Quartzite countertops.
The look of marble with the toughness of granite. Quartzite is the natural stone for people who want veining and a kitchen they can use hard.
What quartzite is
Quartzite starts as sandstone and is transformed by heat and pressure into a dense, very hard stone made almost entirely of quartz. Taj Mahal is one of the best-known quartzites.
Where it works best
Kitchen countertops and islands where you want a marble look without the etching, plus vanities, wall cladding and outdoor work. True quartzite handles heat and scratches as well as granite does.
The dolomite catch
Some stones sold as quartzite, or as soft quartzite, are actually dolomite or marble. They look similar but are softer and can etch. Before you buy, ask us to look at the slab. A simple scratch and etch test at the yard tells you which one you are getting.
Care and sealing
Warm water and a mild detergent. Quartzite is usually less porous than granite but should still be sealed, typically every 6 to 12 months.
Questions about quartzite
Is quartzite the same as quartz?
No. Quartzite is a natural stone quarried in slabs. Quartz countertops are engineered from crushed quartz bound with resin.
Is quartzite more expensive than granite?
Often, yes, particularly the marble-like varieties. Because we do not mark up your slab, you see exactly what the stone costs at the supplier.
