The Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite

Though both beautiful options for countertops, quartz and quartzite are not exactly the same. Quartz countertops combine 93-97 percent of ground natural quartz agates with a polymer resin, while quartzite is a metamorphic rock formed from pure quartz sandstone and mined in slabs, like marble or granite. Here’s a run-down on the differences between the two.

Strength:

Quartzite is even harder than granite, making it one of the most durable options for natural stone. In terms of Moh’s scale of hardness, quartzite measures a 7, and granite only a 6. Quartz, however, is softer because it’s been melted and blended with resin, and though it’s more susceptible to heat damage, it’s also more flexible, making it much more resistant to chipping or cracking than quartzite.

Cost:

For small or simple jobs, these two materials are comparably priced, but quartz will often be less expensive for large or complicated jobs because you can pour it into a mould to produce your slabs, whereas quartzite must be cut with diamond blades.

Appearance:

Bloggers have been prizing Quartzite because it has “the look of marble with the durability of granite in an authentic natural stone,” and in many ways this is true—quartzite is usually white or grey in color and darkly veined, sometimes with faint traces of other colors from natural minerals. Quartz, on the other hand, comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns because it’s blended, and you can get it in either solid colors or in dazzling spreads of distinct geodes:

Maintenance:

Much like granite, quartzite needs to be periodically re-sealed, sometimes as often as every six months. Quartz is definitely easier to clean and maintain, especially because a poorly stained quartzite is liable to stain.

To talk more about countertop options or the advantages and disadvantages of quartz or quartzite, call us at Granite and Marble Specialties!