Quartzite Countertops: Pros and Cons

Beautifully natural.
No this is not a herbal essences advert.

Today I’m talking to you about Quartzite Countertops!

This gorgeous stone looks beautiful in the kitchen. But is it the right choice for yours?
Let’s discuss the pros, cons and details of Quartzite to help you decide.
Quartzite countertops Pros and COns

What is Quartzite?

Quartzite is metamorphic rock that is formed from sandstone. The chemical actions, and the pressure and heat arising from tectonic compression, forces the silica and sand grain to form an interlocking crystalline structure.

Quartz vs Quartzite: What is the difference?

Quartzite sounds pretty similar to Quartz right?

Although the two sound like sisters, there are a lot of differences to take note of.

The main difference between quartz and quartzite is that, quartz is man-made and quartzite is not. A quartz countertop uses the same crystals as found in a quartzite countertop. Yet Quartz is engineered using a synthetic man-made process. It involves glass, resins and other materials. It is super durable, versatile and comes in a range of colors.

Quartzite is a natural stone. A quartzite countertop begins as sandstone. Heat and pressure fuses the sandstone with quartz crystals. Quartzite is white or light grey in colors, due to the minerals in the stone. It’s often mistaken for marble.

QuartziteQuartz
Main DifferenceNatural metamorphic stoneMade by synthetic process
Heat & WearExcellent heat and wear resistanceComparatively lower heat and scratch resistance
StainMore likely to stain. Porous stone and require sealing.Less prone to stains. Do not need extra sealing.
DesignUnique natural patternsArtificial, but uniform patterns.
ColorLight grey to whiteAvailable in various colors.
PriceMore expensivePrice is lower than quartzite.
Quartzite adds a lovely natural touch to the home.

If you’re unsure whether it’s the right choice for you, take a read of the pros and cons listed below.

Pros of Quartzite Countertops

First let’s see the major advantages of using quartzite kitchen countertops.

A Durable Surface

Compared to most natural stones Quartzite can be pretty durable. You don’t need to worry about the surface wearing down or developing problems any time soon!

Looks like Marble

Like marble, but low maintenance. Yay!

If you like the look of marble but don’t have patience for its demands, then quartzite is a great alternative.

Cost

Luckily there isn’t much price difference between quartz and quartzite. If you’re leaning towards a more natural look you can do so without worrying about your wallet.

The average price per square foot is around $120 – $200. This depends on the complexity of the job and the quality of the stone.

Note: If you compare this to a plastic laminate worktop (at around $50 per square foot) then you’re breaking the bank.

Decide how important aesthetic vs cost affects your decision.

Low maintenance

Spills need to be cleaned up sharpish. Other than that cleaning a quartzite countertop is easy. Soap and water will do! There is no need for a fancy cleaner to make your natural stone sparkle.

Weather and heat resistance

“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”, a phrase never used in relation to Quartzite countertops. It’s heat resistant, so you needn’t panic about hot pots and pans.

Cons of Quartzite countertops

No stone is perfect. Here are the major disadvantages of countertops made out of quartzite.

Size limitations

It may be beautiful but quartzite can demand a tricky instalment. A standard slab of the stone is 65.5 by 132 inches. Countertops larger than this require a seam. A problem you wouldn’t encounter with other natural stones.

Limited Color Choices

I love the color of quartzite stone. It ranges from grey to white and all shades between.

However if you’re looking for something a slightly more “stand out”, you would need to opt for a more versatile stone. Perhaps a manufactured one, like quartz.

Sharp Objects

Make sure you buy a good chopping board! Quartzite is highly wear resistant, but sensitive to chip offs. It doesn’t handle sharp knives or tools well. Although it’s durable in other senses, you should take care when preparing food.

Water Damage

Quartzite is a porous stone. If you leave water on the surface too long, it can seep through and cause under the surface staining.

So beware of the coffee spills on your luxurious quartzite countertop. If you opt for this stone you must stay on top of you spills and splashes.

Sealing

All quartzite stone is different. Some are hard, some softer. It is likely your countertop will need to be sealed once a year. But it may need more depending on your particular variety of the stone. This is a DIY job, and not very expensive. But its upkeep may be a factor when deciding on your stone.

FAQ’s

If you’re stuck with whether quartzite is the right choice for you, here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions to help you decide.

Is quartzite good for kitchen countertops?

Quartzite is a beautiful aesthetic for a countertop. It’s quite durable but it does need regular up-keeping. It is not the most practical countertop, but it sure does look great.

Can you put a hot pan on a quartzite countertop?

Yes! Quartzite is heat resistant. It can withstand hot pans and pots. I still recommend using a worktop saver or trivet if you opt for this natural stone. But it’s not something you need to worry about.

Does water stain quartzite?

Unfortunately quartzite is quite a porous stone. It has an average water absorption of between 0.1 and 1.4%. This means it can stain under the surface. But if you’re quick with cleaning up spills – this shouldn’t be a problem.

Does quartzite chip easily?

Quartzite can chip when using sharp objects. It’s quite a durable stone but it’s still highly recommended to use a chopping board.

Is quartzite countertops cheaper than granite?

No. The price difference isn’t too dramatic, but it is there. Quartzite is around $10 more expensive per square foot when compared to granite countertops.

Can I use Windex or Clorox wipes on quartzite?

Although the stone can withstand these types of disinfectant wipes and cleaners they are not recommended. Because regular use of these cleaning products will result in damage to the countertop sealing.

In actual practice, I did not notice any damages when I used the disinfectant wipes (that do not contain bleach or acidic chemicals), once in a week.

Can you use bleach on quartzite?

Do not use bleach for cleaning as they can potentially harm the surface of your countertop. Instead use soap and water to clean.

Is Quartzite the right choice for me?

Quartzite is a gorgeous natural stone. It adds elegance to any kitchen and is very popular in modern homes today.

Of course it has its limitations and possible problems. But if you don’t mind a little up-keep, Quartzite makes a beautiful option for the kitchen.