Quartz is not heat resistant. And it can't be put behind a cooktop for that reason. To me quartz looks fake. It doesn't have the depth that a real stone like quartzite does. Of course that's just me and plenty of folks are happy with it. One needs to know thyself.

Some of the lighter quartzite's can stain, but not all. Do a search here for Mont Blanc to see if anyone else has had issues with it.

“Then there is quartz. I have heard this is what most people go for these days. They say it’s durable and heat resistant,but then I do some research and other people comment on how it is not durable, white quartz can turn yellow, etc.”

You have been misinformed. Quartz counters are made of crushed quartz particles, dyes, and 30% plastic resins. Heat can scorch and melt the plastic resins. Place a hot pan, or even the lid from that pan on a quartz counter, and it will leave a distinct mark. There are loads of threads here from people who used quartz for their backsplash, and wound up with scorch marks behind their gas range or cooktop/rangetop.

There have been several threads here lately, of folks whose quartzite developed the water stains your fabricator spoke of. There are also plenty of people whose quartzite had no issues. Quartzite is the hardest stone out there, and many are impervious to staining. Some just need to be sealed once. It depends on the variety. All quartzites (and granites, marbles, etc etc), are subject to thermal shock, i.e., cracking from sudden temperature shifts..ice cold, or extreme heat.

The only countertop material that is both impervious to staining, and won’t react negatively to heat, is soapstone. Soapstone never gets as cold as other stones, and accepts heat slowly. That’s why it’s the most common material used for fireplace surrounds, and why it’s been used in chemistry labs for centuries. And, because it’s temperature neutral, cold can’t harm it either.

I have leathered finish Taj Mahal quartzite for over 3 years. I love it! I have had no problems with staining etching water spots etc.

Here are some pictures. It looks even better in person

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/5878733/update-is-this-timeless-or-trendy

I think you need to find a different fabricator. You could also look at white granites I use them often polished is IMO the best choice for finish. But quartzite is at least as good if not better than granite and I have clients who have had it for years . There is no way I would ever have quartz counters for myself or suggest it to my clients Fake plastic stome is just not what you need in a kitchen for counters.

Different stones have different qualities. If you want to read what others have posted on this topic just go to the "Search" function at the top and type Quartz vs Quartzite. You'll discover quite a few posts on the topic and many of them discuss specific stones.

We have Ice Flake quartzite in our kitchen. Before finalizing our choice I brought home a large piece that was honed and another that was polished. Then I did the recommended tests by applying ketchup, red wine, lemon juice, oil, water to both pieces and left it sit for 2 days. We also tried cutting directly on the surface and then used a sharp edge to see if it would etch glass. Neither honed nor polished showed any spots from the food but we decided on honed because I didn't want a shiny surface that would reflect the pendants.

We've had it for 5 years without any issues. It looks more colorful in my photo because the photographer was playing with the lights - the cabinets are a soft, milk color - not stark white like this photo.

I should also mention that our island will also serve as our dining space. The island will extend out into the kitchen table. I have kids (9 and 11) who aren’t the most careful. I am hearing the Quartzite may be the better choice, especially because I want to use this material behind my stovetop.

I think I’m over the granite look, but it was suggested to use a white granite. Anyone have a name I can search to give me an idea. I’ve never had a problem with granite in two kitchens over the past 16 years, but I think I’m just sick of the look.

I appreciate all of your suggestions!

"I think I’m over the granite look..."

What does that even mean? The granite look. Granite and quartzite both look like hunks of rock. There are seemingly countless varieties of granite. If you think all granites look like the speckled granite trend of the 90s, you need to get yourself to a good stoneyard, you're in for a surprise.

It means that countertops are fashion, just like your favorite pumps and little black dress.

"It means that countertops are fashion, just like your favorite pumps and little black dress."

That comment is both funny and dismaying...

I've had Taj Mahal quartzite in 2 kitchens with no issues. I would never place hot pots, casseroles or cookie sheets directly on any counter type.

I also had TM placed as the counter and backsplash of my outdoor kitchen. I can see it looks dirty/greasy at the moment, so it will be interesting to see how it cleans up or if the heat from the BBQ grill has affected it in any way.

I have had quartz (Cambria, Pental, Caesarstone and Radianz) in several bathrooms with no issues. Two master bathrooms with Cambria White Cliff (plain white) and no issues getting hair dye out.

I have had different granite inside and outside with no issues.

I love quartz and have used it in both kitchens and baths. I love how clean it is, how easily it is sanitized, and how little maintenance it needs. Quartz is usually my first choice for any project, but you cannot use it behind a cooktop, and you should never set a super-hot pan down on it. In fact, almost no countertop is guaranteed to tolerate that, with the possible exception of some soapstones, IIRC. I rarely see a granite I like, but Taj Mahal quartzite is just a breathtaking stone if you can find a good slab. Good luck with your project!

@MizLizzie, not some, but all real soapstones tolerate heat, without exception.

