Quartzite is among the best natural stones to use for your home when selecting one. It’s beautiful, durable, and versatile. But what exactly is quartzite? What other popular stones, like marble and granite, are like and how they compare. Why is it becoming so popular for countertops?
Without a doubt, this guide answers all of your questions about quartzite: What is it made of, and what are five ways to care for it? Let’s dive in!
What is Quartzite?
Quartzite is formed when sandstone is buried deep down, heated up, and then under high heat and pressure. Secondly, sandstone is subjected to heat and pressure that can take millions of years when buried deep down in the Earth. Then this continues to happen, the sand grains stick to and start to become heavy, hard stones.
Quartzite is a very hard natural, mostly quartz crystal rock. Secondly, it is very resistant to scratches and stains and is a very durable material. The strength of quartzite makes it ideal for countertops, walls and floors. It is a good, rugged, beautiful material.
What is Quartzite Made Of?
Basically quartzite is composed of quartz grains. In addition quartz is a strong mineral and supposed to add to its strength. However, quartzite may have other minerals such as feldspar, mica and iron oxide in small amounts, patterns and colors.
Again the chief member is silicon dioxide (SiO2) the same as the material that gives glass such strength.. On this basis, it is compared with glass on account of its durability, and hence used. Pressure and heat to which a chunk of it was subjected at the time of its formation are responsible for its color and texture.
What Does Quartzite Look Like?
Quartzite colors include white, gray, pink, red, green, and blue. The colour of the quartz depends on the minerals added to it during its formation.
- White Quartzite: Another most popular type of white quartzite is considered to be this. This has a clean and bright look that suits both modern and classic design. Pure quartz sandstone changes when heat and pressure deep in the Earth to make the color.
- Gray Quartzite: The most common and famous color is Gray Quartzite. Although it is commonly used as a countertop due to its neat and sleek look, it is not that durable. Colors of this plant are from pure white to off white, and may be some shade of gray or cream.
- Pink and Red Quartzite: Iron oxide colors the stone pink and red in color. The varieties are anything from soft pink all the way to deep red, sometimes with streaks or spots of other color.
- Green and Blue Quartzite: Less common but also very beautiful, green and blue colors derive from chlorite (green) or riebeckite (blue) minerals. But the shades are anything from soft pastels to deep tones.
- Multicolored Quartzite: Some quartzites are multicolored, and the swirls of veins can make some pieces unique.
What is Soft Quartzite?
The term ‘soft quartzite’ may be something you’ve heard, but the plot here is that there’s no such thing. Real quartzite is always hard. If a stone is labeled as soft quartzite, it is likely marble or dolomitic marble, not real quartzite.
Marble is softer than glass and will etch from acids such as vinegar or lemon juice, while true quartzite will not. Therefore, if a stone supposed to be quartzite scratches easily or reacts on an acid one is not real quartzite.
What Are Quartzite Countertops?
At present, Quartzite countertops are popular in kitchens and bathrooms because they are both strong and beautiful. It is not scratched, heated or stained and is so hard that quartzite is simply not quartzite at all. Quartzite will also not etch with acids like lemon juice or vinegar like marble would.
If you are looking for a stylish as well as practical countertop, quartzite is one of the most popular countertops. Of course the colors and the patterns that it comes with are so large so the size of the one you will identify as matching your design style is guaranteed. In addition, the durability of the unit means that if looked after properly, the unit will last for years.
Quartzite vs. Other Stones
| Property | Quartzite | Quartz | Granite | Marble |
| Composition | Natural (mainly quartz) | Engineered (90-95% crushed quartz, resins) | Natural (mainly feldspar, quartz) | Natural (calcite) |
| Hardness | 7 on the Mohs scale | 7 on the Mohs scale | 6-7 on the Mohs scale | 3-5 on the Mohs scale |
| Durability | Extremely durable, resistant to abrasion | Very durable, resists scratches | Durable but can scratch easily | Prone to scratching and staining |
| Etching from Acids | Does not etch from acids | Does not etch or stain from acids | Does not etch from acids | Etches easily from acids |
| Porosity | Can be porous, may need sealing | Non-porous, requires no sealing | Low porosity, no sealing needed | Highly porous, requires sealing |
| Appearance | Unique veins, natural patterns | Uniform, consistent colors and patterns | Speckled, granular texture | Elegant veining, varying colors |
| Maintenance | Requires sealing, moderate care | Low maintenance, easy to clean | Low maintenance, easy to clean | High maintenance, requires sealing |
| Resistant to Staining | Can stain if not sealed | Highly resistant | Stains less, but can be stained by oils | Easily stained by oils and acids |
| Cost | High | Moderate to high | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Ideal Use | Kitchen countertops, bathrooms, and flooring | Kitchen countertops, bathrooms, and flooring | Kitchen countertops, flooring | Bathroom vanities, countertops |
| Common Colors | White, gray, pink, red, green | White, black, gray, beige, custom colors | Black, white, gray, brown | White, gray, beige, pink |
| Heat Resistance | Highly heat resistant | Heat resistant, but can scorch | Heat resistant | Sensitive to heat |
The Pros and Cons of Quartzite
Pros of Quartzite:
- Durability: Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones, so it will not get damaged by scratches, chipping or cracking.
- Heat Resistance: This is wonderful because the hot pots and pans will not mar the quartzite countertops, as the quartzite can withstand such high temps.
- Low Maintenance: After cleaning, you may seal from time to time. Otherwise, it’s a low-maintenance material.
- Variety: Quartzite is colourful and diverse due to its many different colours and patterns.
Cons of Quartzite:
- Price: Quartzite is a more expensive stone as compared to granite or marble due to the fact that it is expensive to excavate and refine.
- Brittleness: It should be noted that quartzite is a hard bit, and will chip or crack upon hitting hard.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Quartzite has excellent temperature sensitivity. Therefore, it should be used with trivets and hot pads.
How to Care for Quartzite
Quartzite is very easy to maintain, but you need to keep in mind:
- Seal it: it will need to be sealed. Reseal it once a year.
- Clean Regularly: Use soap, water and a clean cloth. Another tip is to employ non-harsh chemicals that will not harm the stone.
- Avoid Abrasive Cleaners: Do not use aluminum foil, scouring pads or acidic liquids such as vinegar or lemon juice on quartzite.
- Handle with Care: Quartzite is tough but can also chip if dropped or hit with force. What you do not ignore is to deal with heavy objects.
Where Quartzite is Found
Although quartzite is found all over the world, in the United States, Brazil, Italy, and Norway, it is not currently very popular. Quartzite is produced in each region with a different quality of color and pattern. It is known that Brazil’s quartzite and Norway’s quartzite are known for their purity and hardness.
Conclusion
Natural Quartzite is a very strong stone for countertops, etc. The reason is its colors, patterns, and outstanding durability. All these attributes make it a popular choice for most people.
Quartzite is a good option if you are considering it for your next project. Quartzite will look good for many years if it is properly cared for, though. There are many quartzite varieties that will look great in your home, regardless of whether you prefer classic white or gray, or something more colorful and unique.
