Here is what to know when selecting a quartzite countertop. I have a feeling not many outside of the building and design communities have heard a lot about Quartzite. Quartzite stone is less talked about on the consumer level than granite, marble and quartz for countertop and all other surfacing selection choices. Considering it’s strength, durability and aesthetic beauty, its curious exclusion may boil down to display and promotion in showrooms, and in industry news, along with its more challenging availability than other more dominant stone choices.
Though less mentioned in modern times, it was the primary countertop stone used a century ago. It can be found all over the world but the most popular sources in terms of aesthetic beauty can be found in India and Brazil.
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock, altered by energy such as pressure and heat, that has been formed from sandstone with quartz moving in to fill in the empty grains and pores, naturally. Pure quartzite embodies a shade scale between white to grey for color, resembling a soapy Carrara marble, but the unique minerals, impurities, pressure and angels for each rock bed deliver a wide array of abnormal shades and patterns.
It also has a more ‘glassy’ appearance than other more common stone choices and is enormously popular for those designers and artisans who seek luxury and upscale surfacing options for their projects and installations. It can have that artist’s edge and bold drama element to it. If you are seeking something that is both highly efficient and aesthetically powerful, you need to consider this stone for a wide variety of projects. For the more traditional and subtle, you will find plenty of slabs and tiles that fit that aesthetic too.
QUARTZITE 101
One of the biggest benefits of using quartzite in countertops is the wide array of colors not replicated by other natural stones like granite and marble. Quartzite is remarkably porous (takes stains better than most countertops), and it usually requires little uptake from the homeowner to keeps it’s brilliant sheen and shine. It is exceptionally durable, matched to concrete and surpassing granite, but unlike these materials lack of tolerability, quartzite rarely cracks or breaks. It has the look of marble but will not etch with water or anything acidic (I.e. food, beverage, cleaning products) like other more porous stones. On the Mohs test scale, that measures how hard a material is, it has been given a hardness reading of 8.5, ranking harder than glass but can readily also be cut. Comparatively, granite measures between 6 and 6.5.
Another fun attribute? Quartzite is extremely porous and will absorb both stains to deepen or alter the naturally color intensive patinas and thoroughly absorb protectants sealants. Quartzite requires little upkeep from the homeowner to keeps it’s brilliant sheen, color and shine. Polish once a year to maintain its natural (or altered) beauty and provide basic cleaning maintenance. You are good to go for the long haul.
QUICK FACTS:
- Quartzite will not etch from acids (lemon juice & vinegar).
- Not all Quartzite is made equal some are more porous than others. Popular choice Taj Mahal is bonded tightly together. White & Calacatta Masaubas are more porous and benefit from sealing.
- Hardness zone 7 out of 10. While marble is a 3 and granite a 6 on the scale.
This quick 2 minute video gives a great overview! Take a look.
So, there has to be some cons with this stone right? Well sure. For one, it is more search intensive to locate a wide variety of patterns and colors in different U.S. regions to select from. Whatever you desire can still be found but shipping costs will add to the already higher cost of this stone over others. Slab costs vary, depending on uniqueness of the stone and available quantity. If you have your heart set on a particular color and pattern, you may have to wait for the next dig. Expect to pay twice that of granite but many specifiers will testify they have found great deals bringing costs down to what granite would cost. You have to be dedicated, especially if you fall in love with a particular stone and its source.
It’s heat resistant level is not up to par with other countertops like granite and concrete. It is still rated very high but if you are someone who likes to use your countertops as your pot and pan transitioning space, you may want to reconsider. If you do burn or mar the top, it can be polished down but you will need to add a poly filler and will need to remember not to repeat habits or it can be costly.
Keep it out of direct sunlight to protect depth and unified color. Changes will not be sudden but over time, as with many other stones, it can fade. For those looking to provide countertops themselves, you will find quartzite to be a rather heavy and unforgiving material to install, so it is not in your best interest to have quartzite if you are completing the project solo.
Hire a professional or a crew of trusted friends to add the brawn and precision or plan to hire an installer at a slightly higher price.
Quartzite slabs and tiles are worth taking a peek at. They will serve the job well but add that dramatic punch if you are seeking something much more vibrant and artistic.
