- By Toney
- In Uncategorized
Topsy Turvy – The head-Turning yet, dizzying decision: Quartz vs, Quartzite ….and Other Natural Stone
If your head spins when choosing countertops, you’re not alone. Here’s a clear, apples-to-apples rundown.
Quartz (engineered)
- What it is: Ground natural quartz + resins and pigments, pressed into slabs.
- Look & feel: Consistent patterns and colors; great for modern, clean-lined kitchens.
- Performance: Non-porous, highly stain-resistant, low maintenance (no sealing). Good scratch resistance; moderate heat tolerance—use trivets.
- Watchouts: Prolonged UV can discolor; resins can be damaged by high heat.
- Typical installed cost: Mid to upper mid ($70–$120+/sq ft, varies by brand/edge/fabricator).
Quartzite (natural)
- What it is: Metamorphic sandstone hardened by heat/pressure.
- Look & feel: Often marble-like veining with the hardness of granite; each slab is unique.
- Performance: Very hard and heat-resistant; better with knives and pots than quartz. Needs periodic sealing; lighter colors can darken when wet until dry.
- Watchouts: Some stones sold as “soft quartzite” behave more like marble—verify with your fabricator.
- Typical installed cost: Upper mid to premium ($90–$170+/sq ft depending on rarity and complexity).
Granite (natural)
- Pros: Durable, heat-friendly, wide color range; takes a polish or leathered finish nicely.
- Cons: Requires sealing; some patterns show seams.
- Cost: Broad mid range ($60–$120+/sq ft).
Marble (natural)
- Pros: Timeless beauty; cool touch ideal for baking.
- Cons: Softer; etches with acids (lemon, wine) and can stain—embrace patina or use it selectively.
- Cost: Mid to premium ($70–$150+/sq ft).
Soapstone (natural)
- Pros: Non-porous, heat-proof, wonderfully tactile; darkens to a rich charcoal.
- Cons: Softer—shows wear (which many love); periodic mineral oiling if you like an even tone.
- Cost: Mid to upper mid ($70–$120+/sq ft).
Bottom line:
- Want bulletproof + low maintenance + uniform look → Quartz.
- Want natural uniqueness + heat toughness → Quartzite (verify hardness).
- Value classic durability + variety → Granite.
- Crave old-world elegance and accept patina → Marble.
- Prefer warm, matte character → Soapstone.
Pair any choice with skilled fabrication, good sealing (for naturals), cutting boards, and trivets—and your head will stop spinning every time you walk into the kitchen.
