Quartzite has become one of the most sought-after countertop materials and one of the most misunderstood. It fabulously looks like marble, wears like granite, and gets constantly confused with engineered quartz. When you’re considering quartzite countertops for a kitchen or bath, here’s what actually matters.

What is quartzite?

Quartzite is a natural stone that starts out as sandstone and then under heat and pressure deep within the earth, transforms into an extremely hard, crystalline, denser rock. That natural process gives it flowing, marble-like veining with the toughness of a much harder material than sandstone ever could be. Importantly, quartzite is not the same as quartz, which is a manufactured product.

Granite vs. quartz vs. quartzite

Granite is a natural igneous stone, typically with a speckled look and excellent durability. It is created when molten magma cools.

Quartz is a human-engineered product made from ground minerals and resins that offers consistent color and requires zero sealing.

Quartzite splits the difference between granite and quartz. It’s a naturally created beautiful stone that is heat resistance with hardness that often exceeds granite.

Durability and hardness

Quartzite rates around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is harder than granite and well above marble. It resists scratches and heat well. Unlike marble, it doesn’t etch easily from acidic spills. That’s a big reason people who love the look of marble often choose quartzite instead.

Sealing and care

Because quartzite is natural and slightly porous, it should be sealed upon installation and resealed periodically resealed based on how much use it endures. Day to day, warm water and mild soap are all that’s needed in the way of maintenance. As a best practice, wipe spills up promptly and use trivets for very hot cookware.

Colors and popular varieties

Quartzite ranges from crisp whites and grays to dramatic blues and golds, often containing bold veining. Because every slab is unique, it’s worth your time and consideration to select your exact slab in person.

Cost

Quartzite is typically in a premium priced tier, comparable to high-end granite and marble. It’s rarity, veining, and slab size will affect how much you might invest.

Is quartzite worth it?

When you want the elegance of marble without the constant worry about staining and etching, quartzite is hard to beat. Visit Zion Stone Gallery to see our vast selection of full-sized quartzite slabs and choose the ones that fit your home best.