Many consumers and designers face the question of whether terrazzo stone is stronger than marble stone? What is the difference between the two?
This article will compare terrazzo stone and marble stone from many aspects to help readers fully understand the characteristics and applicable scenarios of these two materials.
Composition and structure of terrazzo stone and marble stone
To compare the firmness of terrazzo stone and marble stone, you first need to understand their composition and structure.
1. Composition and structure of terrazzo stone
Terrazzo stone is an artificial stone made of a mixture of cement, sand, stone, pigment and additives. Its core materials are cement and stone, which are polished and polished many times to make the surface smooth and flat, showing the natural texture and color of the stone. Because stones of different colors and sizes can be selected, the design of terrazzo stone is flexible and diverse, and rich decorative effects can be achieved.
2. Composition and structure of marble stone
Marble stone is a natural stone formed by geological processes of calcium carbonate minerals, usually with beautiful textures and colors. The texture of marble stone is relatively hard, but due to the natural micro-cracks and uneven distribution of minerals inside it, its structure is relatively fragile and easily affected by impact and pressure.
Comparison of the firmness of terrazzo stone and marble stone
To compare the firmness of terrazzo stone and marble stone, the following aspects can be analyzed: hardness, compressive strength, wear resistance and impact resistance.
1. Hardness
The hardness of terrazzo stone mainly depends on the type of stone and cement used. Usually, terrazzo stone has a higher hardness, which can reach about 6-7 on the Mohs hardness. Marble stone has a lower hardness, usually between 3-4 on the Mohs hardness. Therefore, in terms of hardness, terrazzo stone is significantly better than marble stone.
2. Compressive strength
Terrazzo stone has a higher compressive strength, which can usually reach 40-60 MPa, which is mainly due to the high strength of cement and the hardness of stone. The compressive strength of marble stone is relatively low, usually between 20-30 MPa, and is greatly affected by mineral composition and internal structure.
3. Wear resistance
Terrazzo stone has good wear resistance and is suitable for use in places with large traffic. Its surface has been repeatedly polished and polished to form a dense protective layer that can effectively resist wear. Although marble stone also has a certain wear resistance, due to its low hardness, it is prone to scratches and wear after long-term use.
4. Impact resistance
Due to the natural cracks and uneven structure inside, marble stone has poor impact resistance and is easily broken by impact. Terrazzo stone has good impact resistance due to the uniformity and high strength of its mixed materials, and can better resist external impact and pressure.
Other differences between terrazzo stone and marble stone
In addition to firmness, there are many differences between terrazzo stone and marble stone in other aspects, including appearance, maintenance, environmental protection and price.
1. Appearance
Marble stone is known for its natural beautiful texture and rich colors. Each piece of marble stone is unique and has a high decorative value. The natural texture and color of marble stone are infinitely varied and are often used in high-end buildings and decoration projects. Although terrazzo stone can achieve diversified designs by selecting stones of different colors and sizes, its appearance is more artificial and lacks the natural unique beauty of marble stone.
2. Maintenance
Terrazzo stone is relatively simple to maintain, with a smooth and flat surface and good anti-fouling performance. Daily cleaning only requires a wet mop to wipe gently. Marble stone has higher maintenance requirements. Its surface is easily corroded and scratched by acid and alkali substances. It needs to be waxed and polished regularly to maintain its gloss and beauty.
3. Environmental protection
The main raw materials of terrazzo stone are cement and natural stone, which do not contain harmful substances and meet environmental protection and health requirements. Although marble stone is a natural stone, a large amount of waste and dust will be generated during the mining and processing process, which will have a certain impact on the environment. Therefore, from an environmental protection perspective, terrazzo stone has certain advantages.
4. Price
As a high-end natural stone, marble stone is relatively expensive, especially some rare varieties, which are even more expensive. Terrazzo stone uses relatively cheap raw materials, has a low production cost, is relatively affordable, and has a high cost performance ratio.
Application scenarios of terrazzo stone and marble stone
Due to their respective advantages and characteristics, terrazzo stone and marble stone have been widely used in different scenarios.
1. Commercial places
In commercial places such as shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants, terrazzo stone has become an ideal floor material due to its wear resistance and easy maintenance. Its rich design and color can be coordinated with the overall style of commercial places to create a unique atmosphere. Marble stone is often used in places such as high-end hotels and luxury restaurants that need to reflect luxury and grade. Its unique natural texture and noble texture can enhance the overall decorative effect.
2. Public facilities
Public facilities such as schools, hospitals, and museums have high requirements for the durability and easy cleaning of floor materials. Terrazzo stone's high wear resistance and low maintenance requirements have made it widely used in these places. In addition, its environmentally friendly and healthy characteristics also meet the strict safety and health requirements of public facilities. Marble stone is less used in public places with large traffic, and is more used in areas that require display and decorative effects, such as museum exhibition halls, memorial halls, etc.
3. Home decoration
In home decoration, terrazzo stone and marble stone have their own application scenarios. Terrazzo stone is suitable for living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and other areas. Its waterproof, non-slip and easy-to-clean characteristics make it an ideal choice for home users. Through reasonable design and matching, terrazzo stone can also show unique beauty and style in the home environment. Marble stone is often used in living rooms, entrances, bathrooms and other areas that need to reflect high-end and decorative effects. Its natural texture and noble texture can enhance the overall taste of the home.
Conclusion
Through the analysis of the composition, structure, firmness, appearance, maintenance, environmental protection and price of terrazzo stone and marble stone, it can be seen that terrazzo stone is superior to marble stone in hardness, compressive strength, wear resistance and impact resistance. Therefore, in terms of firmness, terrazzo stone has obvious advantages. However, marble stone still occupies an important position in decorative effect and aesthetic value with its unique natural texture and noble texture.