For many homeowners, choosing the right countertop material is a tough decision. There are so many options on the market, and each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Two of the most popular choices are quartz and quartzite. Both materials are extremely durable and require little maintenance, but there are some key differences between them. So let’s find out more!
What is Quartz?
Quartz is also known as “engineered stone,” “engineered quartz,” or “quartz surfaces.” It is a man-made product named after the natural mineral quartz, which is often present in granite. Since the mineral quartz cannot be used to make countertops, we refer to the man-made material when we say quartz counters.
Engineered quartz is a crushed quartz composite. A resin or cement is used to bind the crushed stone together. Crushed stone accounts for approximately 93% of the material, with resin accounting for the remaining 7%. Colors may be used to produce shapes and hues not present in granite or marble. Quartz counters, for example, such as Sparkling Ruby Quartz or Arctic White Quartz, provide the convenience and toughness of granite in solid red and white, shades that are rarely as bold and simple in granite.
One of the most appealing aspects of quartz is its ability to produce a wide range of solid colors and consistent patterns. Some quartz is also made to resemble marble. It’s incredible how far these reproductions have come in the past few years when quartz manufacturers’ technology has progressed. Quartz is incredibly long-lasting. It will not scratch, it does not need to be sealed, and it will not disappear when exposed to indoor sunlight.
The only disadvantage is that quartz is not heat resistant, necessitating the use of hot pads, and it can fade under direct sunlight if used outdoors.
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a stone that occurs entirely naturally. It is quarried and polished in the same way that granite and marble are.
Stones are categorized into three types: igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary. Granite is igneous whereas quartzite is metamorphic. When pure quartz sandstone is super heated deep within the earth, metamorphic stones form. As a result, quartzite has a similar appearance to marble, with a glassy finish and smooth white or gray shades.
The similarity to marble is one of the primary reasons quartzite is so popular. Though they often resemble marble, most quartzites are much tougher and last longer as kitchen countertops. Many quartzites are tougher than granite!
Granite has a hardness rating of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, while quartzite can have a hardness rating of 7. Quartzite is also resistant to scratches and heat.
Although it is more prone to etching than granite, if you keep it regularly sealed with a high-grade sealer, you can keep your quartzite looking like new for years and years.
Some quartzites are extremely hard; examples include the Taj Mahal and Sea Pearl. Some quartzites are strong but vulnerable to etching; a common example is the popular Super White.
Quartz VS Quartzite Comparison
1. Appearance
Quartz has grown in popularity in recent years as a result of its appearance. Countertops can be designed to have virtually any look, even the appearance of natural stone countertops. Since quartz countertops can be personalized, you can almost always find one that you want in terms of design.
Quartzite can enhance the appearance of your countertop. The appearance of the stone has sometimes been compared to that of marble. Because of the similarity in appearance, people have often misidentified quartzite as marble. Quartzite, however, has functional advantages that marble does not.
In terms of aesthetics, the distinction between whatever substance is superior is a matter of personal preference. Quartz will provide you with a broader range of types, while quartzite will provide you with a look closer to marble.
2. Durability
Quartz and quartzite are two of the most durable minerals on Earth. Both are extremely hard, ranking a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale, and are resistant to scratches, chips, and stains. Quartz is also more likely to chip or crack if it experiences a hard blow. For this reason, quartzite is often the preferred choice for high-traffic areas or homes with young children.
Quartz is also non-porous, meaning it won’t absorb spills or harbor bacteria. Quartzite, on the other hand, is slightly porous and can be damaged by strong acids. However, both quartz and quartzite are heat resistant and can withstand high temperatures without damage. In terms of appearance, quartz has a more uniform look while quartzite is more natural and varied in color.
Overall, quartz and quartzite are both excellent choices for countertops, floors, and other surfaces in your home.
3. Installation
Quartz countertops must be installed by a professional. No homeowner should attempt to install their new quartz countertop. Quartz is extremely heavy, so employing a specialist reduces the likelihood of any damage occurring during the installation process.
Quartzite countertops, like quartz, would require the services of a professional to install. Hiring a specialist decreases the risk of any damage happening during the construction of the countertop.
Quartz and quartzite countertops are also heavy and would require proper installation. In this category, no one has an advantage over the other.
4. Heat Reistance
In terms of resistance to heat, quartzite ranks slightly higher than quartz. However, both materials can withstand extremely high temperatures without being damaged. Quartzite is a natural stone that is formed when sandstone is exposed to high temperatures and pressures. The resulting material is very strong and durable, making it an excellent choice for countertops.
Quartz, on the other hand, is a man-made material that is made from a mixture of quartz crystals and resins. Quartz is non-porous, meaning it won’t absorb spills or stains. It’s also resistant to scratches and chipping. Because of its durability and beauty, quartz has become one of the most popular materials used in countertops.
4. Cost
If you want to purchase a quartz countertop, you can expect to pay between $70 and $175 per square foot installed. Customization, for example, will drive certain prices to the upper end of the market.
Quartzite prices begin around $60 per square foot. As with any stone, the price will rise if the kind you choose is more uncommon. Many quartzite forms will cost more than $100 per square foot.
In terms of cost, neither option is among the most affordable materials on the market. Having said that, quartzite has the upper hand – though there is some pricing overlap.
5. Maintenance
Quartz is not porous because it is engineered. This gives the material a major advantage in terms of cleaning and general care. Since the material is non-porous, it does not need to be sealed like natural stone. All you need to clean the countertop is soap and water.
However, considering the relative ease of maintaining a quartz countertop, there is one important drawback that you should be conscious of. Quartz countertops can not withstand high temperatures. This suggests that you can never take a hot pot or pan off the burner and place it on the counter. If you do, the resin will melt and your countertop will be forever ruined.
Quartzite is a very long-lasting material. It’s also very easy to clean. In terms of maintenance, a quartzite countertop is one of the easiest countertop options available. One factor to keep in mind is that you will need to seal your quartzite countertop to shield it from liquid damage.
Natural stone countertops need sealing, but having to seal the quartzite is not a great hassle. The sealing procedure is simple and convenient.
Maintaining every surface is important for keeping it in good condition. Although both of these surfaces are equally simple to care for, quartz is somewhat easier because it does not require sealing.
Quartz VS Quartzite: Which One Should You Choose?
Quartzite and quartz are both high-quality, durable countertop materials. They have some minor maintenance variations, but with how simple it is to seal your own countertops, the key determining factors would be your personal needs and style.
Quartz has a much simpler appearance and more consistent patterns. It is an excellent alternative for those who choose a solid color or do not like the appearance of granite or marble. Quartzite, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for homeowners who want the natural look of marble but do not want the risk of scratching that marble entails.
Remember, despite how close their names sound, these are very distinct products with a wide range of colors. If you like both and can’t decide, ask your local fabricator to explain the differences between the two and how they would fit in your specific kitchen or bathroom.