Quartz and Quartzite — What’s the Difference?
If you’ve been recently looking through countertop choices, you’ve likely come across both quartz and quartzite options. Here, we’ll compare the two to show you exactly how they differ in material, aesthetics, price, durability, and required care so that you can make the better-informed decision for your taste and lifestyle.
Natural vs. Engineered
If you’re looking for a truly natural countertop, quartzite is the one. This natural metamorphic rock is created when sandstone endures extreme heat and pressure under the earth’s surface. The stone is then mined from a quarry and formed into slabs before being cut to form a countertop. Once formed, the stone is then polished and sealed and ready to be applied.
Quartz, on, the other hand, is engineered from natural silicon dioxide and synthetic materials. To create the countertop, the loose quartz is blended with resins and pigment.
Aesthetics
Quartzite tends to have a swirling effect that’s caused by the pressure during its formation. It is generally found in white to gray hues, but colourful tones are common too and are the result of iron oxide and other minerals in the stone. All the hues and colours you see are made from natural processes which make each quartzite countertop unique from another.
Quartz, on the other hand, is available in a wide range of colours because the pigment is added during the engineering process. However, it still gives the appearance of natural stone.
Price
Prices are very similar, but if you want a specific shape, then quartzite will cost you more. This is because they can be moulded to create any shape possible while using a process that requires more time and skill.
Durability
When you want the most durable material, quartzite comes out on top. It also withstands heat much better than quartz, but quartz is less prone to denting and chipping because it is more flexible than quartzite.
Care
If you want minimal maintenance, then quartz is the better option. It’s non-porous, so it doesn’t need to be sealed, in fact, it requires little to no care and wipes clean with a damp cloth. Quartzite requires a little more work to keep it looking beautiful in the long term. It will need to be sealed before use and then resealed periodically to protect it from wine and other stains. This is common among all natural stones as without a proper seal, stains can penetrate deep into the stone.
You can’t really go wrong with quartz or quartzite; they are both stunning options for your home. And despite their differences, they both provide the aesthetics and durability you need to wow your guests and to last decades. If you’re still unsure which one is right for you or if you would like to see samples, come talk to us at Granstone. We’re Ottawa’s top-rated professionals in countertops and kitchen & bathroom renovations.
