Granite and diorite are both ornamental stones, but the former is crushed into ceramic tiles and slabs, while the latter is used to craft sculptures and statues. Granite comes in a variety of colours, including black, grey, pink, and white, and is mined or quarried in many locations around the world. Granite is harder than diorite and is harder to work with due to its grainy make-up, but it is less susceptible to damage and erosion, making it the preferred stone for outdoor use.
Granite is composed of quartz and feldspar, along with unidentifiable minerals that give it its colour. Its the intermingling of these minerals that create the distinctive grainy pattern and bold colours in the stone. Granite is renowned for its beauty and its resistance to wear, making it a very popular choice for homeowners. It is used on countertops, walls, floors, bathroom vanities and other surfaces.
In comparison, diorite is not as widely used for construction and remodeling projects because it is less durable than granite and does not come in as many colour varieties. Diorite is a dark grey igneous rock consisting of labradorite, augite, and biotite. It has a fine, almost uniform grain size and is formed when molten magma comes in contact with cooler oceanic plates in the ocean crust. Diorite is a less common stone and is most often used in sculpting projects, such as statues and fountains.
The main difference between granite and diorite is that one is a common building material while the other is generally used in sculpture and art projects. Granite is much more durable than diorite and can withstand the elements and everyday wear and tear that occurs at home. Granite slabs and tiles are popular in the construction trade while diorite’s natural beauty and ease of sculpting are best suited for art projects.
Granite and diorite share a common element in that they are both natural stones, formed in the Earth’s crust. However, each has different properties and characteristics that give them unique purposes. Granite is more widely used and is extremely durable making it the stone of choice in construction and remodeling projects, while diorite is less common and is better suited for artistic projects.
