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Quartz & Quartzite – Is There a Difference?

Let’s compare the two and understand the difference the two surface materials. They are often mixed-up, so we want to help you make an informed choice for your countertops.

Quartz and quartzite, two high-end countertop materials derived from quartz, are so often confused that even retailers may use them interchangeably. But homeowners deciding between the two for a new countertop should know that the materials vary in composition, looks, maintenance, and durability. Read on for a detailed comparison of two similar countertop materials—quartz vs quartzite—to help you pick the perfect surface for your remodel.
Quartzite is all natural.

Consisting of 90 to 99 percent quartz grains bound by the mineral silica, quartzite is a natural stone that appeals to the eco-conscious because it’s made by nature and contains only naturally occurring components. It’s formed beneath the earth’s surface when quartz-rich sandstone is altered through high pressure and temperature, then mined and cut into slabs. Conversely, the quartz used in countertops is an engineered stone molded and baked into slabs in a factory. Only 90 to 94 percent of it is ground quartz mined from the earth; another 6 to 10 percent is man-made polymer resins and pigments that bind the ground quartz.

Let’s Compare Quartzite and Quartz

Summary of The Two Countertop Surface Materials

  • Neither countertop is DIY-friendly
  • Silestone Quartz is usually less expensive
  • Quartzite takes heat a little better
  • Silestone Quartz repels moisture and microbes without sealer
  • Quartzite is a little more scratch resistant
  • They differ aesthetically: colors, patterns, and feel

Neither Quartzite or Silestone Quartz Countertops are DIY

Let’s get this one out of the way. Quartzite slabs weigh marginally less at around 20 pounds per square foot compared to 20 to 25 pounds per square foot for Silestone quartz slabs. This means neither of these hefty materials is recommended for do-it-yourself countertop installation. Plus the fabrication and cutting require industrial machinery most of us don’t have… even proud DIYers.

Silestone Quartz Offers More Colors, Patterns, Options

The pigments added to Silestone quartz can be used to create a wider spectrum of colors. Silestone quartz slabs can also be flecked or veined in the factory to display uniform patterns across the slab. Quartzite comes primarily in shades of white or gray. Iron oxide in the stone can tilt it toward pink or red hues. Quartzite is also limited to patterns created through natural formation. Unlike Silestone quartz, Quartzite’s veined finishes that resembles granite or marble will be inconsistent from one end of the slab to the next.

Some say quartzite has an earthier feel… Because quartzite slabs retain the granular, sugar-like texture of quartz-rich sandstone, they have a slightly coarser feel desirable to those who prefer countertops with a more organic feel. The resin that binds ground quartz gives the slabs a smooth, seamless finish that imparts a somewhat manufactured look.

Quartzite Takes Heat Better

You can place hot baking dishes or pans on a quartzite countertop. The resin used to bind Silestone quartz melts at 300 degrees Fahrenheit, so a hot dish or pan could leave a permanent indentation or scorch mark on a quartz countertop.

Quartz Repels Moisture & Microbes Without Seal

As a result of its manufacturing process, Silestone has a non-porous surface that does not require sealing. It is an effective barrier against moisture and microbes, which makes permanent staining and bacteria unlikely. To keep a quartz countertop clean, simply wipe up spills or scrubb dried spills with a soft sponge with regular surface cleaner.

While quartzite can be cleaned using these same regimens, its porous surface is more susceptible to staining and bacteria if not sealed before installation and maintained annually. This involves a natural stone sealer ($10 to $30) that needs to soak in for 10 to 15 minutes. You then wipe the countertop down with a cloth, and then let the sealer cure for 24 to 72 hours.

Quartzite is More Scratch Resistant

Quartzite registers between a 7 and 8 on the Mohr’s mineral hardness scale, while Silestone quartz at a solid-7. While a knife blade is unlikely to ding or chip either countertop, don’t chop directly on quartz. Food acids on the resins in the countertops make them prone to etching (white spots).

Silestone Quartz is Usually Less Expensive

Silestone quartz tends to be $60 to $150 per square foot (installed) while Quartzite countertops are$70 to $200 per square foot (installed). The price difference is due to the increased complexity of transforming mined quartzite into slabs. It must be cut to size with a diamond blade, an exacting task that yields slabs with no standard size (they vary widely even among individual retailers). Silestone Quartz is cheaper to produce because once it is manufactured with resins and pigments. Silestone is poured into a mold and baked into standard-size slabs of 120 by 55 inches and a thickness of either two or three centimeters.

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