Quartzite: The Natural Stone You Need to Know
Bianco Superiore quartzite countertops by WilgusIQ.
THIS PAST YEAR, many customers came to WilgusIQ shopping for granite or quartz countertops and chose quartzite instead. Why are people falling in love with quartzite, and could it be right for your home? Scroll down or click to find the answer to that and the following questions:
Colorful Alexandrita quartzite countertop by WilgusIQ.
Is Quartzite Man-Made, or Is It Natural Stone?
Quartzite is natural, not engineered stone like quartz. Quartzite slabs are cut from solid rock and have the unique depth and dimension of living stone.
No two slabs are exactly alike, but many varieties of quartzite feature rich veining with plenty of flow. And although neutral tones predominate, the stone’s palette also includes shades of blue, green, red and gold.
Crytos quartzite kitchen by WilgusIQ.
Will Quartzite Scratch or Stain?
Quartzite scores a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, just ahead of granite. Countertop Specialty states: “Quartzite will not scratch, etch, or scorch from heat and rarely chips or pits. Simply put, it doesn’t get tougher than quartzite.”
Of course, no countertop is impervious to damage and that includes quartzite counters, but you will be hard-pressed to find a more durable top.
Is quartzite stain resistant? As many natural stone shoppers know, the question of stains is tied to porosity. The more porous the stone, the more spills it absorbs. How porous is quartzite?
“Quartzite has a range of porosities,” says Karin Kirk of the Natural Stone Institute. “Some, like Taj Mahal or Sea Pearl, have been highly metamorphosed and the minerals are bonded together tightly. White Macaubas and Calacatta Macaubas have been exposed to less intense pressure, so they are more porous and will benefit from sealing.”
So, depending on the kind of quartzite you choose, your countertops will naturally be more stain-resistant than other types of porous stone and will need to be resealed less often.
Tempest Quartzite Fireplace Surround and Wall
Can Quartzite be Used for Fireplaces and Outdoor Kitchens?
Considering its durability and ease of maintenance, quartzite is an excellent choice not only for kitchen countertops, but also for bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds and all manner of residential and commercial applications. Being naturally UV resistant, it is a perfect choice for outdoor kitchens.
Is Quartzite a Type of Marble? Will it Etch?
Although quartzite shares some of the same beautiful veining and colors as marble, it is not the same as marble. Period. Why, then, is there confusion about quartzite and marble?
In a word, mislabeling. Marble and dolomitic marble have at times been mislabeled as quartzite. This is often the case with the stone known as Super White. Other stones, such as Fantasy Brown, may have some layers of quartzite and others of marble and be mislabeled as “soft quartzite.” But, says Kirk, “There is only one kind of quartzite and it’s hard. A rock labeled as soft quartzite is most likely marble,” and slabs that combine both materials should be treated as marble.
What about reports of etching or heat marks on actual quartzite? As mentioned above, true quartzite does not etch and is highly heat resistant. Some slabs, however, are infused with resins to give them more pliancy or shine, and certain resins will react and discolor when exposed to acid or high heat. When shopping for quartzite it’s a good idea to ask if a slab has been infused with resin. Whether resin is present or not, taking simple precautions like cleaning up spills quickly and using hot pads or trivets should alleviate most concerns.
How Much Do Quartzite Countertops Cost?
Quartzite slabs generally have a higher starting price than granite and are on par with quartz. Unlike engineered quartz, quartzite stone supplies are finite and this may drive up the cost on exotic or rare varieties. Fabrication costs may also be higher than for marble or granite since, like the Countertop Investigator website points out, “as one of the hardest countertop materials available, [quartzite] can be difficult for anyone who isn’t accustomed to working with it to cut and finish.”
Fortunately, WilgusIQ has extensive experience in working with quartzite as well as the greater Springfield, Missouri, area’s best selection. We invite you to browse WilgusIQ’s quartzite selection, contact us with any questions or request a free quote.