When it comes to choosing materials for decoration, marble is often a popular option. However, many people are hesitant between natural marble and artificial marble. Today, let's have a detailed discussion on the differences between them.

Composition and Structure

Natural marble is mainly composed of minerals such as calcite, limestone, serpentine and dolomite. It is formed through long geological processes. Its texture is a unique manifestation of natural precipitation and crystallization. Each piece is one of a kind, with natural color differences and flaws, which are precisely what make up its unique beauty. Artificial marble, on the other hand, takes crushed natural marble, stone powder as the main raw materials, and then adds auxiliary materials like resin, cement, glass, etc. It is formed through processes such as mixing and pressing. Its texture is relatively uniform, and its colors and patterns can be controlled through artificial mixing, enabling a relatively regular and unified appearance design.

Physical Properties

Natural marble has relatively high hardness, excellent wear resistance and good compressive strength. However, its texture is relatively brittle and lacks toughness. When subjected to a strong impact, it is prone to cracks or even breakage. Artificial marble is slightly inferior in terms of hardness and wear resistance, but it has better toughness and is not easy to break. Moreover, due to the manufacturing process, its internal structure is relatively compact, and its impermeability is often better than that of natural marble. It is less likely to have problems such as water seepage and discoloration.

Price and Cost

Due to the scarcity of resources, high mining costs and difficult processing, natural marble generally has a relatively high price. Especially for some imported high-quality natural marble varieties, the price is even more expensive. Moreover, its installation cost is also high, requiring professional cutting, grinding and installation techniques. Artificial marble has relatively easy access to raw materials and a relatively mature production process, so its cost is relatively low. It has a wide price range and can meet the decoration needs of different budgets. Its installation is also relatively simple and the cost is controllable.

Environmental Protection and Health

Generally speaking, natural marble has a relatively low content of radioactive substances. Natural marble that meets national standards basically poses no harm to human health. However, it is still necessary to choose products from formal channels to ensure that the radioactivity meets the standards. Some artificial marbles may use resin binders containing harmful substances such as formaldehyde. If the production process does not meet the standards, harmful gases may be released during use, which will affect the indoor air quality. However, high-quality artificial marble products can also control the environmental performance within a safe range.

When choosing marble materials, various factors such as aesthetics, performance, price and environmental protection should be considered comprehensively. Appropriate decisions should be made according to specific usage scenarios and personal needs. Whether it is the natural luxury of natural marble or the economic practicality of artificial marble, they can both add unique charm to the home environment.