what is the difference between granite and quartzite

Granite vs Quartzite Comparison

• Appearance. Whilst both Granite and Quartzite are naturally occurring rock formations, they differ in terms of their appearance.
• Scratch Resistance. Granite and Quartzite are both incredibly hard materials that resist scratches with ease. ...
• Heat Resistance. ...
• Strength & Durability. ...
• Maintenance. ...
• Price. ...

Full Answer

How does quartzite compare to granite?

Similarities Between Granite & Quartzite

• Both Materials Are Very Hard. The first similarity between granite and quartzite that we will consider is their hardness. ...
• Natural Stone is Porous. The second similarity between these two natural stone materials is their porosity. ...
• Granite and Quartzite Are Unique. As natural stones, both granite and quartzite are 100% unique. ...

Is quartzite better than granite?

While hardness is important, you might be more interested in resilience, or how your natural stone will hold up under daily household use and abuse. Quartzite, while slightly harder than granite, does not tend to be quite as resistant to scratches and scuffs. On the other hand, quartzite is considered more UV resistant than granite.

Which is cheaper quartz or granite?

• Material: Granite. Cost: $80+ per s.f.
• Material: Soapstone. Cost: $60+ per s.f.
• Material: Concrete. Cost: $75+ per s.f.
• Material: Marble. Cost: $200+ per s.f.
• Material: Wood. Cost: $100+ per s.f.
• Material: Quartz. Cost: $60+ per s.f.
• Material: Stainless Steel. Cost: $100+ per s.f.
• Material: Ceramic Tile.

Is granite harder than quartzite?

Both granite and quartzite are very hard, but on the Mohs scale of hardness (from 1 to 10, with 10 being hardest) quartzite has the slight edge. It measures around 7 whereas granite measures around 6 to 6.5. While quartzite is slightly harder than granite, it’s important to understand that it’s not bullet proof. What is the hardest natural stone?

Which is better granite or quartzite countertops?

Which is more important while using your countertops — stain resistance, scratch resistance, or etching? Granite provides better stain and scratch resistance than quartzite. Quartzite is better at resisting etching. Quartz countertops repel all three.

Is quartzite cheaper than granite?

Quartzite tends to be more expensive than it, with granite starting at roughly $50 per square foot. You get what you pay for, though; while quartzite and quartz both cost more, granite is the softest of the three. It's also quite porous and requires even more sealing than quartzite.

Can you put a hot pan on quartzite?

Heat Resistance: Like granite most quartzite is very heat resistant and can withstand hot pots and pans. Beauty: Because of its similarities to sandstone and marble, quartzite provides an elegant and luxurious feel with its incredible veining and beautiful color.

Which is stronger quartzite or granite?

Both granite and quartzite are harder than marble, which makes them equally good choices for busy households. However, quartzite is just the slightest bit harder. Granite typically measures 6-6.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, while quartzite ranks at 7.

Is quartzite better than granite or quartz?

Hardness and Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, so it is quite durable. It withstands heat very well. Quartz is hard too, but not quite as hard as quartzite. The resin used in manufacturing quartz countertops is a plastic, so it is prone to melting in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.

Does water stain quartzite?

Quartz stone has been known as the material that is highly resistant to stains. That is due to its non-porous surface, which prevents liquids and spills from leaving a stain. However, when quartz is exposed to hard water, if that water is not wiped off, it can leave mineral deposits.

What are the pros and cons of quartzite?

If you like marble countertops but they're outside your budget, quartzite is your best bet to get a similar look at a more affordable price.2) It's Durable. ... 3) It's Low Maintenance. ... 4) It's UV Resistant. ... 5) It Looks Great. ... 6) It's Versatile. ... 1) It's Prone to Scratches. ... 2) It's Expensive. ... 3) It's Porous.More items...•

What are the cons of quartzite?

ConsExpensive. Compared to other stones, quartzite has a higher cost. ... No uniformity. It doesn't give you a solid uniform appearance as quartz. ... Time-consuming to design. ... Damaged by sharp objects. ... Frequent sealing. ... Stains. ... Limited color choices. ... Difficult to install.More items...•

Does quartzite chip easily?

