If you visit an older cemetery you will notice breath-taking marble memorials that are unique in shape, size, and carving such as these:
Marble was a very popular material used for making headstones in the US in the 19th century but it not as popular today. Of course many families ask why it is not common to see newer marble headstones and the answer has to do with the differences in the two types of stone.
- Marble is a brittle stone composed of dense crystalline or granular metamorphic limestone. Due to the composition of the stone, marble is a softer stone that is at a high risk of cracking, breaking and eroding. You will notice in the photographs above that the carving has become difficult to read over time due to eroding. Unfortunately this is the case with many historic headstones made of marble.
- Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock composed of primarily quartz and feldspar and some mica. Granite, unlike marble, is an extremely hard rock that is more likely to endure the test of time in the cemetery. Thus the reason that granite is more commonly used than marble.
Marble was a very popular material used for making headstones in the US in the 19th century but it not as popular today. Of course many families ask why it is not common to see newer marble headstones and the answer has to do with the differences in the two types of stone. 
nice post i am agree that Marble was a very popular material used for making headstones in the US in the 19th century but it not as popular today. graphite is more popular nowadays.
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Thanks, you guys that is a great explanation. keep up the good work.
interesting post about granite and marble. nice work
ReplyDeleteOTOH -- a look at the bronze monuments of the 19th century show them to be as sharp, crisp and new looking at the day they were set out on site.
ReplyDeleteVets Admin offers marble, granite, and bronze in flat/flush "ground level" markers. Standing VA markers are offered in granite and marble. VA supplies the bronze "plaque" and mounting bolts, but does not provide the base upon which it is to be mounted.
I've seen a lot of eroded and unreadable marble. Slate found in the markers of New England area, circa 17th Cent. seem to withstand weathering and erosion, but the are brittle and break.