View Our Products
Quartzite countertops are more popular than ever. Learn about the different types, maintenance, and what to look for when buying quartzite.
Quartzite has emerged as one of the most sought-after countertop materials in recent years. What makes this natural stone so appealing is its organic veining that resembles the beauty of marble and its exceptional durability. At AP Marble & Granite, we've seen firsthand how quartzite has transformed modern home design, offering homeowners an exceptional balance of form and function.
Quartzite is a natural metamorphic rock formed when sandstone or chert rich in quartz undergoes intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. This geological transformation process, which takes millions of years, fuses quartz grains to create an incredibly hard and durable stone. The result is a material that's composed primarily of quartz crystals, making it one of the hardest natural stones available for countertop applications.
Unlike engineered quartz, which is manufactured from ground quartz and resins, quartzite is entirely natural. Each slab is unique, bearing the distinctive patterns and colorations created by nature. This natural formation gives quartzite its characteristic beauty and ensures that no two installations are exactly alike.
Quartzite’s formation process also explains its exceptional durability. The intense heat and pressure that create quartzite result in a non-porous, incredibly hard surface that can withstand the demands of busy kitchens and high-traffic areas. This makes quartzite an ideal choice for homeowners who want the beauty of natural stone without compromising on performance.
Quartzite possesses several distinctive characteristics that set it apart from other countertop materials. First and foremost is its exceptional hardness. Ranking 7 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, quartzite is harder than granite and significantly more durable than marble. This hardness translates to superior scratch resistance, making it ideal for food preparation areas where knives and cutting tools are frequently used.
The stone's low porosity is another key advantage. While many natural stones require regular sealing to prevent staining, high-quality quartzite is naturally less porous, offering better stain resistance than marble or limestone. However, it's worth noting that sealing is still recommended to maximize protection and longevity.
Quartzite also offers excellent heat resistance. The stone can withstand high temperatures without damage, allowing homeowners to place hot pots and pans directly on the surface without fear of scorching or discoloration. This heat resistance, combined with its scratch resistance, makes quartzite particularly well-suited for serious cooking enthusiasts.
From an aesthetic standpoint, quartzite offers the best of both worlds. It can display the elegant veining patterns reminiscent of marble while maintaining the speckled, crystalline appearance that's characteristic of granite. This versatility allows quartzite to complement a wide range of design styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Over the past decade, quartzite countertops have experienced tremendous growth in popularity among homeowners, designers, and builders. This surge can be attributed to several factors that align with current design trends and lifestyle preferences.
The growing preference for natural materials in home design has significantly contributed to quartzite's popularity. As homeowners seek to create spaces that feel organic and connected to nature, the authentic beauty of natural stone has become increasingly appealing. Quartzite satisfies this desire while offering superior performance compared to other natural options.
Social media and home improvement shows have also played a role in quartzite's rise to prominence. Stunning quartzite installations frequently appear in high-end kitchen renovations and luxury home features, inspiring homeowners to incorporate this material into their own projects. The photogenic quality of quartzite, with its dramatic veining and lustrous finish, makes it particularly well-suited for the visually focused world of social media.
Perhaps most importantly, quartzite's performance characteristics align perfectly with modern lifestyle demands. Today's homeowners want surfaces that can handle busy family life, frequent entertaining, and intensive cooking without showing wear or requiring excessive maintenance. Quartzite delivers on these expectations while maintaining its beautiful appearance over time.
Quartzite offers an impressive range of colors and patterns, each reflecting the unique geological conditions present during its formation. The base colors typically range from pure white to warm beiges, soft greys, and even dramatic blacks, with many slabs featuring combinations of these hues.
White and light-colored quartzites are among the most popular choices. These stones often feature subtle grey or gold veining that adds depth and movement without overwhelming the space. The clean, bright appearance of white quartzite makes kitchens feel larger and more open, which explains its popularity in contemporary design.
