Crushed Limestone vs Marble Chips
Side-by-side comparison of Crushed Limestone and Marble Chips to help you choose the right gravel for your project.
Overview
Crushed sedimentary rock with a pale gray to white color. Compacts well and provides good drainage. Limestone is a popular choice in the Midwest and South where it's quarried locally, keeping costs low.
Marble chips are decorative, angular stones made from crushed marble. Their bright white color reflects heat and adds contrast in landscape designs.
Common Uses
Crushed Limestone
- ✓ Driveways
- ✓ Pathways
- ✓ Base material
- ✓ Garden beds
- ✓ Parking pads
- ✓ Erosion control
Marble Chips
- ✓ Landscaping beds
- ✓ Garden borders
- ✓ Decorative ground cover
Pros & Cons
Crushed Limestone
- + Compacts into a firm, stable surface
- + Light color brightens landscapes
- + Good drainage properties
- + Affordable in limestone-rich regions
- + Natural weed suppression when compacted
- − Can become muddy when wet (stone dust)
- − Limited color options
- − May raise soil pH over time
- − Dusty in dry conditions
- − Not available everywhere
Marble Chips
- + Bright appearance
- + Reflects sunlight
- + Long-lasting
- − Can discolor over time
- − Poor compaction
- − Glare in full sun
Cost Comparison
| Measure | Crushed Limestone | Marble Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Per ton | $20 – $45 | $60 – $120 |
| Per cubic yard | $25 – $50 | $75 – $150 |
Sizes & Colors
Crushed Limestone
Available from fine limestone screenings up to 3-inch chunks. Most common sizes are 3/4" and 1.5". Color ranges from pale gray to off-white, sometimes with a slight yellow tint. Compacted limestone screenings create a smooth, almost concrete-like surface.
Marble Chips
Commonly available in 1/2"–1" sizes. Bright white to off-white.
Published February 11, 2026
Compare prices from local suppliers
Get quotes from gravel suppliers near you to find the best deal.