Here's another problem I'm having. Superwhite is often called a Quartzite. The person selling it said that's the case, but it's actually a dolomite she claimed and so it's not as strong.

Online I'm reading a lot of mixed information about Super white

here's an article claiming Super white is a quartzite and as hard/durable or harder than granite: http://crocodilesrock.blogspot.com/2012/11/want-look-of-marble-but-durability-of.html

I tried a scratch test and the "Super white" Dolamite did not pass the Glass test where you try to scratch a glass bottle. The White Macauba Quartzite easily scratched the glass. A third Granite sample also scratched the glass

I then did a scratch test first with a spoon and the Dolamite, Quartzite, granite all passed without getting scratched when I pushed hard on them

The final test I did was with a sharp serrated plier. This could not scratch the quartzite, barely scratched the granite and easily scratched the "super white" Dolomite

I guess the super white is no good

I'll do an acid test later with lemon/ vinegar and stain test with wine.

just FYI

I wanted to use Superwhite so badly in my kitchen that I went from stone yard to stone yard bringing back samples of everyone's Superwhite (and there were MANY). Every single one performed the same in my tests. I was more concerned with etching and staining and they all did so, and easily I might add. After weeks of this I finally gave up and chose calacatta quartzite.

I don't know about counter tops but I used dolomite as a backsplash and it really seems very very porous. Beautiful, no doubt and I love it as a backsplash. I would research carefully before a decision is made. I love your cabinets.....can I say I am only so so about the dolomite top. My vote (and I know how hard you are looking and working) is to keep looking. When you find it, you won't question it. My granite stood out like a light was shining down from the sky. It was mine and I knew it.

Mfwolfe, this is a common test to determine whether a stone is quartzite or not, as many stone yards are mistakenly labeling the Superwhite. If it scratches the glass, it's likely quartzite.

If you have too much white the room will be very plain. There are some significant pieces left to finish the room. The space over the sink. What goes there? Is the colors of the Wall white? Your curtain color and design also help bring out how the room will look. All metals should be of same colors. Backsplash with light green like the ocean would give a really nice earth tone and calm the darkness of the cabinets.

I would go with something else predominately white.

Like I tell my clients who want Carrera... If you insist on the super shiny new finish through the years don't get it.. It will soften. (for me... not in a bad way)

Like Concrete counter tops... a Patina is expected to develop... adds character to the top. Keep in mind... it takes YEARS and YEARS to change under normal wear and tear... I have never had a complaint on my carrera tops that I've put in... and when I visit my past clients I notice they still look great...

So... your chosen top falls between Carerra and Quartzite in strength...
If you do a lot of cooking with tomato or lemon based products... just wipe up. You should be fine!

Especially with light colored natural stone tops... Sealing needs to be done on a regular basis! When it goes in... have the fabricator put on another coat for you... or have him leave you some to do the following week... to give it some extra stain protection.

Use cutting boards... if you had a Corian/Solid Surface or Soap Stone you can effortlessly carve your name in the surface. People have used both forever...

So with that... good luck making a final decision... My favorite tops are the white based tops.... they are so fresh... especially with the espresso cabinetry you have!

Good luck!

First off thanks for all the great advice.

To those that think it's OK to have marble- (definitely depends on person) in general I have to say it shouldn't be in the kitchen, if you use it like a kitchen- spills, cleaning dishes, cast iron heavy pots, knives, moving small appliances out for diff meals etc.

I have a neighbor that put in Carrera Marble in 1995. It has all sorts of brownish yellow stains. Etching everywhere. All sorts of indents, knife marks etc especially where pots/pans can bang near the sink and stove. She said she is careful with things, uses cutting board etc. But she also has kids. This is one of the reasons I probably won't go with the Super White (Dolomite) I'll most likely choose a white granite or white quartZITE.

I don't really want to be super careful with my counters. I personally am a heavy cook, one of the reasons I went with darker cabinets because of oil staining etc.

notme, I think I might try something diff anyways like a lighter quartzite, or white granite like Ice white or White Delicitus. I'll post some other pics soon.