Even though quartzite is durable, it isn't indestructible. However, it is much less likely to etch and chip than granite, marble, and even quartz. Quartzite is also heat-resistant.

Is quartzite worth the money?

Quartzite is a luxurious stone which often tags it at a higher cost than granite, which is common. However, quartzite is well worth its weight in gold – literally. It's an extremely dense stone, one that has been measured as one of the strongest rocks in existence.

How much more expensive is quartzite than granite?

Cost. Quartzite generally starts around $60 per square foot but can cost more if the type you choose is rarer. Granite tends to cost a little less than quartzite. Granite can usually be found in the range of $40 to $100 per square foot installed.

How can you tell quartzite from granite?

Both granite and quartzite are very hard, but on the Mohs scale of hardness (from 1 to 10, with 10 being hardest) quartzite has the slight edge. It measures around 7 whereas granite measures around 6 to 6.5. While quartzite is slightly harder than granite, it's important to understand that it's not bullet proof.

Can I use Windex on quartzite?

Windex is great on countertops, too, including quartz, granite, marble, laminate and tile. Just make sure that if you're cleaning natural stone counters that have a sealant, such as granite, marble or quartzite, you're using a Windex version that is free of ammonia and vinegar.

Can I use Clorox wipes on quartzite?

Yes, you can use Clorox disinfecting wipes on Quartz countertops. The Clorox wipes are bleach-free, so they are safe for occasional use. However, since Clorox disinfecting wipes contain citric acid, you won't want to use them as your everyday cleaner.

Which stone countertop is best?

Engineered stone is the best all-around surface for kitchen countertops. It is more durable than all natural stone countertop options, which saves you money in the long run. Quartz also comes in a much wider array of styles than natural stone, making it more versatile.

Is quartzite a good choice for kitchen countertops?

For a lucrative and cost-efficient countertop, this mineral is a good choice. If you are an avid fan of marbles but find it slightly costly, then a quartzite countertop is a great alternative. It is cheaper than the marble but having designs and aesthetics similar to marble.

How much more expensive is quartzite than granite?

Cost. Quartzite generally starts around $60 per square foot but can cost more if the type you choose is rarer. Granite tends to cost a little less than quartzite. Granite can usually be found in the range of $40 to $100 per square foot installed.

How much more expensive is quartzite to granite?

Quartzite Vs Granite Cost The price of quartzite (for the material or stone alone) ranges around $60 to $100 per square foot, but prices can go beyond that depending on the type and design of the stone. Granite is cheaper as its price starts at about $40 per square foot.

Is quartzite worth the money?

Quartzite is a luxurious stone which often tags it at a higher cost than granite, which is common. However, quartzite is well worth its weight in gold – literally. It's an extremely dense stone, one that has been measured as one of the strongest rocks in existence.

Is quartzite a good choice for kitchen countertops?

For a lucrative and cost-efficient countertop, this mineral is a good choice. If you are an avid fan of marbles but find it slightly costly, then a quartzite countertop is a great alternative. It is cheaper than the marble but having designs and aesthetics similar to marble.

Why is granite better than quartz?

Granite will be able to sustain any wear and tear from the kitchen better than most other stones can. The primary reason is the material’s heat and stain resistance.

How much does quartzite cost?

Cost. Quartzite generally starts around $60 per square foot but can cost more if the type you choose is rarer. Granite tends to cost a little less than quartzite. Granite can usually be found in the range of $40 to $100 per square foot installed.

Where Should I Have Quartzite in my Home?

Although it will work in various places around the home, it may particularly interest you to install quartzite countertops in your kitchen. The kitchen typically sees a heavy amount of traffic, so you will need a stone that is durable for the countertops. There may be no better option for natural stone countertops in the kitchen than quartzite.

What is the most durable countertop material?

Durability. Quartzite is one of the most durable countertop materials you will be able to buy. It is heat, scratch and stain resistant – making it perfect for use in a kitchen. Granite is very durable in its own right, which also makes it a popular choice in many kitchens.

How long does granite last?

As long as you take good care of them, your quartzite or granite countertops can last for years.

What is the best countertop material for a kitchen?

