What’s the Difference Between Quartzite and Quartz Countertops?
Weigh the pros and cons of these popular kitchen countertop materials
Marie Flanigan
June 29, 2019
Houzz Contributor. Marie Flanigan is an award winning interior designer whose passion and achievements in design have positioned her as one of the nation’s best. With roots and education in architecture and over a decade of design experience, Marie’s strength lies in the integration of interior and structure. Her trademark style is evident through the sophisticated use of texture, color, and light, and every home she designs receives her personal signature of timeless elegance and innovative simplicity.
Houzz Contributor. Marie Flanigan is an award winning interior designer whose passion... More
The subtle differences between quartzite and quartz seem to befuddle everyone from design-savvy clients to industry experts. Some people even use the names interchangeably, which is a huge mistake because it only adds to the confusion. Each material has its pros and cons, so educating yourself on the facts is important, especially if you are considering either of these beauties for your home improvement project. A quartz versus quartzite showdown is well overdue, so let’s dive in.
What Is Quartzite?
Quartzite is a natural stone that is extracted from the earth, just as marble, limestone or soapstone are quarried.
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Quartzite is a natural stone that is extracted from the earth, just as marble, limestone or soapstone are quarried.
Find a local kitchen and bathroom designer on Houzz
What Is Quartz?
Quartz, or engineered quartz, is manmade. It’s composed of roughly 90 percent ground quartz (the actual mineral), with the remaining 10 percent being a mixed cocktail of resins, polymers and pigments that varies by manufacturer.
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Quartz, or engineered quartz, is manmade. It’s composed of roughly 90 percent ground quartz (the actual mineral), with the remaining 10 percent being a mixed cocktail of resins, polymers and pigments that varies by manufacturer.
Shop for kitchen countertop materials
Why Should You Care About the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite?
The difference between the two translates to discrepancies in form and function. Quartzite and quartz both offer durability. In fact, each outperforms granite in terms of hardness. However, you will definitely want to consider the factors that follow before you decide on your new kitchen or bathroom countertops. (Can you guess which material our firm selected for this kitchen? Hint: Our client wanted to go au naturale.)
The difference between the two translates to discrepancies in form and function. Quartzite and quartz both offer durability. In fact, each outperforms granite in terms of hardness. However, you will definitely want to consider the factors that follow before you decide on your new kitchen or bathroom countertops. (Can you guess which material our firm selected for this kitchen? Hint: Our client wanted to go au naturale.)
Variation vs. Uniformity
Because quartzite comes directly from Mother Nature, it displays infinite variation in color and pattern, meaning no two slabs are exactly the same.
Because quartzite comes directly from Mother Nature, it displays infinite variation in color and pattern, meaning no two slabs are exactly the same.
Meanwhile, quartz attempts to replicate those distinct characteristics, such as veining. Technology is always advancing, and engineered materials are getting harder to distinguish from the real deal. But because quartz is produced in a controlled manner on a large scale, at some point patterns emerge and repetition happens.
Conversely, bold markings like veins can be removed entirely from quartz, and the end result is a more consistent and uniform appearance.
What Color Countertop Should You Choose?
What Color Countertop Should You Choose?
Heat Resistance vs. Stain Resistance
In addition to hardness, most people are concerned with whether a stone will resist heat and staining over time, especially if you’re talking about an enthusiastic entertainer or a bustling family with young children.
Quartzite wins in terms of heat resistance, making it a prime candidate for kitchens. (No worries if you happen to set that hot pan down for a moment on the counter next to your stove.)
In addition to hardness, most people are concerned with whether a stone will resist heat and staining over time, especially if you’re talking about an enthusiastic entertainer or a bustling family with young children.
Quartzite wins in terms of heat resistance, making it a prime candidate for kitchens. (No worries if you happen to set that hot pan down for a moment on the counter next to your stove.)
On the other hand, the density of quartz makes it more able to combat stains than its fully organic counterpart. Which means you can opt for solid white quartz in the kitchen and won’t need to fret over any of those inevitable messes and spills.
A case can be made for either material, so it is helpful to think through the way you envision yourself using and maintaining the space to determine your highest priority. Our clients loved the pretty look and high performance of Taj Mahal quartzite in their kitchen so much that they carried it into their butler’s pantry wet bar, shown here.
Of course, it is always recommended that you seal any slab to protect it from everyday use. (This lovely waterfall island and gleaming backsplash is made from quartzite.)
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Find a kitchen and bathroom remodeler on Houzz
Etching vs. Scratching
Etching is not staining. It’s almost like an added layer of patina that shows up in high-traffic areas or under certain lighting. For example, etching can appear as discoloration that looks like dark water spots next to your sink even after the droplets have dried. Lucky for us, neither quartz nor quartzite are prone to etching, so both have become a popular choice for bathroom vanities. Judging by this gorgeous dark quartz countertop installation, it’s not hard to see why.
