Which is harder limestone or granite

Countertops are often the centerpiece of many kitchens — and homes in general. Because this is the case, you will want to find a surface that looks nice and can withstand the daily wear and tear it will face.

One way you can tell which countertops are less prone to scratches and other damages is by evaluating hardness. Hardness is based on the Mohs scale, which ranks natural minerals on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest.

The hardest mineral on the Mohs scale is diamond, which ranks at a On the other hand, the softest is talc, which ranks at a 1. Falling closely behind diamonds on the Mohs scale are corundum 9 , titanium 9 and topaz 8. While you cannot have a countertop made out of diamonds, there are still many great options for hard stone countertops.

Different stones are made up of different minerals, which impacts their overall hardness. Among the harder natural stone countertop materials on the Mohs scale are granite and gemstone, which each rank at an 8 on the scale. These countertops are the least susceptible to scratching and many other damages. Slightly softer than granite and gemstone, quartzite, quartz and onyx each rank at a 7 on the Mohs scale.

While not as hard as granite and gemstone, these surfaces are still very hard and are unlikely to scratch. Falling down on the scale a little more are popular countertop options marble, travertine and slate. Each of these stones ranks at a 4 on the scale. From Italian granito, which means grained rock, from grano grain, and from Latin granum. Animal feed filler, As a Feed Additive for Livestock, Paper Industry, Raw material for manufacture of quicklime, slaked lime, Soil Conditioner, Used in aquariums, Whiting material in toothpaste, paint and paper.

Granite is an intrusive igneous rock which is very hard, crystalline and is visibly homogeneous in texture and forms by melting of continental rocks. Banded iron for..

Compare Igneous Rocks » More. Granite vs Rhyolite. Granite vs Scoria. Granite vs Andesite. More More Compare Igneous Rocks. Granite vs Limestone Characteristics Though some rocks look identical, they have certain characteristics which distinguish them from others. Igneous Rocks » More. More More Igneous Rocks. Igneous Rocks »More. Scoria Definition Uses Formation Properties. Peridotite Definition Uses Formation Properties.

Porphyry Definition Uses Formation Properties. Compare Igneous Rocks »More. The path from your cottage down to the lake is usually a treacherous one. While you may be able to traverse the winding incline at this point in your life, that does not mean that will always be the case, or that everyone who comes to visit you will be able to scale.

Wooden stairs, while economical, will not last, and mulched box steps are not stable enough for everyone to navigate. If you want to have stairs down to the lake that will last forever you need to go with granite or limestone. When you decide to go with natural granite or limestone steps you are adding to the overall aesthetic of your cottage.

The steps will appear like they have been carved out of the hill, rather than created and foreign to the space. If you choose to go with mulched box steps or wooden steps, then you will need to get them replaced relatively frequently so that they remain safe to use.

Mulched box steps are a great option if you have a trail on your property and you want to make it more accessible without taking away from the natural space. They are not ideal as steps down to the lake, though, as you will just end up with wood chips sticking to wet feet.