A: Marble is best used for bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds. Although both are quarried from the earth, granite and marble (and marble’s relatives – limestone, onyx, and travertine) are very different from each other. Granite is formed deep in the earth’s mantle at extremely high temperatures and is a very hard, resistant stone made of crystallized minerals. The marble family – limestone, travertine, marble, onyx starts out as sediment – animal skeletons and shells, plant matter, silt – at the bottom of bodies of water. After millions of years this solidifies (lithifies) into stone. Because its main component is calcium, it can be affected by acids such as vinegar and citrus beverages, and therefore is not suggested for use in kitchens or high use areas.