I believe you. And few stones are more beautiful. I had an acquaintance who cracked her ”soapstone” kitchen island with a ginormous dutch oven she pulled out of a super hot oven. But I saw the crack — all 18” of it — and I always thought what she had was Virginia Mist granite or something similar. But she swore up and down it was soapstone—per her realtor. (Yeah, the stone was in the house when she bought it, so . . . ?)

Um, yeah…all you’d have to do is run your hands over her cracked counter, to know if it’s soapstone, or not. Soapstone, when finished (sanded) properly, has a sensuous, smooth, matte feel (and appearance), that no other stone possesses. Virginia Mist, even honed, will never attain those qualities.

Not sure you have the best man for the job, that fabricator. He doesn't seem overly knowledgeable about quartzite.

quartzite can be very difficult to fabricate (it can crack/crumble during the process) Only experienced fabricators who have worked w/all types of this stone should do it.

White Lux and Mont Blanc have had issues w/some staining/ and adhesive bleed. You may want to look at the other posts on here regarding that.

Here's the white lux

You'll also need to be careful when picking the slabs. matching up the veining on the rear wall, along w/the color, to the countertops needs an expert.

This one is SeaPearl quartzite on both. Notice the diff coloring and veining to the right of the stove. 2 diff slabs.

This one is a nice job w/the veining.

Tajmajal would be a great choice. you won't have to worry about staining(you will still seal it) and quartzite doesn't etch. (if it does etch, then you have marble)

To save money, you could opt for a nice tile on the backsplash

Some of the Taj slabs can be very gray. Take a look at the Perla Venata. It's a 'cousin' to Taj in the creamier, warmer tones.

https://www.houzz.com/photos/query/perla-venata

Here's the quartz opton. they did a nice job matching the wall portion. Calacatta Laza

Calacatta gold

Silestone Eternal:

You could opt for a calacatta marble (or any white marble) tile splash, like they did here.

this is one of my faves. Real Calacatta marble done in a chevron, w/solid, or more subdued, white countertop.

Have you considered Porcelain? These are just two examples. Theyre making them so realistic now.

"Quartz is usually my first choice for any project, but you cannot use it behind a cooktop..."

You can use tissue paper behind a cooktop as long as it's installed per the appliance manufacturer's instructions. Let's stop blaming manufacturers and installers for design errors please.

Wacky Tacky: No table in our space. We have a weirdly laid out lake house and it just makes sense to have a bigger kitchen area and loose the table.

Beth H: I have visited over 4 fabricators and none have expressed problems with quartzite, other than water staining from the water saw. Can you elaborate what you mean about the issues with White Lux and Mont Blanc? I will also look at the other posts.

I am not a huge fan of what I have seen from Taj Majal. All of the slabs I have seen are brown or tan. I am sure many people have more selection to view from. I’m in rural Michigan, so no big slab yards in my area, just small slab yards.

Is the Silestone option an engineered product? I absolutely love using the countertop material for the backsplash, so I’d love to try to stick with that. My island is 10+ feet long and half of that is the table portion of the island. I was told porcelain would be too thin to support this design.

Thank you for the pictures! I appreciate your point of view.

Yes…Silestone is manmade, engineered, part plastic resins…just like all the other players in the quartz counter business.

Cathie2029: This gives me some food for thought! Thank you! My island is white oak (similar to the lowers in your second picture) and the perimeter cabinets are white. I was worried about doing something different because of adding too many colors, but this might be a good idea because the solid white would be the same as the perimeter cabinets. I am definitely going to think on this!

There are many beautiful granites, including the white granites. Personally, I have no problem with any granite. If it was good enough for the Ancient Egyptians, it is good enough for me. And people who jumped on the “speckled” granites because it was the ”fashion” at the time, and now no longer want it, because it is not the ”fashion” now - all of that noise has nothing to do with me, thank goodness. As far as the natural stones for countertops, granite is my preference. Any granite. Period.

That being said - this is your kitchen, so get what you want. Between quartzite and quartz, I would say take the quartzite. If I were going to go the quartz route, personally I would rather choose Formica/laminate or Corian/solid surface.

4 fabricators and NONE have mentioned difficulty w/cutting quartzite? well good for them. Then they won't mind signing a waiver excluding you having to purchase another slab when yours gets damaged?

water staining? huh? that's just absorption and will dry out. all stone is like that.

as for the silestone, I have the Eternal Serena w/a calacatta marble tile splash. I like what Cathi did. that's gorgeous. you could easily do that.

check out some of the porcelain alternatives though

"water staining? huh? that's just absorption and will dry out. all stone is like that."

Clearly, you haven't been paying attention here. Enter "quartzite staining" into the Houzz search box please; you'll have 25 threads contradicting your statement.

I feel your pain! We finished our kitchen remodel a little over a year ago. I had decided that what ever material I chose for my counter top was also going to be used for my backsplash. I had seen too many posts regarding picking the wrong backsplash.

I really thought I would end up with a natural stone product but I didn’t find anything that I loved. I was scared of quartz until I visited a family member with quartz. She has had it five years. Her husband is a very messy cook. Her quartz looked great. She said no problems at all and everything just wipes right off. No yellowing either.

