Quartz vs. Quartzite – What is the Difference Between the Two Countertops?

Quartz and Quartzite… judging by the names, they probably seem like the same thing, right? Well, you might be surprised to find that these two materials are actually quite different.

The biggest difference between quartz and quartzite is that quartz is a synthetic material, while quartzite is a natural stone. A quartzite countertop starts as sandstone, which, under a natural process of heat and pressure, fuses with sparkling quartz crystals to form quartzite.

Quartzite usually comes in shades of white or light gray, but the minerals in the stone can lend pink, golden, or reddish-brown hues.

A quartz countertop, on the other hand, is made with the same quartz crystals as quartzite, but an artificial process bonds the crystal with resins, pigments, and other materials like glass fragments. This process results in an extremely durable, non-porous countertop material available in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Aside from the different compositions of these two materials, the stylistic differences are also quite striking. Quartzite is often confused with marble or granite, as it has the delicate veining of marble and a similar coloration and pattern to certain granites. Those who are looking for a natural look with a lot of movement might prefer a quartzite countertop.

Quartz, on the other hand, can be designed to look like any stone and is available in many different shades and patterns. If you have a specific color in mind or want a consistent pattern throughout your slab, a quartz countertop is likely a better fit for your home.

Another big difference between quartz and quartzite is the maintenance routine and durability of each material. The bonding process makes quartz extremely durable because it helps extract air, making quartz a hard surface that is non-porous and therefore resistant to chipping, scratching, and bacteria.

Quartzite is a fairly hard stone, but it is less dense than quartz and can be prone to staining easily in high-use areas like the kitchen. Quartzite must be sealed to prevent staining, while quartz requires almost no maintenance.

So, if you like a plethora of choices and a reliable, consistent look for your countertops, or perhaps you’re looking for a durable material that won’t break the bank, quartz might be exactly what you need.