Types of Headstone Material

A Guide to Choosing the Right Stone for Lasting Memorials

Choosing a headstone is a deeply personal decision—one that reflects memory, respect, and permanence. Beyond the way it looks, the material you choose plays a vital role in how the memorial weathers over time, how clearly inscriptions appear, and how much maintenance may be needed.

This guide explores the most common headstone materials used in the UK, comparing their appearance, resilience, and historical use—so you can make an informed, confident decision.

What is the Best Stone for a Headstone?

Each stone carries its own strengths and aesthetic qualities. Here’s a look at the most widely used materials:

Slate

• Naturally beautiful with a smooth, matte surface ideal for carving.
  

• Slate allows for crisp, deep inscriptions that remain legible over time.
  

• Particularly, Honister Green Slate, quarried in the Lake District, offers a distinctive colour and heritage, unmatched by imported alternatives. Its fine-grained structure lends itself to refined lettering and intricate detailing.
  

• Best for: Lasting elegance with a strong connection to British tradition and craftsmanship.
  
  

Granite

• One of the hardest and most durable natural stones.
  

• Available in a wide variety of colours, including polished finishes.
  

• Maintains its structure over time, even in harsh climates.
  
  

Marble

• Known for its classic white and grey veining.
  

• Offers a soft and graceful appearance, often seen in older cemeteries.
  

• Its surface tends to weather over the years, which may soften inscriptions.
  
  

Sandstone

• Earthy and natural in appearance.
  

• Once widely used across churchyards and rural burial grounds.
  

• More porous than other stones, and can be vulnerable to the elements.
  
  

Limestone

• Has long been associated with traditional British graveyards.
  

• Soft in texture with a pale finish that blends into older settings.
  

• May degrade more quickly over time, particularly in damp conditions.
  
  

Which Headstone Material Lasts Longer?

Longevity is a key consideration when selecting a memorial stone. While all natural materials will weather to some degree, some offer greater resistance to time and the elements.

Slate and Granite 

Both slate and granite are highly durable and have stood the test of time in UK graveyards.

• Granite is one of the hardest known materials, making it exceptionally resistant to erosion, frost, and impact. It retains its shape and structural integrity for generations.
  
  

• Slate, particularly varieties like Honister Green Slate, offers remarkable longevity while maintaining the clarity of its inscriptions. Its dense composition means it’s less prone to absorbing moisture, reducing the risk of frost damage or biological growth.
  
  

Many slate and granite headstones in Britain remain readable after more than a century.

Other Materials

• Marble is softer and may weather more noticeably. Over time, its inscriptions can fade, especially when exposed to rain and air pollution.
  
  

• Sandstone and limestone are more vulnerable to erosion, particularly in damp or shaded areas. While they have historic appeal, they may show visible wear after a few decades.
  
  

Every stone tells a story—not only through the inscriptions it bears but also through its look, feel, and the way it weathers with time. Whether you’re drawn to the enduring strength of granite, the classic beauty of marble, or the natural elegance of Honister Green Slate, understanding the properties of each material can help guide your decision in a thoughtful, respectful way.