In this article, we would like to look at the different advantages of granite monuments and headstones, but before we go any further with that, we would like to take the time to point out a problem in the title of this article that has led to some confusion in last. Headstones and memorials are not interchangeable terms, although you will occasionally see them used as such. A tombstone is a type of memorial, but a memorial does not necessarily mean half of a headstone. When it comes to stone monuments, tombstones are admittedly one of the most common types of monuments, but there are many others that people opt for. Full monuments are not uncommon for the more opulent and showy deceased, while curved memorials without headstones have also been in vogue at times. So while headstones are memorials, they are just a unique type of memorial.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, we can continue to discuss the advantages of each type of stone when creating a monument (whether it’s a tombstone or otherwise). We’ll start with granite as it is considered a much more traditional material in much of the UK.

Granite has been popular for centuries due to its dark coloration, durability, and availability. It is certainly not a rare or expensive stone, but it still has weight and strength behind it. It can be difficult for carving or inscription tools, but it is also more difficult to make mistakes due to its density. What all this means is that it resists discoloration from things like fallen leaves, and at the same time, it can withstand the weather much longer than softer stones. However, it also means that the monument’s designs cannot be as intricate or detailed. Even lettering can be difficult, and to keep the cost of carving down, it may be better to go for raised lettering. However, this means that the monument lasts longer without requiring as much maintenance. The range of colors available is also much wider than it used to be due to the polishing techniques and the variety of granites that can be found.

Marble differs from granite primarily in its smoothness. It is less dense and therefore easier to carve, meaning more detailed and intricate designs are possible. However, it also means that the stone discolors more easily, which means that marble monuments under trees can end up looking mottled after a few autumns. There are also more color options available with marble than granite, including much lighter colors.