Get to Know Quartzite
Bellezza Artisan Stone Surfaces is here to share what a great material quartzite is.
In this article, we’ll include what to expect from a quartzite countertop and other information that will help you get to know this stone.
Not many people are familiar with the great quality’s quartzite is known for, such as its hardness, density, and scratch-resistance.
This stone goes far beyond functionality—it’s also known for its incredible beauty.
If you love the look of marble but would prefer the maintenance level of granite, then quartzite would be a great addition to your home. Learn more about it today!
Quartzite is a high-quality and beautiful stone. Yet there are many situations in which it gets passed over and is often mistaken for engineered quartz since the two names are so similar.
By the time you’re done reading, you’ll see that quartzite can stand on its own, as it has many unique attributes that set it apart from the rest.
A Dense, Hard Stone
If there’s one thing you can expect from your quartzite countertop, it’s strength. Quartzite is one of the hardest stones out there—in fact, it comes in at a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. For context, a diamond scores a 10 on that same scale.
With a score of 7, quartzite is harder than most other stones you’ll find. It’s comparable to granite, which can score between 6 and 8, but it’s notably harder than marble, which scores about a 3. Thanks to this high score, quartzite is not likely to sustain scuffs or scratches, and it holds strong against other such damage.
While this is true, it’s also important to note that every slab of quartzite is different. It’s possible that the hardness of one slab may not transfer to the next, so it’s always wise to treat your countertops with care. The hardness of a quartzite slab depends on what happened when it was formed under the earth’s surface, and no matter how you cut it, it’s not an indestructible material. Protect your investment and use cutting boards and hot pads.
Maintenance of the Stone
Another great benefit of the quartzite countertop is that it seldom requires any maintenance. Since its aesthetics can mimic marble, a lot of people mistakenly think it takes just as much care and upkeep—but it doesn’t. On the contrary, it takes minimal work for your quartzite slab to look beautiful.
All you have to do is keep up with daily cleaning using a soft cloth, warm water, and mild dish soap. That, combined with regular sealing, will keep your quartzite countertop looking as good as new.
Quartzite Aesthetics
Quartzite is a great choice if you’re looking for something uniquely beautiful and timeless. Its base colors are typically neutral shades like white, gray, and beige—but just because it’s known for its neutrals doesn’t mean it’s boring. The excitement of quartzite comes in the veining throughout the slab, along with the sporadic splashes of color. Thanks to iron oxides present in quartzite, you might find shiny sprinkles of blue, red, pink, yellow, or green throughout your slab.
These bright colors can bring your kitchen to life in a classy and subtle way. The countertop demands attention because it’s understated yet eye-catching.
Quartz vs. Quartzite
As we mentioned earlier, quartzite and quartz are often mistaken for one another, but these two stones have more differences than similarities.
First of all, quartz is an engineered stone, and that means it’s man-made. It’s crafted by combining natural quartz with polymers and resins that bind the particles together and create a nonporous surface. Conversely, quartzite is sourced straight from the earth—not made by man—and it doesn’t have any additives in its composition.
Since quartz includes resins—and resins are a type of plastic—it should never be used in your outdoor kitchen. If you do place your quartz outside, it’s in danger of fading under direct sunlight. A quartzite countertop, on the other hand, is perfect for an outdoor lounge area and has no risk of fading in the sun.
If you’re still having trouble comparing quartz and quartzite, just ask a member of our team which one would work better for you and your home.
Our Quartzite Slabs
At Bellezza Artisan Stone Surfaces, we have the best quartzite slabs around, and it would be our pleasure to install a brand-new quartzite countertop in your kitchen, bathroom or outdoor living space. To get started on your project, get in touch with us today.