I really think superwhite and dolomite is gorgeous...just not as durable as I would like.... :(

newman1958, above sink I was thinking of doing a backsplash all the way to the ceiling. I might put in stainless steel, or espresso shelves so the backsplash above sink won't be too plain.

For Back splash I was thinking of white/off white or sea-foam green glass Subway tile. Also I haven't put in the dishwasher, range, drop down hood range (all stainless)

Any other ideas are greatly appreciated. I also like critiques.

I have to also mention the espresso cabinets do not photograph well. They are a bit dark, and they definitely suck the light out of my kitchen. I need to put in thing that are shiny or reflective (i think) to counter act this, which is why I was thinking glass tile backspalsh

another option was to have all glass/white backsplash and just stainless steel above sink...but I think that might be too trendy -a lot of people on houzz didn't like it when I posted this too (second pic here w/espresso counters)

perhaps since my wall above sink has no hood range or anything it might look like 'too much'?

i duno?

The idea for backsplash over sink would be awesome. It would give the appearance of a window.

If you're looking for information on anything kitchen related, come join us for breakfast and check out our free kitchen session every 2nd Saturday of the month: http://leichtnewyork.com/how-much-will-your-kitchen-cost-class-registration

Best of luck! Feel free to write us if you have any questions.

Yeah thanks newman, yeah I am now leaning towards a white glass tile like some of the above pics. To kind of replicate the look of a glass window. I really wish I had a window there but I

Anyways just an update the contractor stopped showing up and I think I overpaid him. He basically took my last payment and bounced in the middle of it...

I'm upset, but will figure this out. Lesson to self- never overpay a contractor they will have no incentive to complete the work and have no reason to finish a good job.

Right now I'm comparing different granites/ quartzites still and trying to figure out my backsplash. I'll have a little more time now since I have to figure this all out...

I know this is old but i I need topmost in case anyone else reads this later on. I just got a sample of Super white and tested lemon juice on it- it did NOT etch. I got another sample from another supplier and it did etch. i think it all depends on the lots.

I'm a sculptor, I actually carve this stuff with steel chisels and have done research on what rocks are, and why they are called what they are. Dolomite is a marble. The difference is it has magnesium in it. Magnesium is soft on its own, but when it binds with limestone (which is what all marbles are) it makes a very firm bond, so it can be harder than other marbles. I live near a dolomite formation. The lower part is black and it's thirsty, it soaks up my polish. Being a limestone, it's porous. The higher part of the formation is grey and polishes up nicer. That's the variation in one little formation, so if you're hearing different things about dolomite, it could be that they are all true. Granite is the hardest you're going to find, but are you worried about denting stone? Knives will leave scratches in marble, it's not as tough as steel. Don't cut on your counter tops. Even on granite, I would think you're endangering your finish. Getting stains on them is a bigger concern. You have to keep marble clean and polished, it is slightly porous and will stain. If you keep it polished and clean up spills immediately, you should never have a problem. Granite takes less care, it isn't porous, and it's harder.

From a quick search on the Internet: see below.

I went with Ceasarstone, color: Frosty Carina for white with grey veining and for super durability. The stuff is virtually non-destructible.

RE : DOLOMITE - The trend for white and gray lends itself to the typical Dolomite colors. Dolomites are often oversold as a marble that performs like granite. Unfortunately that is not quite right. dolomites are slightly harder than the average marble but are much softer than granite, therefore they can scratch. Also, although dolomites will hold up better than marble or calcite to acids and etching, they can still etch. Dolomites make a great looking countertop and can be used in the kitchen, bathrooms, etc., but don't expect the same performance as a harder stone like granite or quartzite. In terms of performance, you'd be better to think of dolomite as a marble.

Dolomite, also known as dolostone and dolomite rock, is a sedimentary rock composed primarily of the mineral dolomite. Dolomite is found in sedimentary basins worldwide. It is thought to form by the post depositional alteration of lime mud and limestone by magnesium-rich groundwater.

Dolomite, like most natural stones is porous and needs to be sealed to prevent staining. Although is performs better than true marble, It can scratch and etch, so be aware of the maintenance concerns before using in a kitchen

I'm thinking of buying White Macauba Quartzite. What do you all think will it be a good choice in regards to hold up like granite or should I start looking for something different.

