Quartz and quartzite countertops are popular among homeowners for kitchens, bathrooms and other surfaces. While these materials sound similar, their distinctions set them apart and determine which applications they are best suited for. Below, we discuss the main differences between quartz and quartzite countertops to help you decide when the time comes.
Quartz is an engineered or human-made stone used for a wide variety of indoor countertops. It mimics the characteristics of different types of natural stone countertops, including quartzite, marble, granite and concrete. The sophisticated manufacturing process used for quartz produces aesthetically pleasing, durable and versatile countertops appreciated by many designers, architects and homeowners.
Quartz is made through a process that combines natural quartz crystals with other minerals, stone chips, resin and pigments. This engineered material contains at least 90% ground or aggregate quartz, creating a beautiful and premium hard surface option. The ground quartz is combined into slabs using super-strong polymer or cement-based resin binders under intense heat and pressure.
The resin makes quartz countertops nonporous, so they don’t need to be sealed to become stain and scratch-resistant. Pigments are added during manufacturing to give the quartz countertops color and style. Other times, minerals and recycled industrial waste, like metallic flecks, glass pieces, ceramic, silica, stone chips and mirrors, are added to the mix to create a full spectrum of patterns, designs and styles.
The engineering of quartz countertops produces a broad spectrum of patterns and designs, including subtle speckles, swirls, and veining. The patterns and designs are more predictable than those on natural stone countertops and can be customized to fit a homeowner’s aesthetic. The manufacturing process produces slabs that equal the hardness of natural stone and rivals its beauty.
Quartz countertops have numerous advantages owing to their state-of-the-art manufacturing process. Some of the pros of quartz countertops include:
Quartz countertops have some disadvantages that may discourage some homeowners from adopting them:
Quartzite is a natural stone and a popular countertop material suitable for indoor and outdoor use. It forms 100% organically deep within the earth and is extracted in blocks through quarrying. It resembles granite and marble available in earthy tones with delicate veining, making it perfect for minimalist, rustic, contemporary and industrial home styles.
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed deep in the earth by quartz-rich sandstone, which consists of 90% to 99% quartz grains bonded by mineral silica combined through high pressure and temperature. The interlocking quartz grain network creates a dense rock that produces quartzite countertops with incredible hardness and unmatched durability. It can be found in many places around the world, including Canada, Brazil, the United States, Sweden and Norway.
It’s mined and precisely cut into aesthetically pleasing slabs. Quartzite is a porous material in its raw form that requires sealing using wax, acrylic or polyurethanes to improve its water, scratch and stain resistance. However, quartzite has a sheen that gives it character and depth and is available in limitless unique patterns and designs, as with many natural stone slabs. Quartzite slabs add beauty and elegance to a home with dramatic swirls, veining and striations.
Quartzite is available in a limited color range that only includes neutral shades between the white and gray color scale, with hues ranging from light to darker. Typically, you’ll not find two identical quartzite slabs, and many people need to book match two slabs with a mirror pattern to achieve consistency and uninterrupted flow between surfaces.
There are many benefits of using quartzite for kitchen and bathroom countertops:
Some homeowners may avoid quartzite for reasons that include:
Many people confuse quartz and quartzite countertops, assuming they’re the same thing. This could not be further from the truth. Below, we discuss the main differences between quartz and quartzite to help you narrow down the best countertop for you.
The different appearances of quartz and quartzite countertops can be attributed to their composition and production methods. Quartz consists of approximately 90% naturally occurring quartz combined with numerous synthetic materials, while quartzite is comprised of more than 90% quartz.
The resulting surface from the natural-mined quartzite countertops is a marble-like surface with swirling gray or white designs. Quartzite countertops have a limited color variation, mostly ranging between gray and white, but may sometimes have a pink or red hue induced by the iron oxide in the stone. Other times, quartzite slabs come in colors like orange, green, and red due to their different mineral contents. The patterns are also restricted to the natural stone formation process and typically take the form of swirls, stripes and tiny brush strokes. Two slabs from the quarry may have the same color scheme but never the same pattern.
The synthetic quartz composition unlocks infinite colors, patterns, and design options. Quartz countertops can be found in almost any color, including white, black, orange, red, blue and earthy tones like warm creams and rich browns. The veining and flicking on quartz countertops depend on the manufacturer, who can make them mimic the appearance of natural stone like granite and marble on a budget.
The resin used to combine grounded quartz and other minerals to produce quartz slabs gives them a smooth finish and prevents chipping when cutting like natural stone. Quartz slabs can be manufactured to be identical, but they have a predictable manufactured look that’s less authentic than quartzite countertops.
