Quartzite has quickly risen from obscurity to become one of the most popular surfaces for homeowners. And for good reason: it naturally resists scratching and chipping, and can be found in a variety of beautiful shades that resemble marble (an ever-popular but higher maintenance option).

So what makes quartzite different? We’ll break down why quartzite is such a durable material for your home, and what makes it unique from other stones.

Quartzite Basics

Allow us to introduce you. Quartzite is:

• A 100% natural stone.

• Frequently used for residential countertops and vanities.

• The result of quartz sandstone that has been transformed into a very hard material after undergoing extreme heat and pressure related to tectonic compression

• Not the same as engineered quartz (more on this later!)

How is Quartzite Different from Other Stones?

Quartzite is very hard – which makes it an ideal work surface, but also harder to extract from the ground.

For that reason, it’s traditionally been quarried less than softer stones like sandstone and marble. At least, until recently. Ss technology improves, we’re better able to collect this beautiful stone safely, and use it for residential and commercial applications.

Quartzite is known for being hard and durable. Conveniently, it also perfectly fits in with today’s interior design trends, as it tends to have luxurious white and cream tones. It’s easy to maintain, since it’s very hard and doesn’t easily absorb liquds and spills. And as long as it’s sealed after installation, quartzite can make for a very long-lasting and visually striking countertop or kitchen island.

But how does it stack up with better-known surface materials?

• Engineered Quartz vs. Quartzite:

They share a similar name, but engineered quartz and quartzite are two very different materials.

Engineered quartz countertops are actually a man-made product and are not considered “natural”: they do include ground quartz stone, but are also made up of binding resins. Quartzite, on the other hand, is a 100% natural stone. Every slab is unique since it is truly a product of nature.

Aesthetically, this means that engineered quartz slabs tend to have consistent coloration throughout the material. There’s not much variation between quartz slabs, since they’re all produced in a factory setting, and are made to look the same. And because quartz is a manufactured material, quartz countertops can be found in an endless array of colors, from those that mimic natural tones to vibrant reds and blues.

In contrast, quartzite slabs are a product of nature: each one is unique, with its own veining and texture formed over hundreds of years in the earth. Quartzite tends to have a soft, translucent look that cannot be replicated by man-made products.

Both engineered quartz and natural quartzite are highly durable surface materials for any home; but for those looking for the beauty of a natural stone, quartzite can’t be matched.

• Granite vs. Quartzite

Both granite and quartzite are very hard, durable, natural stones. Both granite and quartzite countertops are typically sealed upon installation, since they are somewhat porous and may absorb stains over time if left un-sealed. They’re long-lasting and easy to clean.

The most noticeable difference between granite and quartzite is that quartzite, a metamorphic stone, tends to have a lighter, more translucent look than most granites. This aesthetic feature makes it an appealing option to homeowners who love the look of marble, but not the upkeep.

Is Quartzite Worth The Cost?

Quartzite tends to be priced higher than the lowest-cost granite and engineered quartz colors. This is due to its demand as a visually appealing and durable natural stone, and also to the difficulty of mining quartzite from the ground.

But for those who are hoping to make a long-term investment in their kitchen or bathroom, quartzite is one of the best options out there. It’s undeniably one of the most aesthetically beautiful stones, with a unique depth and movement that simply can’t be produced by machines. And thanks to its durability, you can count on quartzite to look beautiful for decades, with minimal elbow grease on your part.

Our verdict? Quartzite is worth every penny. Natural stone never goes out of style, and a quartzite countertop, island, or vanity will add lasting value to your home.

Mercury Quartzite

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