Granite will give your countertop a stylish look, especially if you use it in the kitchen. The natural stone will instantly add appeal to any part of the house where it is used.

Why is granite used in kitchens?

The primary reason is the material’s heat and stain resistance. When used in the kitchen, granite will require much less maintenance than most other stone countertops will. Granite can also be used as a table material, and you will be able to prepare food, eat and drink on the table because of the stone’s durability.

What is the difference between quartzite and granite?

The main difference between quartzite and granite is the formation of the stone. Granite is an igneous rock while quartzite is a metamorphic one. When it comes to countertops, they differ in texture, heat and scratch resistance, and in price.

What Is Better Granite or Quartzite?

Both stone types make great countertops, so the question must be, which one is right for you? They are both beautiful and hardy materials that, with proper care, will last a lifetime, so the debate over granite vs quartzite has to come down to personal tastes.

What to ask when choosing quartzite countertops?

When opting for quartzite kitchen countertops, be sure to ask whether the slab has been infused with resin.

What is granite made of?

Granite is an igneous rock that is a mix of several coarse grains of mostly quartz, feldspar, and plagioclase that has pushed up into the Earth’s landmasses as magma and then slowly cooled. Blocks of granite are mined by drilling, cutting, and blasting, and then refined through heavy machinery to make the slabs that are used in construction and for decorative work like kitchen countertops.

Why do countertops chip?

For both countertop options, it is possible to chip the material. This is due to the hardness of the rocks which makes them inflexible, so sudden shocks can result in cracks or chips. This can be caused by dropping heavy items or striking them hard with objects such as heavy-duty knives.

What is the look of quarzite?

Quarzite has a softer look, similar to marble.

Why seal granite?

Granite can be of various porosity, to some granites will require sealing to prevent staining and etching.

What is the problem with quartzite?

It happens when acidic substances come into contact with countertops, floors, walls, or anywhere you may have natural stone.

Is Super White Premium the same as Quartz?

Super White Premium. Corteccia. Fantasy Brown. Wicked White. It also bears mentioning that “quartzite” and “quartz” are not the same material. Though the names sound alike, quartzite is made by Mother Nature, whereas quartz surfacing, such as ColorQuartz, is made by man.

Is quartzite a natural stone?

It also looks a lot like marble, which many agree is the epitome of luxury when it comes to natural stone countertops. Granite is an igneous rock known for being very hard. Quartzite, on the other hand, is a metamorphic rock composed almost entirely of quartz, the hardest material on earth. Basically, quartzite comes about when quartz-rich ...

Is quartzite the same as granite?

Quartzite is often compared to granite in terms of hardness and durability, but it’s important to know that these two types of natural stone are not the same. Since quartzite comes in colors that are trending right now, such as light gray and white, it is a popular countertop choice in today’s neutral-toned kitchen designs. It also looks a lot like marble, which many agree is the epitome of luxury when it comes to natural stone countertops.

Is quartzite a countertop?

Both quartzite and granite are beautiful countertop choices that offer style, practicality, and longevity. Whether you’re looking for quartzite, granite, or any other surfacing material, Marble and Granite, Inc. can help. Visit our warehouses in Westwood, MA or Milford, CT where you can browse through our slabs in person. Give us a call at 977-39-STONE.

What is the difference between quartzite and granite?

While hardness is important, you might be more interested in resilience, or how your natural stone will hold up under daily household use and abuse. Quartzite, while slightly harder than granite, does not tend to be quite as resistant to scratches and scuffs.

What is quartzite embedded in?

Don’t forget, quartzite is embedded with tiny chips of quartz crystals, lending the stone a luminous sparkle that adds its own brand of visual appeal, if not the same dimensionality of granite.

What is the best countertop for an outdoor kitchen?

Quartzite is also ideal if you’re looking to add resilient countertops to your outdoor kitchen or other patio surfaces. If your busy family kitchen doesn’t get much natural light, as in this New York kitchen, you could select granite and enjoy superior resistance to scratching, stains, chips and cracks, for example.

What is the best way to clean natural stone?

