Quartz vs. Quartzite - What is the Difference
How To Start Your Kitchen Renovation Series: What is more durable, quartz or quartzite?
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Quartzite vs. Quartz
Quartz vs. Quartzite: Let's Talk Kitchen Countertops!
Hello, friends! Are you dreaming of a refreshed kitchen, a space that truly feels like the heart of your home? I know so many of you are, and embarking on a renovation journey is such an exciting time! Here at The Inspired Room, we love to help you make those big decisions feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more joyful.
We've been talking all about "How To Start Your Kitchen Renovation" in our series – a simple, step-by-step guide to help you achieve those beautiful, functional results you're longing for. And today, we're diving into a really important piece of the puzzle: choosing your kitchen countertops! After all, they're not just pretty surfaces; they're where so much of life happens.
In our last chat, we shared a helpful checklist to get you ready for that first meeting with your kitchen designer. Today, we're building on that foundation by tackling a question that pops up all the time in my online design consultations: "What's the real scoop on quartz versus quartzite? Which one is the best fit for my home and my busy family life?"
It's a sweet dilemma, isn't it? You're looking for smart ways to make your kitchen makeover truly shine, and you're wondering what's worth the investment and what might just be extra fuss. I've been having so many wonderful conversations with readers just like you, and their questions about trending elements, budget-friendly choices, and even what to skip have been so insightful.
Just recently, a lovely client asked me, "What should I genuinely include in my new kitchen? What's trending, what makes sense for my budget, and is there anything I should absolutely forget about because it's just not worth it? What do you recommend?"
So, let's pull up a chair, grab a cup of coffee, and unravel the mystery of quartz versus quartzite together. We'll explore how to choose a countertop that not only looks beautiful but also truly works for your real life, aligning perfectly with your design vision and your family's needs.
“2-Hour Online Design” consultations have been so diverse and so good. My Virtual Kitchen Design Online consults have been covering content and questions I’ve never published before, so I’m excited to share with new readers'’ dilemmas and the conversations that ensued for resolving my client’s kitchen inquiries.
“What should I include in my new kitchen?” What’s trending, what should I include in my budget, and what is the one item I should forget about having because it is a total waste of money? What do I recommend?
Inspo: I’m loving the integrated sink, shelf, and induction cooktop: my fave. kitchen design by Joseph Dirard, Parisian chic without effort.
I have been using quartzite and quartz for years with great success. It is usually the preference of the homeowner that drives the decision on the purchase of one stone over another. How do they decide? Well, it is most commonly the perception of maintenance expectations, and then it is based on what they like visually when viewing the slab.
Quartzite vs. Quartz: What's the Difference?
For years, I've had the pleasure of working with both quartzite ( nature) and quartz ( man- made) , and honestly, both can lead to stunning kitchen transformations! Often, the choice between these two beautiful stones comes down to a homeowner's perception of maintenance expectations, and, of course, what truly captures their eye visually when they view the slab.
Let's clarify the key distinction:
Quartzite countertops are crafted from natural, porous stone, meticulously cut to precise dimensions. Each slab carries the unique artistry of the earth.
Quartz countertops, on the other hand, are an engineered stone. They're created by combining quartz minerals with pigments in a resin base, then molded into custom shapes.
Is Quartzite or Quartz a Good Kitchen Countertop?
Absolutely! Both can be fantastic choices, but understanding their individual personalities is key.
QUARTZITE:
Quartzite is truly a gift from the earth! This natural stone boasts a very high quartz content, making it incredibly hard – often even harder than granite (when rated correctly, of course!). It's a metamorphic rock, much like marble, but significantly more durable and less porous. Overall, it's a fabulous stone for busy kitchens. Just know that it rarely comes in white. The tones of Quartzite are tans, grays and griege, and darker.
A quick tip: always consult your fabricator for specifics on different varieties of quartzite. They are the experts who will be working with the stone and can offer invaluable insights on its performance, ensuring you avoid any unexpected issues down the line. There's a wide spectrum of quartzite performances out there!
While a variety like Taj Mahal is wonderfully dense and strong, some other quartzites can behave a bit more like marble, meaning they might be prone to etching. A general rule of thumb I've observed is that the whiter the stone, the more potential for etching. Also, anything polished can possibly scratch depending on its density. Most quartzite is either polished or, my personal favorite, leathered (I just adore this finish!), rather than honed, to truly stand up to the heavy use of a kitchen. It will need to be sealed occasionally (think every 5 years or so), and with the incredible advancements in sealants, quartzite is truly a great performer for the modern home.
