Leathered is more likely to stain or etch.

If you want to not worry about the counters are you opposed to looking at some of the lighter granites?

Quartzite can be prone to etching -- it's a very broad category used in different ways by different dealers. Matte finishes make things worse, not better.

Ask your dealer to let you bring a piece home, so you can try splashing it with kitchen substances and see what happens.

Personally, I think there are a lot of beautiful quartzes these days, so I wouldn't think twice. But it depends on what aspect of the graining of natural marble appeals to you, as different quartz patterns capture different aspects of that. (Oddly, Allan + Roth at Lowes is just releasing a group of marble-look counters that I think look spectacular! worth checking out along with all the usual suspects.)

If the stone is actually Quartzite then it is not prone to etching or staining. If the stone yard mixes it up with marble then yes it will etch and stain. It is best no matter what stone you plan on using to get a small sample from the slab and test them.

granite light colors

I went with marble and am living with the etching, it's not bad. what i've heard is quartzite is not as porous. the porcelain slab just came out when we were finishing up our kitchen remodel, it is very interesting and pretty, just not sure it's been around and tested. I do know it is thin, therefore they have to build it up to make it look like 3 cm slabs, probably not a big deal but not as solid as stone????

From the looks of the first photo, I'd say that slab is not quartzite but marble, especially since you are referring to it as "Calacatta." Quartzite is a totally different stone from marble, and it is dense and hard, and doesn't etch. It is usually referred to as "Luce di Luna," "White Macaubus," and "Taj Mahal," among others. The photos leelee posted are quartzite, not to be confused with granite. The problem occurs when the stone yards label the slabs, and don't really know what the stone actually is.

If you're worried about etching and want quartzite, then make sure you test it out. If it etches from anything acidic, it's probably marble. There's an amazing series of discussions on this topic led by a geologist that you may want to read for a lot more information.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2499581/marble-quartzite-and-other-rocks-in-the-kitchen?n=158

This is an article from a stone shop on the quartzite etching subject but to be honest I would do quartz and not have to worry

The principle flaw you'll find in quartzite is its tendency to etch in certain areas of countertops. Etching, or cutting and scratching into unprotected surfaces due to acid or other other substances, can be prevented by hone finished stone rather than polish finished. Honed countertops are not reflective, unlike polished, but it's more difficult to polish stone the harder it is. Because honed stone is smoother and flatter than polished, this can help prevent etching. While not as glossy as a polish surface finish, honed surfaces on harder materials are much more durable for quartzite kitchen countertops.

If you want to use Dekton, make sure you find a certified fabricator.

I would recommend quartz.

It's cheaper than Dekton and 100% of fabricators are able to cut and install quartz.

Cambria Ella

Cambria Swanbridge

Cambria Torquay

Caesarstone Calacatta Nuvo

Caesarstone Statuario Maximus

This difference is quartz is man-made and quartzite is real stone. End of story. bellburgmaggie-I'm confused by all of your statements as they are actually all opposite of reality; even referencing your own countertops as quartz in your first comment? And Soapstone will scratch easily and is actually more high maintenance (needs regular oiling.) You have to be okay with aging like marble!

"This difference is quartz is man-made and quartzite is real stone. End of story."

No, sweetsy, these days "natural" is relative. Please tell us what's so natural about the plastic resin that's processed into most "natural" granite tops so they can get an NSF designation and be appropriate for kitchen use?

Yes, "quartz" countertops are made with resin too. So is Corian, it's just filled with aluminum tryhydrate from bauxite mines instead of quartz.

I can't stand this "natural" nonsense. None of it is.

"Natural", "real", what's the difference?

Hi Anya, now that it's a year later, what did you end up deciding? Are you happy with your outcome? I'm currently trying to make the same decision of white quartzite vs marble. Thanks!

It sounds like you were sold marble under the guise of quartzite. Quartzite should NOT etch or stain.

Diana, below is a picture of my kitchen that is featured on this website. I don't know if you can see the countertops well enough to determine what they are but I looked at A LOT of stone and they didn't look like any marble or granite I had seen before or since. I wish I had views from above because they are really pretty; they are actually mirror images of each other in terms of the geological shifts, which are pronounced. If I was sold marble under the pretense of quartzite I was charged quite an uncharge which really irritates me! We went over budget for these countertops! My final question is: if it were marble would it show grease stains?? Thanks for your interest.

Magerner -- Do you know the name of your quartzite? I am looking at the same thing and, as Diana said, was told that quartzite wouldn't stain or etch. I am looking at White Macaubus, which looks similar to your photo. Can you take a photo from the top looking directly at your counter? I also need 2 full slabs. Do you remember what you paid for them - if you don't mind me asking??

Thank you!

My comment is simply as the others have said, Quartzite is natural stone and Quartz is manmade. I have been in showrooms where they call Silestone a Quartzite. I was simply conveying to be careful because some people use the terms interchangeably without consideration that they are two different materials.

If you've got stains and etching, you don't have quartzite.

Magerner -- They're gorgeous! Just went today to look for my kitchen and didn't find anything yet. The salesman showed me a "Quartzite" that was very white. I told him I doubt it's quartzite and he assured me it was. I asked for a piece to take home but he couldn't break anything off for me

Yes, I know I can't get a piece. But then how am I supposed to check it out? I asked to see yours, because it looks very similar to the one I liked a year ago, but can't find... Love it!!!

That's a fine piece of slab you got there! I also prefer white accented Quartzize for my countertops to give it a more brighter ambience in the kitchen but I had to switch to Caesarstone Quartz since it's more durable and leaves less stains. Going for a leathered look might actually be a better choice since scratches or stains could blend in with the design. A polished look would only do well if it's a material that is stain proof and has a more marble like design to it.

"I had to switch to Caesarstone Quartz since it's more durable and leaves less stains."

Set a hot pot and a permanent magic marker on each and get back to us please.