QUARTZITE

Quartzite is a relative newcomer to the natural stone industry. It has been recognized for its incredible durability for resistance to both scratching and etching. People are drawn to quartzite because it carries the elegance of marble but with the durability of granite.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT QUARTZITE

The strength, abrasion resistance, and weathering durability of quartzite make it an ideal choice for high-use, low maintenance applications such as kitchen counters.

Quartzite is a quartz-rich sandstone that has been metamorphosed under intense heat and pressure. It is a very hard and solid stone that when polished has high gloss marble-like appearance. Quartzite is known for its hardness and great durability, resistance to extreme temperatures, and immense beauty. While some quartzites are very dense and resistant to water absorption, others are porous and require the application of heavy-duty sealer, to protect the surface against water absorption and staining. There are many choices in quartzite color tones from creamy neutrals and warm subtle earth tones, where the colors are soft and earthy to lighter creams, ivories, and smoky gray blues. Even pastel shades of yellow to pink are available.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock that is formed in two steps. Quartzite begins as sandstone. Over years and years of intense pressure and heat sandstone gradually fuses together into a single rock called quartzite. While sandstone is relatively fragile, quartzite is extremely hard and the perfect countertop option for busy homes.

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.

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 sandstone is altered by the heat, pressure, and chemical activity of metamorphism. These conditions recrystallize the sand grains and the silica cement that binds them together, making it even harder. 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.

Granite is an igneous rock and quartzite is metamorphic which means that each has unique features. Granite has been a favorite countertop material for many years and quartzite is just starting to gain in popularity. Both offer excellent durability. While granite is durable, quartzite looks like marble and acts like granite, so you get the best of both worlds!

Quartzite is generally found in white or gray with hints of brown and black. Naturally colored quartzite can also be found with hints of pink, red, yellow, blue or green. These colors result from imperfections and minerals that were present as the stone was formed. For example, iron oxide can give quartzite pink or red hues.

Natural quartzite combines the look of marble with the durability of granite. Like both of these stones, each slab of quartzite is unique giving your kitchen or bathroom a customized elegant look. The neutral colors complement any décor and the veining creates a subtle and elegant movement. It is a luxurious surface unlike any other stone countertop.

As with all natural stones (and quartzites are no different), if they are predominately black in color, they will scratch more easily, especially, if they are honed or leathered finish.

Conversely, we have found the lighter colored quartzites to be extremely scratch resistant, however, some of these have higher absorption rate properties that require special attention when selecting a suitable initial sealer application and an ongoing sealer maintenance regimen.

Quartzite is an abundant metamorphic rock. It occurs naturally when sandstone or chert rich in quartz experiences heat and high pressure. Quartzite is typically made of more than 90% quartzite; some can get as high as 99%. Quartzite has a glassy appearance and resembles marble in some cases. This generally desirable appearance has made quartzite one of the most popular countertop materials.

Quartz countertops are man-made engineered stone countertops formed by combining 83% ground quartz (a natural hard mineral) with 17% resins, polymers, and pigments, by weight.  This forms a very hard granite-like surface with similar properties of durability and being heat/scratch/stain resistant. With dyes, patterns, and coarseness all being controlled by manufacturers instead of mother nature, you have more control over consistency.

Quartzite, when properly sealed, is incredibly resistant to both stains and etching. However, no stone is completely stain- or damage-proof, so we recommend the use of a quality stone sealer. We also encourage frequent cleaning and wiping down of countertop surfaces, especially after the stone has come into contact with a potentially damaging product, such as vinegar or lemon and oil or grease. With a little care and maintenance, quartzite countertops can retain their original beauty for many years to come.

Even though quartzite is a hard stone, it does require some ongoing maintenance. All natural stone countertops should be periodically sealed to prevent staining and etching because of their porous composition. Quartzite should be resealed annually. Always use cleaners that are specifically made for stone countertops or pH neutral soap, then dry it thoroughly. Even though it is difficult to scratch quartzite, avoid using abrasive cleaners to keep your countertops looking like new.

Oil and grease should never be allowed to stay on a quartzite surface for long as they have a unique affinity to absorb them.  Avoid sealers containing petroleum distillates or polyurethanes or any product promising the enhance shine.

NEED TO KNOW MORE?

Get in touch with one of our stone experts to have all your questions about this material answered.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATIONS

ABRASION RESISTANCE

High

Quartzite is a very hard stone. The main mineral composite of quartzite is quartz numbering 7 on Moh’s Scale of Relative Hardness, making it one of the hardest stones. However, there are quartzites which are slightly softer and closer to granite in abrasion resistance.

ABSORPTION/STAINING

Low

Most quartzite has low absorption rate and will not stain. However, some of the new quartzites on the market are more absorbent and will stain when exposed to oil and highly pigmented liquids. Make sure the surface is sealed after installation.

ACID SENSITIVITY

Minimal

If you cook frequently or have an active family where spills occur, and want to make sure that your countertops are safe from etching then you should consider quartzite. It will not etch from acids found in household items such as vinegar and lemon juice.

HEAT RESISTANCE

High

Like granite most quartzite is very heat resistant and can withstand hot pots and pans, so normal kitchen tasks that involve baking in the oven and cooking on the stovetop will not produce pots or pans that are hot enough to damage quartzite.

What Our Customers Say

Our experience with Delta was Superb! Everyone made us feel special! We were treated with respect, trust, warmth, smile, personable, good listeners, and the list goes on! Delta was very accommodating to our needs. Barry and I felt very important and the quality of service and product above and beyond! Thank you Delta for assisting us with our journey. STAY GOLD!!!

Elizabeth H., San Antonio, TX

We originally went in looking for granite tops for our kitchen remodel but after seeing Nacarado quartzite at a wholesale shop they procured 2 slabs which worked great for our kitchen. Was more than we expected (dollar-wise) when we were considering granite but the results are worth the extra cost for this, to me, more exotic material.

The staff were great to work with and the template layout process that they offer made us even happier customers. It’s so awesome that you get to overlay the templates on the slabs, before they are cut, to make sure you get the exact flow, colors, etc in the areas that you want them. Incredible idea in top of the line customer satisfaction. The guys at the shop were excellent at suggesting how seams should line up for concealment when we were doing the template layout. You can’t go wrong with Delta.

David J., Universal City, TX

My experience with Delta was absolutely the best. Beginning with my first meeting with my Salesperson to the installation, I felt I was your only customer – – and the most important. I can not thank you enough for making this experience so seamless and hassle-free.

Mary D., San Antonio, TX

QUARTZITE GALLERY

Here are a few of our favorite quartzite installations, click the images to learn more about each project. For our full gallery of projects click the button.