Updated : July , 2024
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If you have found this article then it means you are after both practicality and luxury for your kitchen or bathroom countertops.
Both options are tough, they’re beautiful, and they can give your space a serious upgrade.
But how do you choose between the two?
In this article “key differences between quartzite countertops vs granite”, I will cover everything you need to know.
When you are finish reading, you’ll be able to tell which one is the champion for your kitchen or bathroom.
Let’s get started….
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This post is about differences between quartzite countertops vs granite
Understanding Quartzite and Granite as Countertop Materials
Quartzite Vs Granite Countertops
- Appearance and Variety
- Durability, Hardness
- Stain Resistance
- Heat Resistance
- Maintenance
- Quartzite Vs Granite Price
Making the Choice: Quartzite vs Granite
Understanding Quartzite and Granite as Countertop Materials
Quartzite and granite are both natural stone countertops, but they have different origins and compositions.
Understanding these factors will help you evaluate their suitability for your kitchen countertops.
What is Quartzite ?
Quartzite is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock formed from pure quartz-rich sandstone .
The process involves intense heat and pressure deep within the earth, transforming the sandstone into quartzite.
The end product is a hard and dense stone with an elegant, natural look.
What is Granite ?
Granite, on the other hand, is an igneous rock composed mainly of quartz and feldspar, along with other mineral content.
It originates from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth’s surface.
Quartzite Vs Granite Countertops
Appearance and Variety:
Granite
Granite is a real showstopper, with its speckled appearance and vast range of colors.
You can find granite in almost every hue you can think of, from subtle beiges and pinks to striking blues, greens, and blacks.
The beauty of granite lies in its depth.
If you look closely, you’ll see a world of flecks, veins, and swirls, caused by the presence of other minerals such as quartz, mica, and feldspar.
Quartzite
Quartzite, on the other hand, is a type of natural stone beloved for its refined elegance and dramatic vein pattern.
- Quartzite slabs are available in wider range of colors.
- Quartzite surfaces can be white, grey, beige and even red, green, blue or black.
- Quartzite countertop material gets its patterns, swirls and colors from the specific minerals present during its formation.
You can sometimes find quartzite with shimmer look which is due to quartz crystals present in the stone.
One of the main difference between the two countertop options is that natural granite most always has the speckled look.
Durability and Hardness
When it comes to countertops, these characteristics are super important because they directly influence how your countertops will stand up to daily use and abuse.
Quartzite Vs granite Scratch Resistance
To understand the hardness of different materials, the stone industry refers to Mohs scale of hardness.
This scale measures the ability of a mineral to resist being scratched.
When it comes to hardness quartzite ranks 7 and granite ranks 6 -7 on the Mohs hardness scale out of 10.
In terms of durability both natural stone materials are very durable.
What that means is that both of them are scratch resistant.
You can chop vegetables directly on a granite or quartzite countertop without worrying about leaving a scratch.
However Quartzite has a slight edge over granite slabs.
quartzite vs granite Stain Resistance
To understand stain resistance, let me explain to you what is porosity.
Porosity is a measure of how much open, or void, space is in a material.
This void space can take the form of gaps between grains or cracks within the material itself.
The higher the porosity, higher are the chances of liquids seeping inside the surface.
This seeping causes staining or other forms of damage to the countertop surface.
Both material have a porous surface.
Quartzite counters and granite surfaces have similar low porosity.
Both the materials are porous natural stones. They need to be sealed to protect them from stains.
Once they are sealed, they become stain resistant.
quartzite vs granite Heat Resistance
Both quartzite and Granite are hard materials and heat resistant.
You can place a hot pans directly onto a granite or quartzite countertop without worrying about it causing damage or leaving a burn mark.
Both the materials do not require hot pads for high heat.
This property makes both the materials a popular choice even for outdoor kitchens.
Quartzite Vs Granite Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, both granite and quartzite require regular sealing to prevent stains
Besides that, they require very little maintenance.
Sealing countertops is a very easy process. You should seal them once a year.
Ease of Maintenance goes hand in hand with cleaning.
Once sealed, your new countertops are good for a year. I will still recommend not to leave spills for a long time.
Sometimes acidic substances like lemon juice or tomato sauce, if left for a long time, can cause surface damage.
Cleaning :
For cleaning, I recommend not to use abrasive cleaners.
There are a lot of natural stone spray cleaners available in the market.
Using them would be the best option.
Cost and Installation
Quartzite Vs Granite Price
Ah, the million-dollar question – or perhaps we should say, the hundred-dollar-per-square-foot question!
Cost is an important factor for most homeowners when choosing a countertop material.
After all, while we all want the most durable, stunning, and high-quality countertops, we also have budgets to consider.
Both the materials are considered premium countertops. They do come with a price tag.
The cost for granite countertops typically ranges from $40 to $65 per square foot.
Cost of quartzite tends to be a bit more expensive, with costs typically ranging from $60 to $250 per square foot.
The reason for higher price of quartzite is that it is generally harder and more durable than granite.
Quartzites are very unique and may not be available everywhere.
The unique varieties of quartzite are sometime very close to the marble, which is very sought after.
Both materials require professional fabrication process. The installation cost can vary a lot depending on design and ease of fabrication and installation.
One of the cons of quartzite is that since it is one of the hardest material, fabricators require extra time and effort and that can add up additional costs as compared to granite.
Resale Value
Both granite and quartzite are looked at an upgrade by potential buyers and can increase the value of your home. Having said that, quartzite is a clear winner.
Quartzite is a more durable material and a slight advantage over granite on appearance.
Speckled look may not be favorable to home buyer but the timeless white natural material look always allures the home buyers.
Making the Choice: Quartzite vs Granite
In the showdown between quartzite and granite, the decision truly comes down to personal preference, lifestyle, and budget.
Both of these natural stones have their unique charm and come with a host of advantages.
To recap, granite offers a wide range of colors and unique patterns that make each slab one-of-a-kind. It’s highly durable, resistant to heat, and scratch-resistant,
This makes it a great choice for a busy kitchen.
On the downside, it’s a bit more porous than quartzite, so it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid potential staining.
Granites come with speckled look.
Quartzite, on the other hand, boasts of an elegance akin to marble but with a toughness that rivals granite.
It offers excellent hardness, making it even more scratch-resistant than granite.
It also has slightly better moisture resistance due to its lower porosity.
It also needs sealing.
However, the sophistication of quartzite often comes with a higher price tag.
In the decision-making process, Here are my thoughts: The determining factor comes down to cost and appearance.
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option with a wide variety of colors and a unique, complex appearance ( don’t mind the speckles) , then granite could be the perfect choice for you.
However, if you’re drawn to the elegant look of quartzite and don’t mind paying a bit more for unique patterns, quartzite might be the better option.
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FAQs
What is the main difference between quartzite and granite?
The main difference between quartzite and granite lies in their formation.
Quartzite is metamorphosed sandstone, while granite is an igneous rock formed from cooled magma.
Is quartzite more expensive than granite?
Generally, quartzite tends to be more expensive than granite.
However, the price can vary significantly depending on the specific type and quality of the stone.
Do quartzite and granite countertops require a lot of maintenance?
Both types of countertops require sealing to protect against stains.
However, quartzite usually needs less frequent resealing than granite, making it potentially a more low-maintenance option.
Can I use either for my kitchen countertop?
Absolutely, both quartzite and granite are excellent choices for kitchen countertops.
This post was about differences between quartzite countertops vs granite
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Here are some of my other articles:
All you need to know: Dolomite Marble Difference
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Tips on Choosing the Best Stone for Shower Walls
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