When you're ready to choose, be sure to partner with a supplier who will guide you through the selection process. I always work with trusted suppliers because it's so important to get first-grade cuts, avoiding those subtle imperfections that can detract from your dream kitchen.
QUARTZ:
Now, let's talk about quartz! This is a fantastic man-made, engineered stone. It's created from a collection of quartz minerals combined with pigments in a resin base, designed specifically to resist stains and heat. And they do a truly great job of just that, which means they happily don't need to be sealed! And it offers the white backgrounds that quartzite does not.
You'll find beautiful options from manufacturers like Caesarstone, Emerstone, Cambria, and several others. I must admit, any counter material that makes my client happy makes me happy! However, for someone who truly appreciates the unique patterns and depth of natural stone, quartz, in its pursuit of perfection, can sometimes fall just short of looking "real" to my eye. Though, I must confess, a few selections are getting incredibly close to lifelike!
One thing to keep in mind is that quartz does have some limitations when it comes to selecting edge details. To ensure the material doesn't chip, the options are usually limited to rounded or square detailing. This is especially important for kitchen islands, where we often desire a more furniture-like, intricate edge detail since it's a central focal point in the room.
So, whether you lean towards the natural beauty of quartzite or the engineered resilience of quartz, understanding these nuances will help you make the perfect choice for your beautiful, functional kitchen!
Quartz: Cambria counter , backsplash and Shelf detailing. One of the nice edge details is shown on this island. Great edge detail for a modern stye.
QUARTZITE = MOTHER NATURE
QUARTZ = MANMADE.
Is One Better Than the other?
Quartzite is mined from the earth and a great performer but can be a little more expensive, and does require a sealant for maximum performance. Quartzite is a very hard stone, harder than granite - the issue is fabricators don’t always have the right labels about what is actually really quartzite. Hopefully, they test them to be sure.
Quartz is impressive as a man-made product. It is somewhat realistic, but the real answer depends on your personal preference for the overall look and color, with the cost factor as well.
Quartz (man-made) benefits are that it offers a white base with imitation veining and sometimes a better price point. The whiter the stone in nature, the more expensive it is. This is why Quartz in white tones ( such as Carrera, Stautarty Arabesque) have become so popular lately. ( and supplies are limited on some)
This stone is most likely marble: Mother Earth
Cost Of Stone Counter Tops
On average, expect countertops to range in price from $40 to $100 per square foot installed, according to a report by Consumer Reports.
Quartzite / Stone countertops range from $50 to $250 per square foot, while tile counters can start at as little as $20; butcher block at $40, and solid surfaces at $45.
QUARTZITE Vs. QUARTZ : Top 10 Questions
How much do they cost? Are the price ranges the same?
QUARTZ and QUARTZITE: can run from $40 to $100 a square foot.
Quartz: Engineered stone via Cambria, style Portrush
Quartzite / Marble : Great Island detailing that only natural stone offers, one of my favorite kitchens, by Lauren DeLoach shown in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle. She gives new meaning to light blue in a kitchen. (FARROW & BALL Light Blue)
Maintenance expectations?
Is Quartzite the same as marble? Yes. It may have some of the characteristics of marble, but It is defined by its density and receives a rating of Quartzite from this rating. Getting the beautiful marble-like pattern with the best design for the kitchen is most ideal if that is the look you would like to have.
Both are inherently heat resistant and you can place a pot or pan on them, but it is still recommended that you use trivets, since the glue that holds the counter in place is not able to expand and contract with the stone, causing those infrequent accidents that case the countertops to crack.
The finish will determine the performance of a material. A leathered finish will function better than honeed.
Healthy Home Ratings
Quartzite: Does not have silica, and has been cut and shaped for kitchens and work areas for centuries. Also of note, quartzite, a natural stone is antibacterial in nature.
Quartz: Man-made Quartz has been in the news lately for having caused cancer for fabricators not using the proper equipment to filter the silicas entering the air from the resin used when being cut. Make sure your fabricator is using the right safety equipment when working with quartz and manufacturing.
Will the edge details resist chipping?
All stones will chip with the right impact. But choose a quartzite with a MOHs Scale RATING of (7) and you will have the best resistance to chipping possible. Note: 7 is a rating harder than diamonds! ( MOH’s Scale of mineral hardness) This will usually be found on the material reference sheet.
When buying a natural stone, YOU MUST GO TO the stone yard. Each slab is very different from the other. When you find what you like put a deposit on it.