Both quartz and quartzite countertops are heavy materials that may be difficult to install and require professional assistance. Quartzite is generally more difficult to install than quartz because it is dense, less flexible and less durable.
Quartz is more flexible because of the added resins, making it less likely to crack or break during handling and installation. The resins also make quartz easy to cut and adjust during installation, ensuring it can be bent and shaped into the sinks of the sides of curved islands. It can even be cut into standard-size tiles used on both floors and walls, but if not professionally installed, it leaves unsightly seams.
Quartzite countertops are heavy and dense, meaning they must be installed by skilled professionals using advanced tools. They also require heavy sealing to prevent damage and staining and minimize maintenance needs. After installation, quartzite requires sealing at least once a year to prevent etching, staining and damage. While more of an investment, quartzite improves the look and feel of your home and may boost its value.
Quartz is a nonporous material that does not require sealing to make it resistant to staining, damage or scratching. As a result, quartz doesn’t scratch, crack or chip easily and gets water and chemical stains. Extreme pressure may cause denting in quartz that can be buffed out or polished using an epoxy filter. Excess heat from a hot pan on a quartz kitchen counter can cause discoloration or warping. It’s important to use cutting boards, coaster and trivets to protect your countertops.
Quartzite is a porous material that must be sealed to prevent tough stains and bacterial growth caused by liquids seeping into the slab. It is more resistant to stains caused by acidic substances like wine and coffee than quartzite. Quartz countertops can last for decades, provided they are resealed annually to maintain their shine, prevent damage and keep them stain-free. Quartz countertops outlive quartzite when installed outside because they are incredibly heat- and UV-resistant, making them resistant to discoloration, fading, and wear and tear.
Both quartz and quartzite countertops require little maintenance. However, quartz does not require regular resealing. Daily cleaning and maintenance of quartz countertops involve wiping them down with a damp microfiber cloth and a little dishwashing soap. Avoid scrubbing the countertops too hard, as it could result in superficial scratches and fading. Harsh abrasive cleaners and products with a pH value can also damage the countertops. With quartz countertops, you never have to worry about disinfecting because their nonporous nature enables them to resist the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew.
Maintaining natural stone quartzite countertops takes a little more time and effort. Daily cleaning requires warm water, dishwashing liquid and a microfiber cloth. A great alternative to the dishwashing detergent is a pH-neutral natural stone cleaner. You should never use a citrus-based or bleach-based cleaning product, as these could damage the countertops. The recommended cleaning solutions and a poultice are also great for removing stubborn stains.
Resealing annually is necessary to eliminate porosity issues, especially for lighter-colored quartzite countertops. Sometimes, the surface needs to be etched to remove stubborn stains and restore shine before resealing. Avoid leaving water sitting on your quartzite countertops for an extended period, as it seeps into the materials, causing stains and damage.
Engineered quartz and natural quartzite countertops are suitable for a variety of residential and commercial applications owing to their many benefits. Installation of quartz countertops is limited to areas that are not exposed to bright, direct sunlight and other weather extremes. However, it’s perfect for kitchens and living spaces that require custom designs, such as specialty cutouts and curves. These include:
Quartzite top applications:
As a naturally occurring stone, quartzite is more of a financial investment, and the total cost depends on its thickness and composition. You should also factor in the cost of installation and ongoing maintenance.
Quartz is generally more affordable than quartzite and has a consistent composition, meaning they don’t require you to purchase additional pieces. Being slightly lighter and more flexible than quartzite, it is cheaper to handle and install than quartz. There’s a lower risk of breaking and damage during installation. Their versatility and customization capabilities reduce costs because they can be cut and customized for any application and design.
Regardless of the many differences between engineered quartz and natural quartzite, both are high-quality options for a range of home applications. These include kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, bars and tables. Quartz is better if you have a smaller budget or prefer a wide range of colors, designs and finish options. It’s also the better choice when you intend to customize your countertops and want to save on installation costs.
Quartzite countertops are superior when you have a larger budget and want a more natural or earthy aesthetic. Thanks to their heat and UV resistance, they’re also the better material for outdoor applications or installation around fireplaces. While it’s a long-lasting material that will last decades, remember you’ll need to reseal it often. Whichever material you use, make sure it’s perfect for your kitchen and lifestyle and purchase from a reputable source.
Here are some commonly asked questions about quartz and quartzite:
Modul Marble is an industry-leading supplier of high-quality natural slabs. With over 30 years of experience sourcing the highest quality natural stone slabs, we have perfected the art of helping you get the perfect piece every time. Check out our thoughtfully curated collection of quartzite slabs, or come visit our store in Sun Valley, Los Angeles. You can also contact us today for a chat with one of our industry experts about the most suitable option between quartz and quartzite.
