Quartzite Vs Quartz Countertops: Discover The Difference

Most people believe quartz and quartzite are identical because they sound and look similar. But these are different stones from the same classification of minerals. Quartz is the most common mineral in the world after feldspar. And quartzite refers to rocks and consists of various minerals, including graphite and feldspars.

Both stones are used for countertops but have significant differences in color and appearance. Quartz is more commonly used for countertops because it can be pigmented and is available in a much more comprehensive range of colors. Quartzite is also widely used for making countertops, but it comes only in natural colors, which depends on the deposit. The most popular colors are gray, white, and green.

As you can see, the difference between quartz and quartzite is pretty significant. Therefore, before choosing countertops, you need to analyze all the dissimilarities in detail.

Quartzite Vs Quartz Countertops

Quartzite and quartz are types of stone that can be used for countertops. The differences between quartz and quartzite are pretty substantial, particularly regarding appearance. They are commonly used because of their durability, heat resistance, and stain-repellent properties. But what is the difference between quartz and quartzite?

• Quartzite is a metamorphic rock, while quartz is a mineral. It comprises many minerals such as feldspar, mica, quartz, muscovite, and chlorite. These minerals give it a beautiful appearance that resembles marble or granite without the high price tag associated with those materials;
• Quartz is another type of natural stone that can be used as a countertop material. Though, regarding durability, quartz does not hold up entirely as well as other options, like granite or marble composite. It is because there is not much mineral content within it – just mostly pure silica.

Both materials are made from silicon dioxide or silica. They are formed when metamorphic rock is heated to high temperatures to create a new mineral structure. In general, quartzite tends to have more quartz.

As you can see, both stones are widely used for countertops. But when it comes to choosing quartz or quartzite, there is a pause because the choice requires time and studying the dissimilarities of these materials. So, what are the other differences between quartz and quartzite?

1. Quartzite Vs Quartz: Appearance

Quartzite. If you are looking for a countertop that looks like it was mined from a mountain, then you should consider quartzite as your material of choice. Quartzite is a stone created by nature. Therefore, it contains only natural components which make unique colors for countertops. The most popular shades of quartzite are gray and white, but they can also be of other colors, such as green, gold, or pink. 

Like any natural stone, quartzite has patterns that are formed from mining. They attract attention and make kitchen countertops more refined and unusual. Therefore, even with not a large selection of quartzite colors, the natural patterns give any quartzite countertop uniqueness and remain popular.

Quartz. Manufactured using an artificial process. This way, various materials, and crystals can be added there, giving the countertops any color. That is why people often make countertops from quartz if they want to make them a specific color. They can be from light to dark colors, choosing any shade. For example, white, purple, or pink. So, if the color of the countertop is important to you, you should choose quartz with an extensive color range.

If we talk about the design of the quartzite countertop, it generally has a smoother surface thanks to the transparent layer that protects the countertop from cuts. This way, the appearance of quartz becomes more aesthetic and attractive.

2. Quartzite Vs Quartz: Maintenance

Quartzite. The difference between quartz and quartzite maintenance is that quartzite requires more attentive care. Although the countertop made of this stone is less prone to scratches and dirt, it has a granular surface that is more difficult to maintain. Therefore, you need to avoid spilling liquid on such a countertop because its porous coating absorbs moisture, and stains appear as a result. To avoid this, you can cover quartzite with a particular transparent film. It prevents moisture penetration into the stone and protects it from severe contamination. This procedure should be done once or twice a year.

Generally, the care of quartzite countertops is very similar to that of granite. So, if you need to avoid stains or serious dirt, use methods for eliminating stains from granite. For this, you need a couple of drops of soap and a slightly damp microfiber cloth. And remember, if you do not want to harm your quartzite countertop, you must avoid abrasive agents.

Quartz. Caring for quartz countertops is easier. That is because they are made from resin-bonded quartz crystals and thus do not require as much maintenance as other natural countertop materials. The main thing is to avoid cuts, stains, and dirt, and then care will be simple for you. So, to restore the beautiful appearance of quartz, you need to use a microfiber cloth, warm water, and special means for wiping surfaces. To avoid more noticeable dirt, you can use soap, which should then be wiped with a dry microfiber cloth. In general, the maintenance of quartz does not require careful care, but sometimes you can make cuts that can not be removed. Therefore, using a wooden board to cut products is better to avoid such a situation.

3. Quartzite Vs Quartz: Durability

Quartzite can boast its durability as it is a metamorphic rock. And this stone is one of the firmest in the world. For this reason, it can be worn for a long time. This stone is resistant to sudden changes in temperature and solid cuts or impacts. So, the quartzite countertop will not be damaged even if you put a freshly heated pot or pan on it. Quartzite can withstand both boiling water and severe cold, so it retains its natural state even in the worst conditions. But even this fact can not permit you to use extreme temperatures on quartzite. Because sooner or later, even the firmest stone can deteriorate due to the sharp regular temperature change. So if you need to put a hot pan on a quartz surface, you can do it but not often.

Quartz. The durability of quartzite vs quartz countertops? What is better? It is the most common question that can be discussed for a long time. Because these two materials are durable, however, if we talk about quartz, we can say it is a powerful and hard stone. It is lighter than quartzite but also has a high level of strength.

Nevertheless, the fact that quartz is strong does not mean it is indestructible. Such a stone is more prone to light damage than severe damage. So quartz can be easily scratched or chipped, but it is difficult to dent or wholly split. It is all thanks to its solid composition and the mixing of different materials when creating a quartz countertop. Therefore, if you want to reduce the possibility of quartz damage from regular daily use, you should use cutting boards and not put too hot/cold objects on such a surface.

4. Quartzite Vs Quartz: Stain Resistance

Quartzite. In general, the resistance of quartzite to stains is high, but only if there is sealing. So, to prevent situations where you have spilled something on a quartzite surface and can’t clean it, seal your countertop. It helps to make the granular surface of the quartzite smoother and prevents the appearance of stains.

But if you left a stain on an unprotected quartzite surface, you are in for a laborious cleanup. Why? Because quartzite has a porous surface that requires appropriate care and prohibits using chemicals with aggressive substances. Therefore, dealing with stains on quartzite is a little more complex than on quartz, but it is possible. And it can be done with the help of specially selected products for the quartz surface.

Quartz. As we already know, quartz is a very firm material that is easy to care for. However, sometimes you may face such problems as spots on the quartz surface. It can happen when you spill something on a surface, do not clean it up for a long time, and let it dry. In such cases, any substances stick to the quartz, and it is difficult to avoid them. As a result, stains remain on the countertop and may be difficult to remove.

So, quartz countertops have their pros and cons. On the one hand, it is very resistant to stains, but on the other hand, they can still appear due to improper care. Therefore, to avoid such situations, try to clean quartz surfaces immediately. And it refers to quartzite countertops too.

5. Quartzite Vs Quartz: Cost

Quartzite countertop’s price is $80 to $210 per square foot. But the price may increase if you want a better type of stone and design. Also, to install a quartzite countertop, you need to use diamond blades, which also have a particular cost.

Quartz. They have prices from $65 to $150 per square foot. It is cheaper because the manufacture of quartz is more effortless, and its installation takes less time than quartzite. Therefore, the price of quartzite vs quartz countertops varies depending on the design. But basically, quartz is cheaper.

Summary

So, if you thought that quartzite and quartz have no dissimilarity, you can understand that the difference between quartz and quartzite is huge. Therefore, focus on their differences if you have questions about which material to choose. So you can decide what is more suitable for you and which stone you like best.

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