Quartz vs. Quartzite

Quartz vs. Quartzite: What's the Difference?

If you're in the market for a new countertop and you've been doing your research, you may have come across the terms "quartz" and "quartzite." At first glance, they might seem like they mean the same thing, but there's a big difference between these two materials. In this post, we will explore the differences between quartz and quartzite and help you decide which one is right for you.
If you would rather consult with a stone restoration professional, feel free to give us a call and we will be more than happy to assist you.

What's the Difference Between Quartz and Quartzite?

The major distinction between quartz and quartzite is that quartz is a manufactured material, whereas quartzite is a natural stone.

Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock that results from the heating and compressive pressure of sandstone. 
The formation of quartzite occurs during a natural procedure called heat and pressure fusion, which fuses sparkling quartz crystals with sandstone.
Quartzite is often white or light grey, but minerals in the stone can add pink, golden, or reddish-brown tints.

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What are Quartz Countertops?

Quartz countertops are more versatile and durable than quartzite. Quartz countertops, as the name implies, are manufactured from engineered stone rather than natural stone. 

The majority of the loose quartz in this manufactured stone is about 90 percent. The remaining proportion is made up of resins and pigments.
Until recently, engineered stone was unable to replicate the natural beauty of quartzite. 

Quartz, on the other hand, now has a beauty that surpasses that of natural stone. It can even be molded to resemble granite and marble.
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How are Quartz Countertops Made?

Quartz countertops, like quartzite, are created by fusing quartz crystals with resins, pigments, and other elements such as shards of glass using a man-made technique. 

The long-term benefits of this process are a very long-lasting, non-porous countertop material with a wide range of colors and patterns.

During the manufacturing process, the raw materials are mixed together and poured into a mold to create a slab. The slab is then heated and compressed, which causes the resins to harden and bind the materials together. 
Once the slab is fully cured, it is polished to a high shine and cut to the desired size and shape. This process allows for consistency in color and pattern, as well as the ability to create custom designs and edge profiles. 

Additionally, the use of recycled materials in the production of quartz countertops makes them an eco-friendly choice for homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact.

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What are Quartzite Countertops?

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that occurs freely in nature. Heat and high-pressure cause quartzite to form naturally when sandstone or chert rich in quartz is exposed to heat and pressure.

 Quartzite is frequently composed of more than 90% quartzite; some specimens have been known to reach 99%.
Quartzite has a glassy sheen and is comparable to marble in some situations. Quartzite's attractive appearance has made it one of the most popular countertop materials. Quartzite is a natural stone.

Quartz vs Quartzite: Styles

Aside from the various compositional makeups, the stylistic distinctions between these two materials are quite significant. 

Quartzite slabs can be confused for marble or granite countertops since it has the same delicate veining and coloration as marble, as well as similar veining and patterning to certain granites. Quartzite countertops offer a natural look with a lot of movement.
Quartz surfaces, on the other hand, maybe molded to resemble any stone and comes in a variety of colors and designs. 

A quartz countertop is likely to be a better choice for your house if you want a specific color or desire an identical pattern across your slab.

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Quartz vs Quartzite: Maintenance

The biggest difference between quartz and quartzite is their maintenance requirements and lifespan. The binding process makes quartz highly durable since it draws out air, resulting in a non-porous, scratch-resistant surface that is resistant to chipping, scratching, and germs.

Quartzite is a relatively hard stone that is less dense than quartz and readily stains in a high-use location such as the kitchen. Quartzite requires sealing to avoid staining the surface, but quartz does not.

Most quartzite countertops require a yearly sealant replacement with a natural stone sealer. We'll get into that in greater depth later, but the key thing to know is that on quartzite, spills must be cleaned quickly.

Many people who are unfamiliar with quartzite countertops fail to realize that the sealant does not need to be entirely gone for stains to occur on porous natural stone. 
Even if the sealant has only worn thin, liquids like wine or tomato sauce will not be stopped if spills are left uncleaned for lengthy periods.

If you don't maintain your quartzite countertops properly, they can develop stains. Wipe spills as soon as possible with a wet cloth to prevent this from happening. Add mild soap to the water before soaking the rag in it for daily cleaning.

Quartz countertops are more durable than other materials. Quartz is a nonporous and liquid-resistant material. 

Quartz countertops, like other types of stone, can stain, so it's important to clean up spills as soon as possible. Spills aren't nearly as much of an issue with quartzite as they are with quartz.

Avoid abrasive cleaners when cleaning with both countertop materials.
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Final Thoughts: Quartz vs Quartzite

Quartz Countertops vs Quartzite Countertops. Which should I use for my kitchen countertops?

The quartz countertop manufacturing process allows for a higher degree of personalization. This means you have a wider range of choices in terms of appearance when using quartzite. You don't have many options beyond the stone's natural look with quartzite.

Quartz enhances its beauty by being easy to maintain. Quartzite, on the other hand, requires resealing 1-2 times a year because of its porous nature. Even with a good seal, quartzite countertops must be cleaned; spills will seep through otherwise. In this case, quartz is far more durable.
Furthermore, quartz resistance to cracking is greater. Its technically softer nature should not be an issue as long as you use a cutting board.

Quartz countertops have several advantages that make them a superior investment than quartzite. 

You'll not only be able to enjoy your kitchen more with quartz, but you'll also be able to utilize the surface as a selling point later on.

Further Reading: Marble Cleaning and Polishing Tips and Tricks

Discover the latest tips and tricks for marble cleaning and polishing, as well as other stone surfaces, by checking out the posts below. Our expert advice will help you maintain the beauty and durability of your stone surfaces for years to come. Whether you need to remove stains, prevent damage, or protect your surfaces from wear and tear, we have got you covered. Browse our posts now and discover practical solutions for all your marble cleaning and polishing needs, and more.

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