Quartzite is one of the most misunderstood elements of the natural stone world. You might assume that it’s similar to quartz, but that is far from the case.
Here’s what you need to know as you consider quartzite for your kitchen countertops or other projects!
It’s not quartz
The name suggests that quartzite would be in the same family as quartz, but that is far from the case. Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone formed when sand is heated and compressed within the Earth. Commercial quartz contains pieces of ground stone combined with resin and polymers to create a man-made material.
It looks like marble
Quartzite and marble share a similar white and gray color palette so they look very similar. In fact, an untrained eye will probably not be able to tell the difference. This makes quartzite a great alternative for anyone who wants to have the beauty of marble at a more affordable price.
It’s low maintenance
Not only is quartzite one of the more affordable natural stones, it’s also one of the easiest to maintain. All it takes to clean is soap and warm water in most cases — no special cleaners or other products necessary.
It’s ideal for outdoor use
Quartzite is naturally UV resistant, which means it will not face or otherwise be damaged by the sun over time. This makes it an excellent choice for patios and other outdoor applications, or even interior rooms that receive a lot of natural light.
It’s durable
Quartzite is rated a 7 on Moh’s scale of mineral hardness, putting it above granite at 6.5 and marble at 5. In most cases, you do not need to worry about scratching or staining during normal kitchen use. Sealing quartzite countertops after installation makes it even more durable.
Contact us to learn more about how you can use quartzite in your next home renovation project.