Thanks.

Quartzite is the same hardness as granite. Crystals interlock. That's all I know about quartzite.

I made a comment to kmkane but don't see it now. Dolomite is marble, it just has magnesium in it. The term "marble" came from stone masons when a limestone, which is calcium carbonate, polished up to a shine; it was called marble. Marble is metamorphosed limestone. All limestones including dolomite will disappear in muriatic acid (I've done it) because they are calcium carbonate. As far as counter tops go it should be called marble so there is less confusion. Saying it's stronger than marble is just a salesman trying to sell it. Acids will stain it and it's barely stronger, if at all, depending on the formation it comes from.

Clay Workman - we saw your post - thanks, very informative. I just posted what I saw on the Internet - I'm no expert! Your post has even more info, and I'm going to assume there is still yet more to find. As dolomite/marble/any kind of rock has different properties, depending on where it comes from on the planet, people should research exactly what they are buying. No matter what, people definitely should do research before spending thousands of dollars on a counter top!

I just tested out our sample of super white "quartzite"... We put red wine, ketch-up, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and a slide of lemon. We left everything for about 5 minutes and wiped it off and saw very very very faint etching, you could only see it on one extreme angle. We left everything overnight and there were no stains, only etching. The worst etching was from the actual slice of lemon and you could see a faint out line. We also noticed that the grey parts didn't etch as much as the lighter areas, no clue why. We did the glass test and it easily scratched a glass bottle. I've been agonizing over this for a few days and would highly suggest getting a sample from the yard and doing your own experiment with what you would cook with. Only thing left for me to try is heat.

I tested staining/etching with ketchup, mustard, balsamic vinegar, bbq sauce, beets (raw and juicy), vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil and salad dressings (Catalina & Italian). I double checked with each stone yard (I had 3 seperate samples from different yards) and they all assured me they were not sealed.

I was amazed by the lack of staining! I did a 5 minute test (no staining, no etching), a 15 minute test (no staining, slight etching from plain vinegar & lemon juice), 2hr test (no staining, same etching as above, a little more prounced) and my overnight test (12hrs) actually turned into a 24hr test as I forgot about it!! Almost zero staining - the beets left a slight pink hue in a part that was chipped and no longer polished, but fine in the surrounding arreas! Etching was definitely worse. Salad dressings, lemon juice, and vinegar had major etching. Bbq sauce and olive oil left slight etching. All etching was only visible if you tilted your head to get the right angle. Surprisingly balsamic vinegar neither stained or etched!

Also the etching that appeared on the 15 minute tests pretty much entirely dissapeared by the next day. Not so for the 2hr test (maybe slightly?) And not at all for the 24hr test.

I also found the grey areas were much more resistant to etching. Which is good because we're more interested in the lots labelled as Arabescatto (darker) which has more grey and much more dark grey veining giving it more of a marble look. See the slab picture below.

Def dolomitic marble, not quartzite. Love the look. My bathroom has danby marble and I love the look but the etching is pretty annoying. That said, when you love the look of the stone, you can get past the etches. They are little stories. (:

Has anyone done a stain test on a sample that is sealed? Lauren Began
was your test on a sealed sample? I'm not as concerned with the etching as I'm going to get a honed slab, but I do like red wine and espresso.

Missaliss07 - don't know if this still matters but we got a sample yesterday of Fantasy Brown which is also dolomite (they didn't have samples of the Super White). I did an overnight test with lemon juice, red wine, ketchup, mustard, a tea bag, a coffee puddle, and a coffee ring. No idea if it's sealed but nothing stained, even after 12 hours. I did get etching from everything except the tea bag and the coffee ring but it's literally only visible if I hold it at the right angle to a strong light source.

A honed, leathered, or other non-shiny finish is the only way to go with these stones that tend to react to acids. You will still get some etching but because it's not shiny, it will be far less noticeable. I put a sample of fantasy brown through the ringer (not literally, of course), and it came through like a champ. I used a slice of lemon, a slice of lime, olive oil, red wine – which left a little bit of the stain that cleaned up easily with soft polish – vinegar, and a teabag. Of course, since it is fantasy *brown*, you could not tell where the teabag was. While I may not purchase that one, I am looking at several others and I am using the same method to test them out before I decide which one I want. I know that I don't want a shiny finish. I also know that I don't mind it developing some patina and character. No matter what you get, it will not stay perfect.

our dolomite counter was installed with a leather finish. it looks almost like plastic, so I think a shiny finish would look better. is it possible to have a dolomitecounter re-finished after install?

