You’ve heard of quartz and maybe you’ve heard of quartzite. Chances are you are scratching your head at what the difference between the two is and which one may be right for your next remodel. We’re going to break each one down below and hopefully help you narrow down your countertop decision. Remember though- these are just two of the amazing options available to you at Hard Rock Stone Works so don’t fret in either seems to be up your alley at the end of the day. We have experts that can help you along the way, start to finish, so never hesitate to reach out.
What is Quartz?
To put it simply, quartz countertops are “engineered stone”. When you look at a quartz slab, you are seeing a piece of stone that is comprised of 90-95% natural quartz with the addition of polymers, resins, and other manmade materials. The addition of polymers and resins make quartz incredibly durable. If your countertop was made of pure quartz, it would be incredibly porous and prone to cracking.
What is Quartzite?
Unlike its quartz counterpart, quartzite is a naturally occurring stone. Beginning its life as sandstone, heat, and pressure bind the material to bits of quartz yielding quartzite. In the broader picture, quartzite has been used dating all the way back to the Paleolithic era in the development of stone tools and is commonly used in the present day for railway ballast, roof tiles and on occasion, road construction.
Pros and Cons of Quartz
Because it is an engineered stone versus naturally occurring, quartz is available in nearly every color imaginable making it a versatile option for homeowners and interior designers alike. However, because it is a man-made, quartz can only withstand heat up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit so you’ll need to mindful of setting pots and pans directly on the surface. While quartz is resistant to acids and nonporous, it is more susceptible to abrasions and scratches. Looking at the price point of the surface, quartz spans the gamut ranging from $50-$100+ a square foot.
Pros and Cons of Quartzite
As you can imagine, quartzite is an incredibly durable material making it perfect for high traffic areas. It is resistant to abrasions while providing a high threshold when it comes to withstanding heat and stains. Quartzite will cost you between $60-$100+ a square foot. Because quartzite is a naturally occurring stone, certain colors may be rarer than others, ultimately yielding a higher per foot cost than some of the more common shades. Don’t consider the cost to be a necessary con though but more so something to be aware of when budgeting for your remodel.
In short, quartz is man-made while quartzite is au natural. Both come with a similar price tag. Quartz is slightly more fragile but comes in a larger variety of colors. Quartzite has virtually no construction cons but does have a comparatively limited color spectrum in contrast to quartz.
Still not sure what surface fits your lifestyle and budget? No problem. We have experts available on staff to help guide you through the process from start to finish. Give us a call or drop by either of our locations to see what we have in stock, talk to the pros, and get moving on your next bathroom, kitchen, or outdoor space project.