Grey quartzites offer a sophisticated, modern aesthetic that complements both warm and cool color palettes. These stones frequently display dramatic veining patterns in white, gold, or darker grey tones. The neutral nature of grey quartzite makes it incredibly versatile, working well with various cabinet colors and design styles.
Beige and cream-colored quartzites bring warmth to spaces while maintaining the elegance associated with natural stone. These stones often feature rich, flowing veins in gold, brown, or rust tones that create a sense of movement and visual interest across the surface.
For those seeking more dramatic options, quartzites with bold veining patterns offer striking visual impact. These stones may feature thick, contrasting veins that sweep across the surface, creating natural artwork within the countertop itself. Some quartzites even display unique characteristics like translucency, where backlighting can create stunning visual effects.
The patterns in quartzite can range from subtle, uniform backgrounds to bold, dramatic movements. Some stones feature tight, consistent veining, while others display wide, flowing patterns that span the entire slab. This variety ensures that there's a quartzite option to suit virtually any design preference.
Several quartzite varieties have gained particular recognition for their beauty and performance characteristics.
Taj Mahal quartzite is renowned for its warm, creamy background with subtle gold and grey veining. This beautiful stone with warm beige tones provides a softer alternative to stark white options while maintaining the elegance that makes quartzite so appealing. Its warm tones make it particularly suitable for traditional and transitional design styles.
Quartzite varieties that have delicate veining and a mostly white background such as the Bianco Superiore and White Santorini offer another popular option for those who like the look of marble but don’t want the maintenance. For those who prefer more dramatic veining, some of the other Calacatta varieties of quartzite may be a better fit.
Stormy Sea quartzite presents a unique option with its light background and distinctive wavy patterns. This stone's subtle movement and neutral coloring, consisting of beiges and grays, make it versatile enough for various design applications while providing a distinctive character that sets it apart from more common options.
Macaubas Fantasy is another popular option with unique wave patterns and subtle blues and grays. This sophisticated quartzite is perfect for contemporary applications with clean lines.
Not all quartzite is created equal. When shopping you will come across different grades and pricepoints of quartzite based on the quality, demand, availability, and workability of the material. Working with a trustworthy natural stone supplier will help you navigate the differences and select the best option for your project.
Depending on the chemical composition and how it was formed, some quartzite types are harder and less porous than others. This can affect the price of quartzite. Although a true quartzite doesn’t etch, some countertops being sold as quartzite are, in reality, closer to marble and will etch when in contact with an acid. Fantasy Brown is a harder marble that is sometimes marketed as a quartzite. Although it’s more durable than a typical marble, it still requires extra care compared to a true quartzite. Consumers need to be aware of such differences and understand the care and maintenance requirements of a countertop material before committing to it.
Some quartzite types are also more porous than others, meaning they can stain and absorb water. Crystalline quartzite such as Taj Mahal are less porous but also tend to be more expensive.
When evaluating quartzite grades, it's important to consider factors beyond just price. Higher grade stones typically require less maintenance, offer better stain resistance, and maintain their appearance longer. They also tend to fabricate more easily, potentially reducing installation costs and complications.
Quartzite represents an exceptional choice for homeowners seeking the perfect balance of natural beauty and practical performance. Its unique combination of durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility has rightfully earned it a place among the most desirable countertop materials available today. The variety of colors, patterns, and grades available ensures that there's a quartzite option suitable for virtually any design vision and budget.
At AP Marble & Granite, we understand that selecting the right countertop material is a significant decision that impacts both the function and beauty of your space. Our expertise in quartzite selection, fabrication, and installation ensures that you'll receive not only a beautiful finished product but also the guidance needed to make the best choice for your specific needs and preferences. Schedule your appointment to see our extensive selection at our over 40,000 square foot warehouse today!
When shopping for countertops you will come across the different grades and price points. We explain what makes some natural stone countertops more expensive than others.
Open-concept kitchens are a popular design choice in new homes, placing the kitchen at the heart of the home. By selecting a statement countertop, you can make a bold design choice that redefines the style of your entire home.