Looking for some assistance please! Got some beautiful countertops done was told it was quartzite turns out it's dolomite stuff that scratches like crazy. Does sealing make a big difference? Photo shows finished countertops. (Kitchen not complete)

I have the same question as Olen Holm. I like the leather finish, but I have a feeling we'll eventually get tired of it and want it refinished. Is it possible to refinish after install?

I've heard of having countertops rehoned in place so I'm fairly sure you can do it. But I'd be prepared for stone dust galore!

W&D, I don't think sealing makes any difference with scratching, just staining. We have sealed, honed Carrara and it doesn't stain at all but it does still etch and scratch.

It is used in sculpture. You may want to give it a try.

From,

Seth.

I have Super White on my island in the kitchen and have had very few problems. It's not as hard as granite, so it can chip if something heavy falls on it. I've had no issues with scratches. We had it sealed, so I have not had any issues with staining either. I have children and am still happy that I went with Super White. It's a beautiful stone.

Hi guys, going to post in a few places because I’m feeling a little confused/unsure. I got 2 samples of super white “quartzite” and tried testing them. The one that was sealed etched like crazy and the one that was unsealed looks totally fine. Is it just that they are different slabs? Or is it possible that it’s the sealer that got etched? Is that even a thing? Did any stone fabricators allow you to get a sample of your specific slab to test it before you 100% committing to it? Not sure where to go from here.

The white part of the super white is calcium so the more white, the more etching. At least that’s my understanding of it! We have Carrara so we deal with etches, although not nearly as much as some would have you believe. They’re worth it for the beauty of the stone in our opinion (they’re literally BARELY visible) but to each their own! Not sure if the sealer itself can watch but I would think not. Sealer doesn’t affect etching one way or the other. The sealed sample is gorgeous!! We loved SW too but it was way more expensive than the marble (we preferred marble anyway so it made it easier, but we did consider it since it’s a bit harder). Good luck!!

Found a fantastic deal on a remnant that is large enough for my island. Got a piece to test and put lemon juice, ketchup, grape juice and a cold glass of water on it- looks to be great. Can’t find anything that I like as much as this. Should I do it?!

Yes! It's beautiful!

Curious what is the going rate for these beautiful slabs?

@ktbruin mine is about $2kish for 116”x37” might be overpaying but it seemed like a good deal!

Will & Diana Henriquez Same thing happened to us, they lied to us. When I complaint that the stone was loosing the seal, they did "followed up" and they told me that the manufacturer was certain that it was quartzite. Well, they changed the name to dolomite in the store, website and the price listing. My installer will follow up since he referred us to this company

@intelinside1 i love the glass tile in the pic you posted with the pot filler. Any idea what brand/ style that is?

@fancyxx I think it’s actually a stainless steel tile so it’s more reflective. Sorry I don’t know the brand

We purchased what we were told to be "Super White quartzite. After noticing water marks we had the supplier come in and he told us that he actually sold us "Super White Dolomite marble and has no interest in changing this out. Has anyone found a prodiuct to remove water marks from this stone?

Tom, ask them to polish it. That is the least they can do. At that point get the gleen cloths with hot water.? and only use those.

Im a stone importer for a huge company and I can confirm this material is a dolomite marble. It is soft and will stain.

" Has anyone found a product to remove water marks from this stone?"

Yes, it's called MB11.

Tom Hughson, I suspected I didn't have granite like the stoneyard promised. I tried this product which stated it would not remove etch marks from granite and it worked very well. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08Y3K62RF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Which tells me that at best it's dolomite. But anyway now I can get the etch marks out!

We had dolomite installed in 2015. It’s started chipping after a year and now I’m much more aware on how counter fabricated use some type of apoxy used to fill in blemishes on stone. What a disaster! We are now installing quartz.