What Is the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite Countertops?
Quartz and quartzite may sound similar, but they have some key differences
Highlights
Quartz is a manmade stone, while quartzite is a natural stone.
Quartz is easier to maintain and less costly.
Quartzite is more durable and heat resistant; it requires sealant.
On your quest for the perfect countertop, you have probably come across quartz and quartzite, which are both popular options for kitchen countertop material. The two have many things in common, but they also have key differences when it comes to their composition, appearance, cost, durability, and maintenance. Knowing the differences between the two can help you choose the very best material for your kitchen and needs.
Quartz vs. Quartzite Countertops: Key Differences
The biggest difference between quartz and quartzite is that quartz is an engineered stone, whereas quartzite is a natural stone. While some people may want the natural beauty of quartzite counters, others turn to quartz for its easier maintenance requirements. And although quartz does not require regular sealing like quartzite, the latter is heat resistant, so you can put hot pots and pans on the counter without causing damage.
What Are Quartz Countertops?
So, what are quartz countertops? Quartz countertops are made from a combination of synthetic materials and natural stone, so they are also known as engineered countertops. Quartz slabs usually consist of around 90-94% ground quartz and 6-10% pigments and resins, which are used to bind and color the quartz grounds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More budget friendly | Less heat resistant |
| Comes in virtually any color | Less sustainable |
| Easier to maintain and more stain resistant | Indoor use only |
Best for:
Those looking for a low maintenance countertop
Busy families that cook often
Kitchens that require specific colors and designs
Pros of Quartz Countertops
Quartz can look like quartzite without the slightly higher cost.
You can find quartz counters in a wide range of colors and designs.
Quartz only requires basic cleaning and no sealant.
Cons of Quartz Countertops
They require coasters and trivets to avoid heat damage.
The quartz counter manufacturing process uses chemicals and dyes.
You cannot install quartz outdoors because it will warp or discolor.
What Are Quartzite Countertops?
A metamorphic rock, quartzite naturally occurs below the Earth's surface when chert (a sedimentary rock) or sandstone with abundant quartz in it experiences high pressure and heat. Typically, quartzite comprises 90-99% quartz grains. These grains are bonded together by the mineral silica, making quartzite an entirely natural material.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More durable | More costly |
| Heat resistant | Limited color options |
| More sustainable than quartz | High maintenance |
Best for:
Those looking for a beautiful natural stone countertop
Anyone who wants a durable stone counter that does not etch easily
Outdoor kitchen spaces
Pros of Quartzite Countertops
You will not have to worry about food stains on quartzite counters.
You can put hot pots and pans on the countertop.
Quartzite is natural and therefore more sustainable than quartz.
Cons of Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite costs a little more than quartz counters.
Since it is a natural stone, you have to choose from fewer color options.
It requires regular sealing and proper cleaning.
Quartz vs. Quartzite Countertops
These are the most important factors to keep in mind when choosing between quartz and quartzite countertops, as well as the ones we consider to be the best choice in various categories.
Appearance: Quartzite
Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and design choices. And while manufacturers do a great job of creating quartz counters that mimic natural stone or other materials, the discerning eye will be able to tell the difference.
Quartzite slabs offer the raw beauty that only natural stone countertops can provide. These counters retain the granular texture of the rocks from which they were formed.
Options and Customizations: Quartz
Because it is easy to add pigments to quartz slabs, these countertops come in virtually any color and design. This makes them ideal for anyone looking for a precise hue to elevate their aesthetic. While you may opt for quartz counters that look like quartzite or other natural stones, there are quartz options that look like wood and concrete.
On the other hand, quartzite is completely made of natural materials, so there are not as many variations in color. But there are still plenty of options to choose from. There are many different types of quartzite, such as Taj Mahal, Calcutta Lux, Perla Venata, and more. You will find quartzite in colors ranging from white, gray, and even blue hues, with some slabs having pink and red veins due to iron oxide found in the stone.
Durability: Quartzite
The Mohs Hardness Scale is used to measure how resistant a mineral is to being scratched. The scale ranges from one to 10, with 10 being the hardest. Quartzite typically falls between seven and eight on the scale, while quartz is usually a seven, making quartzite slightly more scratch resistant than quartz. Both materials are fairly hard, though, so you do not have to worry too much about accidentally nicking them with a sharp object.
The resin used to bind quartz, however, can interact with food acids, so if you chop vegetables on it or let food sit on it for too long, you may see acid erosion that looks like permanent dull white spots. Quartzite does not have this issue.
Heat Resistance: Quartzite
Quartzite is more heat resistant than quartz. Quartzite is so heat resistant, in fact, that you can put hot pans and dishes directly on the countertop without damaging it. Resin, which is used in the binding process of quartz, usually melts at around 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, if you put a hot pan or dish on it, you run the risk of permanently damaging your countertop.
Price: Quartz
The cost of quartzite vs. quartz is similar, with quartzite being just slightly more expensive. The cost of quartz countertops ranges between $60 to $150 per square foot, while quartzite costs $70 to $200 per square foot.
Quartzite must be custom-cut into usable slabs with a diamond blade, which is a more expensive process. In contrast, quartz can simply be poured into a mold and baked into any size slab that is needed.
Ease of Installation/DIYability: Quartz
Both quartz and quartzite require skilled and professional installation. They are both very heavy slabs, with quartz weighing 20 to 25 pounds per square foot, while quartzite is around 20 pounds per square foot. Either way, your slab can easily weigh over 1,000 pounds depending on the size of your counters.
In addition to the weight, both materials are difficult to cut. Handling quartzite requires more care and expertise, however, as it is a natural stone. If you want either of these counter types in your kitchen, hire a countertop installer near you.
Ease of Repair/DIYability: Quartz
Common repairs to your quartz counters like fixing small cracks and chips are fairly DIY-friendly. You can get color-matched epoxy kits to fix the damage. Repairing quartzite, on the other hand, can be more difficult to do yourself. The process requires you to apply color-matched epoxy filler, sand down with diamond pads, and finish by polishing the surface.
Maintenance: Quartz
One of the main advantages of quartz countertops is how easy they are to maintain. Unlike quartzite, quartz countertops are nonporous without sealant, so they are much more resistant to stains, moisture, and microbes. This material can still stain a bit, however, so it is important to clean up spills as they happen.
Quartzite in its raw form is a highly porous material, which will absorb liquids, microbes, and stains unless sealed with wax, acrylic, or polyurethanes. And while this sealant is fairly effective in preventing stains, it typically needs to be replaced one or two times per year. If you go too long without adding more sealant, then your quartzite countertops can be easily stained, especially if you do not clean up countertop messes quickly.
Length of Life: Quartzite
Quartz countertops have a lifespan of 30 to 100 years, while quartzite counters can last a little longer with proper care. For example, if you tend to manage a busier household, then your quartz countertops may end up lasting longer because it can be easy to forget about regularly sealing your quartzite counters.
Eco-Friendliness/Sustainability: Quartzite
If eco-friendliness is a big factor in your decision, then you might go with quartzite. Although there are environmental impacts to quarrying quartzite from the earth, this material overall is more environmentally friendly. This is because the manufacturing process for quartz requires different chemicals and dyes, all of which produce unnatural byproducts.
ROI and/or Resale Value: Tie
Both quartz and quartzite offer high ROI ranging from around 60% to 80%. If you are looking to install either countertop and plan to sell your home in the near future, then you might go with quartz since it is a more universally liked material for its easy maintenance and high durability.