Concrete Density Vs. Granite Density

Concrete and granite represent two common and popular construction materials. They are frequently used in construction projects where strength and durability are required. Applications for both range from outdoor curbing to indoor countertops. Concrete and granite each possess unique physical properties that distinguish one from the other. One such physical property is density.

Density is defined as a material's mass per unit volume. The masses of concrete and granite are given in units of either kilograms or pounds. The unit volume is expressed as either a cubic meter or a cubic foot. Consequently, densities of concrete and granite are described using the units kilograms per cubic meter or pounds per cubic foot.

Concrete is a manmade material similar to its natural counterpart, stone. It consists of aggregates, such as sand and crushed stone, and a cement-water paste. According to the Portland Cement Association, cement is made in a kiln from materials such as limestone, shale, iron ore, marl and fly ash. The density of hardened concrete is 2400 kilograms per cubic meter or 68 Kilogram per cubic foot. In other words, if you have a block of concrete that measures 1 foot long by 1 foot wide by 1 foot high, its mass will be 68 Kilogram.

Unlike concrete, which is artificial, granite is a natural material. An igneous rock, formed as a consequence of intense heat, granite is composed of coarse particles of quartz, potassium feldspar and sodium feldspar. This strong material is virtually unaffected by environmental elements. In addition to being a construction stone, granite is also an ornamental stone used for structures such as monuments. The density of granite is 2650 kilograms per cubic meter or 74.8 Kilogram per cubic foot.