When using engineered quartz, edge details can be limited to help ensure chip resistance, this is why you will typically see an eased or square edge when using this product. But the choices increase with the thickness chosen and the price. Click here to see Edge Details with Cambria: Edge Details
Kitchens with Quartz / Marble
Its always best to work with a Kitchen Designer. How do your find them? Start a Search. Start your search for a designer online at the NKBA website (nkba.org), which can point you to designers in your area. Then visit the websites of the designers or contact them directly. Get names from friends and neighbors who have remodeled their kitchens. You can find a certified/licensed interior kitchen designer and supplier through our industry association of designers, cabinet showrooms, builders and suppliers who work to elevate our industry through this association. A certified NKBA kitchen designer will have met standards set by the National Kitchen and Bath Association . this is a good starting point.
Are you located in New York or Connecticut? Call me for a full service, design, manufacturer, delivery for your luxury kitchen, one that reflects your personality. ( email me at [email protected] to learn more.)
Not sure what to ask when you call them. I outline the first call here in my post “ The Essential CheckList For Your First Meeting With A Kitchen Designer. “
Dreaming of Joseph Dirard
marble: kitchen by Eye Swoon in collaboration with Elizabeth Roberts
Athena Calderon‘s kitchen was the talk of the town in this year and for a good reason. This Brooklyn townhouse was transformed into the perfect modern home for Athena and her family. The kitchen has no upper cabinets, dark wood, and white marble countertop. The island is massive, and the modern stools complement the whole design perfectly
Kitchens With Quartz
Quartz : Cambria Britannica
Quatrz: Cambria
Stunning Cambria natural quartz surface and countertop designs like Brittanicca™, Annicca™, and Skara Brae™ feature bold streaks of movement and bright, pristine sophistication for an elegant marble appearance.
Quartz: kitchen by Studio McGee
Ask Yourself
Questions to Ask Before You Begin. How will you use the kitchen? How often do you cook or entertain? Will you need space for dining? What are your must-haves? The use of quartz is usually for fear of etching or staining. It is also for the cleanest and white like marble options offered with a consistent pattern.
This Old House : New Canaan : Quartz by CaesarStone
Notice the pure white on the perimeter with the light grey veining of the Quartz on the island with a primarily very white base. ( hard to find in nature and a little pricey) I can tell it is not real, but most people will never know.
The inherently elegant and enduring qualities of either ston makes it great for any interior. The two stones are inherently equipped to service a wide range of homeowners and preferences.
Other great stones for countertops: soapstone, marble, and fro a bar area, limestone.
Recap:
Quartzite isn't the same as quartz. It's a metamorphic rock that can be used for kitchen worktops.
I use both quartz ( man-made) and quartzite ( when the budget allows) and have had zero issues with either- but be aware of Chinese quartz ( if you can even get it now with imports on hole or tariff issues) as it can turn colors in some situations, and buy from a vetted and trusted vendor to ensure true quality. It’s always better to buy US products if they have what you like for our economy anyway.
Visit your local Stoneyard. the colors and the veining, will vary with current inventory. You can’t imagine all the options. One may speak to you that you never envisioned and surprise you. The options are wonderful and you may find that you like one more than the other.
I hope you found this list helpful and feel that you are better prepared for this first step in your renovation.
Some of Our Picks For Your Kitchen
KITCHEN ISLAND LIGHTING
Are you looking for the perfect light fixtures or kitchen island? When considering the best lighting options, we want it to be charming and delightful.
KITCHEN ISLANDS
An island that I recommend most often, is something that looks more like furniture than a block in the middle of the room? These are perfect for increasing your workspace in a small kitchen.
Here are some of our favorites:
HOW TO Start A KITCHEN REMODEL?
I recommend you do what I do, and start a Remodeling Binder. This is a place to place all your ideas when starting your project, and contracts and budgets as you move through the project.
See my post on “ Top 5 Remodeling Tips + a Project Remodeling Binder”
P.S. Are you following DVD INTERIOR DESIGN on the LikeToKnow.it app yet? If not, this is an easy way to shop all of our favorite finds, including additional app-exclusive content just for subscribers! Just sign up on your phone and you can get started right away!
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Thank you again for every email, text, note, Facebook message, Instagram comment, all of it. You are the reason I love what I do so much. I am thankful and consider it a privilege to be a small part of your life.
Peace be with you,
xoxo
Deborah
QUARTZ VS. QUARTZITE
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Quartz: ( man made) Cambria
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