Help! My new quartzite countertop is etching from WATER!

5 years ago

We recently renovated our kitchen and installed a nearly 10-ft island with a Blue Shadow "quartzite". I'm beginning to wonder if it's actually marble because the etching is horrible! The problem is that it's not even from citrus or acidic things, it's simply water rings causing the etching or a stainless steel mixing bowl, or frozen meet thawing in a Ziploc freezer bag. The stone seller is basically just telling us we signed a waiver. I'm so mad. What can be done?

We don't use any chemicals, we wipe up spills, and it's still so bad. I don't want a 10 foot island with coasters and cutting boards covering my once beautiful stone. I'm so frustrated. We went with a more expensive stone seller to avoid this.

Featured Answer

karin_mt

5 years ago

Even if it is marble (a google search reveals that it likely is), water doesn't/shouldn't etch it. Etching has a few different meanings, but in the context of countertops, it usually refers to an area where the surface finish becomes dull because a tiny, tiny bit of the stone was dissolved.

In your case, the opposite may be happening. Most tap water has calcium in it and hard water stains are when that calcium attaches itself to the stone. It looks like a dull spot.

A key difference is that hard water stains can be removed and etching can't (though it can be refinished). So it may be worth scrubbing to see if you help or hurt the situation.

But the far bigger problem is that the seller likely misrepresented the stone. Waiver or not, that is their problem, not yours. My advice is to read up on how to test for the difference between quartzite and marble, test your stone (or ideally a scrap leftover from fabrication), and take it from there.

If it's not quartzite but was sold as quartzite, you definitely have recourse - it's not okay for a seller to do this.

Here's a description of how to do the tests:

http://usenaturalstone.org/definitive-guide-quartzite/

Good luck! Keep us posted.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

lucky998877
5 years ago
I just googled blue shadow slab images...they all say marble in the info. I feel really bad for you.
dan1888
5 years ago
Anyone reading about this can review the many, many threads about testing 'quartzite' with a piece of glass tile or taking a small sample home for liquid tests. You must do your do diligence.
Related Professionals
Madison Home Stagers · Hattiesburg Custom Closet Designers · San Marcos Interior Designers & Decorators · Grand Rapids Home Remodeling · Beatrice Home Remodeling · Fort Myers Bathroom Remodelers · Pensacola Bathroom Remodelers · Marinette Bathroom Remodelers · Napa Bathroom Remodelers · Southaven Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Amherst Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Champaign Kitchen Remodelers · Lebanon Custom Countertops · Sierra Vista Custom Countertops · Helena Custom Countertops
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
Have the etches polished out and immediately install www.stoneguardusa.com
Mollie K
Original Author
5 years ago
THanks everyone. This gives me hope. I don't mind putting in the extra time in cleaning it, but I just don't want it to be ruined. It's gonna be hard to scrub however without using something that is abrasive, like the rough side of a sponge, but I don't want to mess up my sealer. I will research this some more.
Mollie K
Original Author
5 years ago
I'm googling Blue Shadow Marble and that is most definitely what I have in my kitchen :( It's so beautiful but very frustrated with the company that sold it to me. Crowe Custom Countertops in Georgia
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
I know Miles Crow; he's a great guy.
karin_mt
5 years ago
Mollie, you really should tell the company they misrepresented the stone. There's no excuse for them not knowing the difference between marble and quartzite. These shops drag down the entire industry by being either incompetent or dishonest.

You don't have to pick a fight with them, but you should complain to them and consider other ways to lodge your dissatisfaction.

Also, know that others who have been in your situation have been able to get new countertops and/or a cash settlement.

I feel for you - this should not have happened.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
"The stone seller is basically just telling us we signed a waiver."

Post please.