Etching is not staining. It’s almost like an added layer of patina that shows up in high-traffic areas or under certain lighting. For example, etching can appear as discoloration that looks like dark water spots next to your sink even after the droplets have dried. Lucky for us, neither quartz nor quartzite are prone to etching, so both have become a popular choice for bathroom vanities. Judging by this gorgeous dark quartz countertop installation, it’s not hard to see why.
Again, quartz was used throughout this bathroom as both the vanity top and the tub deck. Splash it everywhere (literally), and ease your mind. No etching here.
As far as scratches are concerned, remember those beautiful veins and the broad range of colors quartzite offers? Those features can be super helpful in disguising imperfections. And at the end of the day, quartzite is indeed more scratch-resistant than quartz. This lovely island from Aria Stone Gallery has us ready to dig right in.
The more uniform surface of quartz can make any abnormality (like a deep scratch) stand out. But, since it’s unlikely that items like hairbrushes would be hard enough to cause any noticeable damage, it was a safe, serene and soothing choice here.
Browse vanity tops in the Houzz Shop
Browse vanity tops in the Houzz Shop
Specialty Applications
So, what do you think? Are you a fan of quartzite or quartz? Perhaps the examples that follow will sway you one way or the other. These specialty applications demonstrate that you can think outside the “countertop” box and use these versatile materials in lots of surprising ways. For instance, the entire wall in this stunning bathroom is covered with Blue Macaubas quartzite. Wow!
So, what do you think? Are you a fan of quartzite or quartz? Perhaps the examples that follow will sway you one way or the other. These specialty applications demonstrate that you can think outside the “countertop” box and use these versatile materials in lots of surprising ways. For instance, the entire wall in this stunning bathroom is covered with Blue Macaubas quartzite. Wow!
Or check out this integrated quartz sink. Creating an apron-front sink from the same material as the surrounding countertops is an effective way to achieve a streamlined and consistent look.
Did you know that quartz and quartzite can also be used to create fireplace surrounds? This living room features a quartz surround, and the way it blends so effortlessly with the other architectural details of the space is the epitome of understated elegance.
For something really extraordinary, hang a stone slab as artwork. (You’ll need a wall that can support the weight.) A natural stone, like the quartzite shown above, makes for a bold statement with its unique veining and uncommon colors. But if you’re aiming for a more modernist, abstract piece, manmade quartz would work too.
Finally, even after you’ve done your research, it’s always a good idea to consult your designer or the professionals at your local stone supplier showroom. They know all the nitty-gritty details and can help you decide which material is most appropriate for your unique lifestyle and home.
Differences Between Quartz and Quartzite
Quartz
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Differences Between Quartz and Quartzite
Quartz
- Pros: Durable; can come in solid colors for a more uniform look; very stain resistant; not prone to etching
- Cons: Because it’s an engineered product, sometimes pattern repetition occurs; not as heat resistant or scratch resistant as quartzite
- Pros: Durable; because it’s a natural stone, there is infinite variation in color and pattern (no two slabs are the same); very heat resistant; not prone to etching; more scratch resistant than quartz
- Cons: Not as stain resistant as quartz
More on Houzz
Kitchen Counters: Quartzite Offers Strength and Beauty
Why I Chose Quartz Countertops in My Kitchen Remodel
Your Guide to 15 Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
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Could you explain your primary disagreements with the information- that would be helpful- thanks!
This is part of a waiver that we use and it explains the many issues with quartzite...
Quartzite- Quartzites are extremely popular due to their marble-like appearance and granite-like properties which makes it ideal for several applications. Quartzites are composed predominantly of natural quartz making it harder than granite and resistant to heat and scratches. Occasionally, some Quartzites can have trace amounts of calcium carbonate which can cause localized etching. You can help prevent this by cleaning up anything acidic, such as lemon juice or tomato juice, right away. Quartzites are hot right now and quarries are introducing new materials everyday. Many of these are materials that don’t have much history in the fabrication world so we are all learning as we go. Some quartzite materials suck up a lot of water during fabrication and can take some time to dry out. Quartzite also requires special sealers and more applications of sealer, because of this it commonly takes more time to fabricate and install. Some quartzites darken during fabrication and do not return to their original color. Sometimes we see darkening along natural fissure lines too. Many quartzites are given an acid bath at the quarry to make them as light and bright as possible but these acid baths can cause voids in the stone where water can settle and water spots can appear after fabrication and installation. Anyone considering quartzite should be aware that we cannot offer any guarantees that the installed material will look like the originally selected material.
@Kerri Byrne. My understanding is that quartzite is a natural stone that is mined directly with no further processing. What is this fabrication to which you refer?