Countertop Inspiration: Quartz or Quartzite?
Get inspired for your own countertops with these two beauties!
Would you have been able to tell which of these countertops was quartz and which was quartzite if I hadn’t identified it below each photo? If not, you’re not alone! So, what’s the difference then? Is there a difference?
Yes - believe it or not, quartz and quartzite are two very different materials.
Quartz is a man-made product; many manufacturers make quartz slabs, including (a few of my favorites) Cambria, Caesarstone, Pental Quartz, and Silestone. In general, quartz slabs are made up of quartz dust/pieces (quartz is one of the most readily available natural resources), bound by resin, which is a non-porous binder, which is what gives quartz its durability and antimicrobial characteristic. Liquids don’t penetrate resin, so quartz is more stain resistant than most natural stones and doesn’t need to be sealed regularly to protect it. Quartz is your maintenance-free countertop option!
Quartz countertop on a vanity
Quartzite is a natural stone with a density greater than granite, which means this stone is tough as nails! Quartzite is as beautiful as it is strong, and because it’s a natural stone, each slab is different and unique, and you have very little control over the location and size of the veins, fractures, and pattern.
You can work with your contractor or fabricator to request certain aspects of your slab be more visible than other pieces, but this may require purchasing additional material if certain slabs have less desirable areas. The other thing to note about quartzite is its fractures - this is one of the natural elements that make it beautiful, but it can be tricky when fabricating.
The fractures are quartz grains that become tightly intergrown over thousands of years and produce a great amount of depth and light refraction (think pretty colors when light hits it), it’s what makes the slabs look so amazing, but if the fractures are large, then they can cause chips in the edge of the countertop. This can be avoided during fabrication but should be something to be aware of, as it could require an additional slab. Quartzite is denser than granite, which is even more durable than granite. It is a natural stone, so sealing yearly or so is usually recommended to protect it.
Quartzite countertop on a vanity
There you have it! Two of the most popular countertop materials, both beautiful and strong.
Which do you prefer? Do you have questions about either of these materials? Let me know in the comments below!
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