We used to have a quartzite here called Iceberg Blue, which looks very similar except it has a blue hue to it. It definitely has the same crystalline composition. Here is a photo:

When we had this stone, it would etch fairly easily when we did tests on it. I would ask for a sample of this stone so that you can take it home and do some tests on it. Leave lemon juice, oil, coffee, etc. on it for different amounts of time to see how it will hold up in your kitchen. It is a beautiful stone!

Just so you know, we install Calacatta quartzite pretty regularly, and we haven't had any complaints on that stone. Good luck!

Here is the Calacutta Quartzite slab

According to Wikipedia both quartzite and quartz are naturally occurring and not man-made. There are fabrications of quartz in products like Cambria. They take quartz found in the earth and make it into slabs by combining the pure quartz with a small amount of pigment and resin.

Thank you for the clarification leelee.

I prefer the completely natural look of quartzite (or marble or granite, but marble is not practical and the white granites aren't light enough for me.)

My fabricator has communicated that the ice crystal acts more like a marble, so I am concerned.

On the other hand, he has communicated that calacutta quartzite is so hard "you could ice skate on it", and that he has not had any complaints w/ etching, staining, etc.

I like to LOOK of the ice crystal a little better, but don't know I will feel the same way when/if it's etched and stained and scratched.

Hi Ana P.,

I would say that the Ice Crystal will probably etch similarly to the lighter slabs of Super White. To be completely honest with you, if I was putting the Ice Crystal in my home, I would be a little nervous. In my opinion, I would not commit to purchasing that material unless you can get a sample of it and do testing first. If it is going to act similarly to marble (which I agree with your fabricator and think that it may), I just do not want you to be disappointed with it. In general, quartzite is very hard--actually harder than granite. Scratching should not be an issue. Sealing the stone does not make it "stain proof", but it does make it very resistant to staining. With marble, for example, fruit juice left sitting overnight, even if it is sealed, may still leave a stain. With true quartzite, however, staining generally is not a problem. It is usually the etching that is the concern. Some quartzite slabs will have little bits of calcium in them. That calcium is what becomes the culprit of etching.

We have installed Calacatta quartzite many times, and we have not had any complaints with that stone. It is VERY hard and dense. It actually takes my shop guys a longer time to fabricate it because it is so hard. It's a good stone for sure.

Quartz (Cambria, Silestone, etc.) is engineered, it is created with both natural and resin. Quartzite is a stone. There IS a difference between the two.

Hi Ana P.,

The Super White may be slightly less prone to etching than the Ice Crystal, but it will still happen. We've performed our own tests on the Super White, and lemon juice left overnight will leave an etch mark on it. I've been told by one of my suppliers that the darker lots of Super White are harder than the lighter lots just so you know.

We have had super white quartzite for a year - I have spilled lemon juice, vinegar, red wine, coffee left over night & absolutely no etching or discoloration at all! I love this counter & get compliments every time someone walks in the kitchen. It's completely gray/white - I disagree with the previous poster. I have had absolutely no regrets. However, we did see icy looking slabs that were very pretty but definitely looked like they could etch/chip, etc. I would stay away - that's what my fabricator told me as well as the supplier. I forget the names of those slabs but they were like antartica - they look crystal filled. Here are pics of mine again had this a year. Didn't hone it, the fabricator sealed it & I haven't done a thing to it except loved it!!

Has anyone used ice quartzite for a bathroom vanity countertop? Like the crystalline look. Durability in a bathroom a concern?

Thinking on a floating vanity. Shower walls would be 4 by 12 marble tile.

Ana P, what did you end up choosing? Have you had etching with what you chose? I am looking at super white as well, but am concerned with etching as well. I have considered having it leathered, but am not sure how that will look. If you have photos of yours, can you post? Thanks!

SMR - i haven't heard of leathering, but honestly if you are sure it's super white and it doesn't look crystal-like you will be fine with it sealed properly. HTC I would stay away from the ice quartzite I would feel afraid of discoloring or etching even in a bathroom - there are other pretty things you can choose and not be afraid of it getting ruined imop. good luck!

true super white is a quartzite, correct?

If a real quartzite etches with acids, it is NOT a quartzite and the stone has been mislabeled. It is likely a type of marble.

Nour AlAni the stone of the picture is a beautiful marble, mislabeled quartzite