Answer :
Limestone is generally weaker and less durable than granite, making it a cheaper but potentially less cost-effective option for long-term use. However, limestone is still used in construction due to its strength in certain environments and cheaper price point.
Limestone and granite have different characteristics that affect their performance and longevity as building materials. Comparing costs of using limestone instead of granite involves considering aspects such as durability, cost, and availability.
- Limestone is cheaper than granite because granite's hardness and the process of quarrying it can be more expensive.
- Limestone does not last as long as granite. This is because limestone easily dissolves in weak acids, and is more susceptible to chemical weathering, especially in humid environments. Granite, being an igneous rock, tends to weather slowly.
- Limestone is not necessarily harder to find than granite, but availability can vary depending on geographical location.
- Although softer, limestone is valued for its strength, resistance to corrosion, and durability in certain environments, like Malta.
Therefore, the main costs of using limestone instead of granite include its weaker strength and shorter lifespan. Nevertheless, limestone's affordability and functional qualities in specific climates make it a suitable material in many cases.