In addition, proper cleaning is essential to maintain the shine and sparkle of your natural stone surfaces. Your best bet is to use a stone cleaner designed specifically for this purpose, but you can also use non-abrasive cleaners like dish soap, provided you rinse thoroughly with water to prevent buildup that can potentially cloud the surface.

Can quartzite be used in a kitchen?

How does this factor into your decision-making process If your countertop surface gets a lot of natural light, as with this traditional Connecticut kitchen, you should follow the example of these smart homeowners and choose quartzite that won’t suffer fading or other UV damage. Quartzite is also ideal if you’re looking to add resilient countertops to your outdoor kitchen or other patio surfaces.

Do you need to seal natural stone countertops?

Regular sealing is a must to prevent staining, scratches, and other damage to the surface. With a sealant, natural stone countertops become almost impervious to damage from stains. After every granite and quartzite countertop project is complete, we seal the countertops after installation.

Is quartzite more subtle than granite?

By comparison, quartzite countertops could be considered more subtle and less bold in appearance, although they’re not without their charms. Just look at the feathered strokes of gray drifting across an icy, white background on the quartzite countertop in this traditional kitchen. Calming and pristine, this surface creates a totally different ambiance than granite. Don’t forget, quartzite is embedded with tiny chips of quartz crystals, lending the stone a luminous sparkle that adds its own brand of visual appeal, if not the same dimensionality of granite.

What is quartzite?

Quartzite is a popular choice for homeowners looking for neutral tones. Often found in whites and light grays, quartzite is often compared to marble in terms of appearance. Quartzite can add a touch of luxury to your home while offering benefits that other stones cannot.

Is quartzite good for cleaning?

Both quartzite and granite are great choices if you are looking for a durable and minimal maintenance stone material. Both are quite easy to clean with just soap and water. Granite is more susceptible to damage if cleaned with harsh cleaners such as vinegar, bleach, or Windex. Sealing your quartzite or granite is key to its maintenance and will make your job caring for it much easier.

Is quartzite porous or porous?

When it comes to natural stones, they are all porous to one degree or another. Porosity varies from stone to stone and affects how much moisture and liquid the stone can absorb. Both quartzite and granite are moisture-resistant when properly sealed. When the stone is not sealed properly, the liquid can sink into the stone and possibly stain or damage the material. Quartzite does need to be resealed annually. Granite has a slight advantage in moisture resistance as it can last longer between sealings.

Can you put hot dishes on granite?

While you can place hot dishes on the surface, we recommend placing potholders on the surface as an extra source of protection. This simple step could protect your countertops for years to come.

Is quartzite countertop durable?

Quartzite is highly resistant to scratching, etching, and chipping but staining can be a problem if not cared for properly. To increase your quartzite countertop ‘s stain resistance, you can seal the surface as an extra layer of protection. Like any natural stone, removing stains from the countertop can be difficult, but not impossible. There are numerous products available that you can use such as poultice. Overall, quartzite is still a great choice if you’re looking for a durable and stylish countertop.

Is quartzite the same as granite?

Quartzite and granite are often compared to one another due to their hardness and durability, but these stones are not the same. Quartz is a manufactured material whereas quartzite is a metamorphic rock that has been transformed from sandstone as a result of Earth’s intense pressure and heat.

Which is easier to maintain, quartz or granite?

Quartz is easier to maintain than granite. Similar to granite, you need to wipe up spills with soap and water or a gentle household cleaner, but that’s where the maintenance ends.

Why is granite available in a wide variety of colors and patterns?

Granite. Granite is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns because of how it’s formed, the cooling process into molten material. No two slabs of granite are the same. The selection of granite is endless. There’s no limit to the colors and formations you can choose from.

What is the best countertop to replace a kitchen counter?

The two most popular countertop surfaces you have to choose from include granite and quartz.

How much does quartz cost?

The typical cost to purchase and install quartz countertops can run as little as $1,500 but can get as high as $5,500.

Why do people like quartz?

The reason why people like quartz so much is due to its look of stone. Quartz is also easy to customize its design and coloring because of its stone makeup. If you’re looking to customize or personalize your kitchen, quartz is simpler than granite due to its flexibility.

How much does it cost to buy granite?

