sourcing natural stone for a space, I always ask myself a few things:
- Where will this stone go and what kind of wear will it get?
- Do I have the time or patience for regular sealing?
- Will patina bother me or will I welcome it as part of the charm?
- What is my budget for this project?
- How will this stone be applied or installed?
I love mixing stones across a home to keep things interesting and layered, but always make sure they complement each other and the architecture of our home.
FAQ
You’ll need to choose the finish- either honed (matte) or polished (glossy), as well as your preferred edge profile. Check out this post on how to select different countertop edge profiles! These details should be communicated with your fabricator sooner rather than later, because they will influence the price of your countertop fabrication.
Yes- and I always recommend treating the sealing like a yearly maintenance routine. Add it as a repeating event in your annual calendar and set a reminder! It’s so easy to forget, but it protects the surface, especially if you’re working with marble or granite. Some stones like soapstone don’t need it, but most do. Sealing once a year is usually enough to keep things looking great.
Soapstone is my personal favorite for the kitchen. It doesn’t stain, it’s heat resistant, and you don’t need to seal it. It requires minimal effort and it’s ideal if you like a lived-in, soft patina.
Related Posts That Might Be Helpful
If you’re looking for more posts on natural materials, I’ve written quite a few. I’ll link some of my favorites here for you:
- Marble Maintenance & The Truth About Natural Stone
- Everything You Need to Know About Soapstone
- How to Choose a Marble Slab for Your Renovation
- How to Darken Soapstone Countertops
- Our Limestone Entryway Tile + Alternative Options
Thanks for reading through this post! I hope it helps you feel more confident as you pick the right materials for your next project. If you’re currently planning a renovation or are sourcing stone, let me know what you’re working on and I can help. I always love seeing what you’re creating, and am happy to chat in the comment section below!
Good morning! So much helpful information here! I am only drawn to darker counters, so a classic marble or quartzite wouldn’t be for me. You’ve definitely encouraged a fascination with soapstone, but what is this magical serpentine?! I am in love! I’ve seen vintage chests and dressers with green marble tops; now I’m wondering if they were actually serpentine. I somehow never imagined procuring slabs for counters was a possibility. Our household will never tire of green, so consider my next kitchen countertop chosen. (Officially, the fastest decision I’ve ever made!) As for the other dark stones, I have dreamed for years of having slate floors. I’m sure the uneven surface might be occasionally annoying, but that natural texture is so appealing! Could an underfloor heating system (like your basement bath) be installed to address the cold factor? Or should I just buy a bunch of Uggs?🤣 You mention that slate is susceptible to moisture damage. What does this look like? Does it darken or become more prone to chipping? Can it (or should it) be sealed? Since I’m probably not in the market for new flooring anytime soon, I can afford a little more research. I’ve saved this to my kitchen board for future reference. Thanks for such a helpful comparison!
Happiest of birthdays to Emmett! I hope you are relaxing in the sunshine and soaking up all the desert vacation vibes! Let the recreating continue!☀️🌵🎉💜
I’m so glad it was helpful! I knew you’d be into the serpentine- it’s gorgeous in person! I once snagged a remnant piece from my local fabricator and used it for a furniture top for a past client. You could definitely install radiant heat under a cool stone floor. That would help, for sure! A bunch of Uggs would also be nice, hahah!! I believe slate can crack with moisture, but in my experience- it’s not super likely (it is used on roofs, after all). Emmett said thank you for the birthday wishes!! We had such a great time in the desert. I’m missing the sunshine!! Hope you’re having an amazing day :) xo
Good morning Sarah, and happy belated birthday to Emmett! This is a lovely and informational post. I always come back to granite and soapstone in my kitchen renovation scheming and dreaming. I’ve lived with granite and loved it- one thing I will add to the cons section: depending on the slab and color choice crumbs can easily hide. Sounds great until you run your hand on the countertop and come back with a handful of crumbs you had no idea were there. That being said- I know I’ll lean towards a lighter or darker slab if I ever chose this material again. You can’t deny the gorgeousness of soapstone, and in my opinion its much better in terms of maintenance compared to granite. Marble is certainly a contender for me though. I don’t mind the patina look that marble can take on, but the etching is my fear. You’ve certainly given enough information to make a sound choice. I hope your desert escapades have been fun and relaxing. Cheers to a wonderfully sunny week!
Emmett says thank you, Lauren! Great point about slab selection- that can really influence the look and function the stone… not all slabs are created equal! I’ll always be team marble and soapstone. I’m also loving the limestone in our entryway (my first time having it in our own home). Our desert escapades were really fun. It was great to soak up a little AZ sunshine before returning home to snow. We enjoyed some great music and had fun celebrating with the fam! I hope you guys had a fantastic spring break here in Utah :) xox
Hello! I am late to the party, but I just recently discovered your blog and I love your style and the information you put out for your readers! Regarding natural stone options, have you heard of dolomite? We came across it while selecting stone for our recent kitchen renovation. Upon researching, I learned that it is somewhere between marble and quartzite on the durability scale. There was still some chance of etching and staining (albeit less than marble), so we ultimately chose Taj Mahal quartzite, but let me tell you, this dolomite was gorgeous! Had we been making selections for a bathroom I would have snapped it up immediately! Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Thank you so much, Christine! I have heard of dolomite and have used it in a few client spaces in the past. It’s a really gorgeous material! The Taj Mahal quartzite is also stunning- amazing selection. Thanks again for your kind words! I hope you’re having a lovely week :)
As a designer I once specified soap stone for a kitchen. It was a nightmare! Very soft, it almost dissolved with use and cleaning. I prefer honed slate or honed black granite.
In our pantry/laundry room, we used black slate floors and blacked leathered granite countertops. Both are so durable (a must in the phase of our life now), and both are stunning! I’m always for a natural stone, but I need it to be durable too. Granite has so many pros, and the honed or leathered finish is a great option.