One year later and my counter tops and backsplash look as good as the day they were installed. As for the area behind my cooktop I have felt it several times when cooking and it has never felt warm. My cooktop is electric. Not sure if that makes a difference.

I am a fabricator. True quartzite, which is an extremely hard stone, does require more effort in the fab shop but any competent fabricator with the correct equipment and expertise can handle it. It does cost more than "quartz" because the raw material cost is higher AND it takes longer to fabricate. However, it is popular despite the higher cost because it has a beauty that the artificial materials can't touch. Look at a quartz next to a similar looking natural stone and the difference becomes strikingly obvious. Most quartz countertops will be dated in another 5-10 years while your quartzite tops will be exceptional and beautiful forever.

Everything, even quartzite, will be dated at some point in time!

How many tons of Ubatuba and Baltic Brown granite counters are now in the landfill ... perfectly good and durable natural stone! Everyone who put them in in 1990 thought they were beautiful too!

We are mid-reno and I faced the same decision. I fell in love with some quartzite slabs that made me practically drool, and my KD was right that the quartz slabs would prove to be "meh" in comparison.

I was all set to go with quartzite, but then I took a very realistic look at how our family lives... and... well, we are careless. We have kids who use random stuff like food coloring in random recipes or projects and drip it all over the counters. We aren't consistent about cleaning up right away. I don't want to be upset with my kids for 'ruining' a surface that I should not have picked for our house. Plus, any stone that requires maintenance (sealing / resealing) will never get said maintenance in our house. SO. Quartzite is out.

I have since found a quartz that I really like and will work well for us. We'll be doing zellige tile for BS (no quartz) and we never put hot pots directly on counters so don't need to worry about scorch marks.

YMMV.

Quartz can stain too! Nothing is bulletproof.

Several threads with stained quartz ...

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/query/stained-quartz/nqrwns

We are doing a new kitchen and our counters will be granite. They will be polished White Ice.

Joseph...

i'm not talking about regular staining. i was responding to THIS from OP in regards to actual fabrication.

Beth H: I have visited over 4 fabricators and none have expressed problems with quartzite, other than water staining from the water saw.

That's why I responded w/the water staining issue after cutting.

No duh quartztite can stain once it's actually in the kitchen.

Clearly you haven't been paying attention and reading the comment section.

Are you really going to chide me on staining issues on natural stone? seriously? you think it's my first day here? go away.

My quartzite is 4 years old and I've had absolutely no issues with it. No staining. No chipping. No crumbling. Nothing. Of course mine is not white but is a busy quartzite and is the star of my kitchen. 4 years later and I still drool over how it looks.

CP—your kitchen will forever be one of my all time favorites. True eye candy with beautiful function. Can’t beat that!

I think go for the real. You wil love it more! Best of Luck!

@nhbaskets, thank you. 4 1/2 years using it and it still makes me happy everyday.

Ohhh haha! Guess I was right then! Well good to hear! I am going to go pick some slab Thursday. I wish I could do white marble but I guess quartzite is next best thing. Which color did you do? Any pictures? I am going to do white Euro shiny cabinets, so hopefully will look good.

I have Calacatta Gold Quartzite in my Master and Laundry room. I do not clean it daily and dried makeup comes off with just a tiny tiny bit of soft scrub and water. Most safe to seal quartzite annually, but that is easy! Choose a holiday week to always remember to seal, like Haloween, and then your counters are ready for the heavy baking and cooking Holidays (thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years). Had this link in my file: How to Clean & Protect Quartzite

I believe I made my choice! It is a quartzite called “Eureka.” I haven’t found much information on the color specifically, but I feel it will be fine. It looks more grey in this picture, but the stripes are actually a tan and charcoal color. I was also thinking about a slab called Neptune, but I think Eureka is better for the look I’m going for. Thanks for the cleaning instructions, Loving Palm Desert.

Laura, that place renamed that slab. Try looking at White Macaubas

or Infinity.

It could also be Mont Blanc

Just know that stone companies buy these slabs and make up their own names for them. I don't know why. there is no Eureka quartzite! It's one of these 3

https://www.daltile.com/products/slab/natural-quartzite-natural-stone-slab/white-macaubas

Also, many stone places will mislabel marble as a quartzite. ALWAYS do the lemon juice test. true quartzite will not etch, since there is no calcite in it. marble will, because it is calcite.

And if they try and tell you there is a 'soft' quartzite that has some marble in it, they're flat up lying to you. there is no such thing. It's either quartzite or it's not. Kind of like being pregnant. you can't be a 'little pregnant'.

this is another one. glass is harder than marble but softer than quartzite. if glass can scratch the slab, you've got marble. (or if like A, the stone can scratch the glass, it's quartzite. if the stone turns to powder against the glass tile, then it's marble)

@Beth H. : they rename them so you dont shop around for lower prices... probably...

that's a very good point cathie. Or check to see if it's really quartzite and not marble!

Quartzite is beautiful and natural, but lighter ones like Monte Blanc can stain more easily and need sealing. Quartz (like Calacatta Gold) is lower maintenance and budget-friendly, but not as “real” looking.

Here’s a quick breakdown that might help Quartz vs. Granite vs. Marble Countertops