24 May 2024
Granite vs. Bluestone: A Comparative Guide to Two Exceptional Building Materials
Choosing the right stone is crucial as every stone is different and has a different composition that makes it appropriate for a particular space. Because natural stones come in a greater variety and range of requirements than man-made stones, architects and building specialists sometimes become confused between them.
Two of the most popular ones are Granite and Bluestone. We have an array of Granite that can be used in high-traffic locations such as bathrooms and kitchen counters. In contrast, our Bluestone selection is popular for flooring and low-traffic areas. Hence, it is important to understand the requirements to make the right selection. In this blog, we will learn to understand the difference between Granite and Bluestone.
Overview of Granite vs Bluestone
The overview of Granite and Bluestone will give you an idea about their composition and usage.
Granite
Granite is composed mainly of quartz and feldspar with minor amounts of mica, amphiboles and other minerals. This mineral composition usually gives Granite a red, pink, grey, or white colour with dark mineral grains visible throughout the rock.
Bluestone
Bluestone is a natural stone often used in landscaping and hardscaping projects. Typically found with a blueish colour, it can also come with veins of grey and brown for added texture and dimension. With this cool hue and durable composition, our Bluestone is commonly utilised for stone steps, pool decks, patios, pathways and more.
Aesthetic Appeal
Considering how important aesthetics are to your home, this comparison of Granite vs Bluestone will help you make an informed decision about which you should choose for your home.
Granite
Granite is renowned for its natural beauty, versatility and, of course, durability. Every stone in our Granite collection has a unique colour, pattern, and texture that could be subtle or deep depending on the earth’s creation and are suitable for any design needed. The myriad of colours, running from shades of white, black, grey, and blue, make it possible to fit in any interior or exterior design. Granite stone that is polished comes out with a glossy finish that makes colour and grain patterns in the stone stand out with maximum reflection of light, giving it a glamorous look. Thus, if the lustre is polished, it will possess sheen, but if the lustre is surface, it will be honed or matte.
Bluestone
Bluestone pavers are known for their unique and contemporary look. The delicate coastal blue and mild grey tones make it an excellent choice for residential, commercial and landscape applications.
Durability and Maintenance
Durability is one of the crucial factors when you are looking for construction projects and natural stones are highly durable materials. This comparison of Granite vs Bluestone will help you understand it better.
Granite
Granite is, therefore, famous for its endurance and hardness, which makes it appropriate for use outdoors. It is quite hard to make it very durable and ideal to use outside, especially in areas where weather conditions are likely to be very harsh. The low porosity is also an added advantage because it will not easily crack or start eroding especially when there is a change in weather conditions. It also does not have the same tendency as most natural stones to fade quickly if left out under the sun for long.
Bluestone
Another highly durable natural stone is the Bluestone; it is also effective in different weathers. It can withstand the stress that results from frozen and thawed cycles and is therefore suitable for outdoor application in areas where there are changes in weather conditions. Among Granite vs Bluestone, Bluestone is relatively dense and strong and since it is not easily worn, it can therefore, withstand heavy foot traffic and the force of the elements.
Cost Consideration
Cost plays a major role in picking the material for home construction. However, your house is an investment that pays off in the long run with its beauty and durability. The difference between Granite and Bluestone will help you understand better the stone specifications and make the right decision.
Granite
Granite is more expensive compared to many natural stones due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. The quality and availability play a major role in determining the overall cost of the stone. Size and thickness are other factors that contribute to this. Importing Granite can make a difference in the price and over this you can add additional costs like installation, skilled labour and specialised tools. Our natural stones are of premium quality giving you a sense of assurance they will last for a longer duration.
Bluestone
Bluestone is more durable than Granite but can still be in the expensive range depending on various other factors like which type of Bluestone, thickness and dimension, origin and availability also play a major role. If the material is imported then the cost is eventually going to increase. Also, taking into consideration installation and labour costs that will be required for proper base preparation.
Application and Versatility
Granite
Granite is highly versatile and suitable for numerous outdoor applications due to its strength and aesthetic appeal. Common uses include:
Patios and Walkways: Durable and resistant to weathering, providing a long-lasting surface.
Outdoor Kitchens: Ideal for countertops due to their heat resistance.
Retaining Walls: Structurally sound and visually appealing.
Monuments and Statues: Durable and capable of withstanding the elements.
Bluestone
Bluestone is also versatile and commonly used in various outdoor projects. Granite and Bluestone both can be used for outdoor use.
Patios and Pathways: Provides a natural, rustic look with excellent durability.
Steps and Stairs: Its slip-resistant surface makes it ideal for steps.
Pool Decks: Cooler underfoot and slip-resistant, perfect for around pools.
Garden Edging and Wall Cladding: Adds aesthetic appeal while being durable.
Environmental Impact
Bluestone vs Granite, you must be thinking about which one is more environment friendly. This differentiation will help you understand it deeply.
Granite
Granite mining can have a significant environmental impact that includes high energy consumption and processing. The quarrying process can disrupt the local ecosystem and landscapes. Significant amounts of waste stone are produced. However, some companies adopt sustainable practices, such as recycling water in processing and using waste Granite in other applications. Sourcing locally can reduce transportation-related emissions.
Bluestone
Bluestone mining also affects the environment, though it is generally considered less impactful than Granite mining. Issues include local habitat disruption due to the quarrying process impacting the local wildlife and vegetation. Processing often involves significant water use, which can be mitigated through recycling practices. Sustainability efforts include minimising land disturbance and implementing reclamation plans to restore quarry sites post-extraction. Using locally sourced Bluestone reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Conclusion
The resemblance and the differences between Granite and Bluestone can be distinguished by opportunity, durability, maintenance, cost and impacts on the surrounding environment. They are, however, very efficient in extreme weather conditions and can thus be used in most applications that are undertaken outdoors. However, Granite is generally more expensive and could have a higher impact on the environment during the mining and fabrication phases. Bluestone is a little reasonable but it erodes at a rate that is somewhat different from Sandstone. Both beauty and durability must be preserved in any case for the surfaces in question. We at @Stone Centre aim to provide only premium quality to make your dream a reality with top-notch natural stones.
Here are a few more blogs on Granite and Bluestone:
Granite vs Marble Pavers for Your Outdoor Project
What is the Difference Between Limestone and Sandstone?
Travertine vs Marble: Which Stone is Right for Your Project
Marble Pavers vs. Marble Tiles: Which is Right for Your Project?
