These two stones sound similar, but in reality are very different. Quartzite is a natural metamorphic stone formed when sand is heated and compressed within the Earth, while quartz contains pieces of ground stone combined with resin and polymers to create a man-made material.
What do those differences mean for your home project? Quartz and quartzite have their own uses and applications inside and outside your home.
Appearance
The way a stone looks is obviously one major component of whether or not it will be a good fit for your project.
Quartzite is a more natural-looking stone than quartz and tends to be white or gray. Sometimes red or pink tones will slip in as a result of iron oxide in the stone, while other colors can appear if the quartzite has mixed with other minerals.
This unpredictability gives quartzite a natural but unique look. If you are okay with an inconsistent pattern and want something that no one else has, then quartzite might be for you.
On the other hand, quartz is much more customizable and just about any color pigment can be added to it. It’s also more similar in look to granite and marble, but at a lower cost.
If you are in the market for something more predictable, or something will appeal to a wider audience, quartz is probably the best bet for your project. Or, if you have a specific design or color scheme in mind, quartz will give you the flexibility to achieve it.
Durability
Both quartz and quartzite are very durable but in different ways.
Because it’s a natural stone, quartzite is harder and more heat resistant than quartz. The resin that’s added to quartz makes it prone to melting when it’s exposed to temperatures higher than 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, the resin and other extra material also make quartz more stain resistant than quartzite. Quartz does not need any extra stain protection, while quartzite needs to be sealed.
No matter which material you choose, plan to use a cutting board on top of it. Both quartz and quartzite are prone to scratching, unlike granite and other types of stone.