It typically costs between $2,000 and $4,000 to buy a slab of granite. And when you purchase granite from a wholesale merchant, you might save some cash. You can also save money doing the preliminary work DIY. But it’s best to have the fabrication and installation of your granite countertops done by a pro.

What are the downsides of quartz?

The downside of quartz is that excessive heat can damage its surface. To avoid this, use hot plates, trivets and heating pads always. An easy, efficient fix.

Why is quartz less gloss than granite?

Quartz has a lower gloss level than granite, primarily due to the resin content. Quartz slabs have a relatively consistent finish and will not have pitting, fissures, etc.

What color is granite?

Granite is available in an astounding range of colors, covering the spectrum for near-white to rich greens, solid blacks, and rare shades of blue. With warm tones and varied movement and veining within slabs, the possibilities of colors are almost endless.

What is quartz made of?

Quartz slabs are made from crushed quartz in various sizes, mixed with pigments and resin to bind the material together.

What is the best cleaner for quartz?

The ideal cleaner for quartz is a safe cloth using a gentle soap and water. For general maintenance, use denatured alcohol or a pH-neutral cleaner.

How is granite mined?

Granite is mined in blocks and sliced into slabs, which are then cut-to-size locally , based on the needs of your project.

How to care for granite?

Granite, when properly sealed, is simple to care for and maintain. Keep your natural stone looking its best by wiping it prior to cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner or warm water.

Is granite a product?

Granite is a product of nature, therefore no two granite slabs/ countertop are alike. Granite varies in appearance within the same color, from piece to piece, and lot to lot, depending on where and when it was mined. Varying gloss level, pitting, and resin-filled fissures may occur in some granites and should be considered when making a product selection.

Which is better, granite or quartz?

Granite tends to do better when subjected to heat and scratches, but it requires more maintenance. Quartz is much more stain-resistant and bacteria-resistant, but can burn and scratch more easily. Ultimately, it depends on how you use your kitchen and what works best for the cooking methods used most in your home.

What is Granite?

Granite is a natural stone found in quarries that occur naturally in the Earth. Granite slabs are removed from quarries, taken to a stone fabrication facility, and then cut and polished to perfection. It’s a bit like how diamonds are made, but on a much larger scale.

Are quartz countertops safer than granite?

Both granite and quartz countertops are safe for most kitchens due to their durability, making them both ideal countertop materials. However, some people get concerned about the levels of radon emitted by both the stone materials.

Does quartz or granite fade over time?

Granite will not fade over time. It’s been sitting around in the earth for millions of years, so a decade or 2 in your kitchen isn’t going to do anything extreme enough to make it fade. The surface of granite is not affected by the UV rays of the sun, which makes it perfect for outdoor kitchen spaces in direct sunlight.

What countertop material is good for a low maintenance kitchen?

If you want a low-maintenance kitchen, go for quartz. This engineered stone countertop material doesn’t require any maintenance apart from regular everyday cleaning – it’s very hard to stain quartz, and it’s almost non-porous so bacteria and spills rarely get inside it.

Why do quartz seams look more obvious?

Lots of kitchen installers say that quartz seams look more obvious because the uniformity of the quartz makes the seam stand out a lot more.

What is quartz made of?

Quartz is a manmade stone (an “ engineered stone “) constructed from around 93% quartz (a rock-like mineral) and 7% artificial resins, polymers, pigments, and other small pieces. You can find out how it’s made here.

Why is quartzite sealed?

The one caveat is that, like all natural stones, quartzite must be sealed periodically to protect it against wine, citrus, coffee, and other would-be stains.

Why is quartz not porous?

Because it’s non-porous, quartz does’t have to be sealed, making it much easier to maintain. The tradeoff is that, next to natural stone, with its unique spread of color and sparkle, quartz’s more uniform patterns can be a give away. But manufacturers are getting better at mimicking Mother Nature.

What color is quartzite?

A lot of quartzite has swirling white and gray coloring, two hues that have become extremely popular in kitchens over the last few years (in fact, they were the two color schemes used most in the kitchen by professional designers, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association). That’s driving more interest to the material.

Is quartz a metamorphic rock?

Quartzite, by comparison, is a metamorphic rock that originated as sandstone.

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