Thank you for your input back2work! I slept on it and came to the same conclusion: Option A.

The slab is sealed at the factory and then applied again on site (Tenax), including inside the cut out holes and any other exposed edges. I hope this will help mitigate (though not to completely solve) any absorption issues this slab may have. Not being able to test is a huge downside, but I feel more confident with the Option A fabricator making things right should the stone be unusually poor performing.

I currently have a marble island, so I’m used to maintenance and the tradeoffs that come with natural stone. But I wanted the same stone for perimeter and island for this kitchen, and I wanted something a little more durable than marble for the perimeter (especially around the sink, where a dropped pan could easily chip marble). Quartzite seemed like the perfect compromise.... EXCEPT for all the variability of what is labeled “quartzite”.

At the very least, I am making this decision knowing the risks, thanks to people like you on Houzz! Fingers crossed what I picked is quartzite or at least a heavily dolomitic marble.

Please post pictures once this is installed so we can all admire your beautiful stone! I'd also like to hear about how they perform.

Given the characteristics you've discovered from testing, these aren't quartzites. And I'd look for real quartzite to get the long-term benefits.

I forgot to add, I did the glass test on sample B and it scratched the glass easily.

I can’t say for sure that Option A is not a quartzite since I could not test, but given the research I’ve done on Mont Blanc, it’s likely to have some properties of marble with respect to staining and etching (both of which I can live with).

What I do not want is the softness of marble - the propensity to chip. I also do not want major water staining at edges, seams and cutouts. Since I can’t test Option A, I can’t know for sure how it will perform in this regard. So I’m taking the risk with eyes open.

I really love the stone and hope it works out. Here is a close up against my cabinets and backsplash (island will be grey, perimeter white)

The backsplash tile is gorgeous! What manufacturer is that?

Before you settle on a fabricator, ask for references and see their work. I would also find out if the fabricator has installed this stone in any other kitchens and if so, ask to talk to the owners. Without being able to test the slab, you need to take as many precautions as possible. I would hate to see you end up with a big headache.

That’s a good idea @wilson853 I’ll see what I can do

berlinrl thank you! The backsplash tile is Artistic Tile “Fan Club”. I saw it in person at a showroom (pre-COVID, which feels so long ago) and fell in love with it.

FWIW, I have mont blanc quartzite countertops. They were installed this past December, so they're about six months old. My husband and 15-year-old son are very careless. My husband cooks a lot, makes messes, spills don't get wiped up immediately. I say all this to say: They do NOT scratch, stain, etch, absorb water AT ALL. If it does any of that, it's not quartzite; it's marble or dolomite. With that being said, I'm not sure I would feel comfortable with not being able to test it, given how extremely expensive it was. A looks exactly like my counters, but I would still be nervous.

Thanks U, I love blue also!

@J E I’d love an update on your quartzite and how it is performing if you did actually go forward with the install.

Chelsea Allen, with all the problems Mont Blanc quartzite are having with staining from the wrong adhesives to water saw cutting the edges and not given time to dry before sealing) could you ask your fabricator what adhesive he used, please? We have reserved slabs of Mountain White quartzite (that’s what the slab store calls it) but we are having doubts now. Thanks!

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