Statuario slabs

Here is a thread about that quartzite:

https://www.gardenweb.com/discussions/6224480/help-my-white-quartzite-is-turning-brown#n=33

Thats just one thread. There are dozens of others with problematic outcomes. Taj Mahal seems to be the only foolproof quartzite.

Most "white" quartzites are hard like quartzite, but porous like marble, so you will get etching and staining.

Read the Geology threads by Karin_mt to learn about easy tests you can do to determine the properties of the slabs you are considering before you buy them.

Buyer beware.

I have used Taj Mahal quartzite in 2 kitchens, fireplace surround and an outdoor kitchen. Nine slabs total, purchased years apart in two different states. No issues with any of the slabs.

I've had Macaubus in my kitchen and Taj Mahal in my bathroom for the past three years and neither have stained or etched in our rambunctious household. You just have to keep them sealed (I'm overdue) but as long as you don't use bleach or cut directly on it, I don't see why you'd have any issues. They are gorgeous!

Those are beautiful slabs! But I'll echo others about being cautious. Here is Part 6 of the Countertop Geology threads that chispa mentioned; it has links to the previous 5. And here is an article about testing stone written by the same geologist who wrote those threads.

It would be tough to pass by those slabs, but I'd definitely listen to your fabricator.

Since your fabricator warned you, if you go ahead with those slabs, it will be all on you to poultice and/or replace the counters when you get staining.

We have had “Extreme Blanc” Quartzite in our kitchen for 2 years and we LOVE it!! I will say along the edge of the stove there is some darkening (gray) from cooking oils and whatnot, however due to the veining and various grays/white it isn't something that is super noticeable (I notice, but others don't). I have since started placing a cutting board or towel down when I’m dealing with grease, so just something maybe to be mindful of for your own kitchen :) PS Make sure your installer is experienced with drilling for faucets etc we did have an issue at install (cracked 😱) and they had to replace it (at their expense).

These are all super helpful tips…any thoughts on
“white pearl”

White pearl

Looks like you want to "marry" the bad boy and no one is going to be able to talk you out of it!

Good luck! ;-)

It’s true, I spent all day trying to find something else, to no avail. Also my fabricator won’t touch Taj Mahal either he had either, he

Had a job the pretty much completely crumbled apart he lost a lot on it

I think I have seen only one issue with Taj Mahal quartzite on these forums in the last 15 years.

Maybe the suppliers or slab yards in your area aren't getting the best slabs or the issue is your fabricator?

My first 5 slabs of Taj Mahal were bought in CA in 2017, so lots of inventory to look at in several slab yards. Used for a kitchen and fireplace surround.

My last 4 slabs of Taj Mahal were bought in southwest FL in early 2021, so very little inventory to look at during covid. Used for a kitchen and outdoor kitchen.

Neither of the fabricators had issues working with and fabricating those slabs and all the slabs have performed equally well as countertops.

When I chose Taj Mahal for our kitchen project, including full height backsplash, our fabricator said that the backsplash would be full depth, since there is a risk of breaking if he tried to cut the material thinner (other stones can be cut that way without a problem). Clearly he had enough experience with Taj Mahal to understand how to work with it, and what the limitations might be.

Your fabricator's unwillingness to work with a very popular stone raises a red flag for me. Is there another fabricator in your area? Have you seen your guy's work, or read reviews? I would proceed with caution.

@chispa Gorgeous fireplaces.

@Reb Thompson: I agree with the comment above stating concern about your fabricator. For example, my fabricator rejected some slabs that I had viewed (looked fine to me) but when he inspected he found cracks that concerned him. If your fabricator worked with Taj and it crumbled, it's possible that the slabs had issues that he should have noticed, and rejected, before he touched them.

The second slabs you posted are beautiful, but my advice would be the same: test samples, or test in person if they won't give you samples. Also ask your fabricator about sealing all edges (e.g., faucet holes, back edge that goes against the wall, etc.)

@chispa - wowza to those beautiful fireplaces!

Thank you yeah that is true. I definitely need to test what it. I was thinking of going up there with a piece of glass to see if see if it will etch the glass or see if it will mark with a blade would that be the proper testing

Chispa beautiful work!

Quartzite won't be scratched by a glass tile. I think it's worthwhile to ask the stone yard will the product you like to recommend several fabricators. And interview them.

Reb…it’s not just about testing for hardness. Quartzite can be very hard, and still be porous. That’s what so many people have found with slabs they’ve purchased. It’s why it’s so important to get a sample, and test for staining and etching.