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Are Quartzite Countertops Right For You?
Quartz and quartzite are two extremely popular countertop material choices among homeowners in Denver, CO. They are also the most confusing. People see “quartz,” assume it is short for “quartzite,” and decide they must be the same material. What they often say about making assumptions is true here, as quartzite and quartz are two different materials.
Understanding the difference between the two materials and learning more about quartzite will help you decide which countertop material suits your needs.
Quartzite Vs. Quartz: Understanding the Difference
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock created naturally. Quartz, on the other hand, is a manmade (engineered) countertop material. So, the big question is: Do you want something natural or something manmade?
Appearance: There is no way to gauge whether quartzite or quartz countertops will offer more beauty to your kitchen or bathroom. Beauty is subjective and based on opinion. Quartzite is typically somewhere between white and gray. The material’s pink and red hues are produced by iron oxidation in the stone. Hues of green, blue, yellow, and orange in quartzite exist when there are other minerals present. As a manmade material, pigment additions allow the quartz to be available in almost every color. One big difference in the appearance of granite and quartzite is that granite usually has dark specks while quartzite does not.
Durability: Quartzite countertops offer more strength and durability than granite countertops. While quartz is a hard material too, it isn’t at hard as quartzite. Quartzite is a seven on the Mohs Hardness Scale, whereas granite is slightly lower at about 6.5
Pros of Quartzite Countertops
If you opt for white quartzite countertops, you get to enjoy the strength of granite and the appearance of marble. Many homeowners enjoy quartzite countertops because this material allows you the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds when it comes to natural stone. A fun fact some people do not know about quartzite is that it is resistant to UV rays. This makes it the perfect countertop material for an area exposed to a lot of sunlight since you don’t have to worry about fading. It is also perfect for countertops in an outdoor space.
Maintenance
Maintenance is important to extend the life of countertops, regardless of the material used. Quartzite is a very low-maintenance material. Beyond sealing it due to its porousness, all you must do is to keep it clean. You don’t have to worry about buying expensive specialty cleaners – soap and warm water do the trick. However, make sure that you use a pH-balanced soap. If you clean up any spills as soon as they happen, your new quartzite countertops will stay beautiful for a long time.
The Cons of Quartzite
To make an informed decision when choosing a countertop material, you should learn about the negative aspects of each material. Quartzite is among the numerous surface materials that can’t handle sharp knives. This can be remedied by always using a cutting board. It’s also important to use potholders when placing hot pans on top of it due to its low heat tolerance.
The Cost
At first glance, the cost of quartzite might be slightly higher than options other than stone. Although laminate or wood is cheaper, neither beat the look of a quality stone like quartzite. Compared to other stones like granite, the price is about the same, with more exotic quartzite costing more. The thickness of the quartzite also affects the price. When you go over your needs with one of our associates, we will try to find an option that fits your budget.
The Importance of Using a Reputable Fabricator
True quartzite will not etch when exposed to acidic foods. Unfortunately, some stone yards are dishonest about their quartzite, mislabeling it purposely. It’s all too common to buy a slab of quartzite only to find out the hard way that it’s actually marble. The only two ways to know for sure that you’re buying quartzite is to test it with acidic food like a tomato and to scratch a glass tile along its corner. If it’s truly quartzite, it won’t etch, but it will scratch the glass. Another red flag to watch out for is quartzite labeled as “soft.” With its high hardness rating, there is no such thing as soft quartzite.
When you buy from a reputable fabricator like Granite Direct, you can rest assured you’re getting exactly what you ask for. We get our slabs directly from the quarries and are always honest about our products.
If you want beautiful countertops that are durable, low maintenance, and affordable, you should consider quartzite. Stop by today to view our inventory and discuss your options.