However, quartz and quartzite are similar in price, with quartzite being just slightly more expensive. You can expect to pay around $60 to $150 per square foot for quartz countertops and $70 to $200 per square foot for quartzite countertops.
Quartzite has a very limited color variation — usually appearing light gray or white with flecks of green, red, or blue and occasional veining. Quartz outshines quartzite in the color department. Due to its synthetic composition, quartz can be manufactured to come in any color desired.
Hardness and Durability: Quartzite is harder than granite, so it is quite durable. It withstands heat very well. Quartz is hard too, but not quite as hard as quartzite. The resin used in manufacturing quartz countertops is a plastic, so it is prone to melting in heat above 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which is more important while using your countertops — stain resistance, scratch resistance, or etching? Granite provides better stain and scratch resistance than quartzite. Quartzite is better at resisting etching. Quartz countertops repel all three.
Since Taj Mahal is a fully re-crystallized stone, it is considered a true quartzite. It is ideal for countertops, backsplashes, waterfall islands, and accent walls. Quartzite resists moisture, bacteria, stains, scratches, etching, and heat.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Quartzite countertops offer several benefits, such as durability, heat resistance, low maintenance, and natural beauty. However, the material also has its drawbacks, including its high cost, porous nature, limited color options, and extreme heaviness.
Homeowners rave about quartzite because it's so resistant to destruction, that there's no need to worry about etching, scratching, or staining.
Pros. Heat Resistance: Like granite most quartzite is very heat resistant and can withstand hot pots and pans. Beauty: Because of its similarities to sandstone and marble, quartzite provides an elegant and luxurious feel with its incredible veining and beautiful color.
Stone countertops are popular in kitchens for a reason. Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz rates a bit higher on the hardness scale and is slightly more resistant to damage.
Quartzite is a fairly hard stone, but it's less dense than quartz and susceptible to easily staining in a heavy use area such as the kitchen. Quartzite requires sealing to prevent staining the surface, while quartz needs virtually no maintenance.
The choice here is a matter of personal preference. If you truly want the look of natural stone, then choose the truly natural product—granite. But many people find that quartz countertops offer looks that are different and better than natural stone.
Quartz comes in more colors and patterns.
Similarly, quartz slabs can be flecked or veined in the factory to display diverse, uniform patterns across the slab. Quartzite comes primarily in shades of white or gray, though iron oxide in the stone can lend a pink or red hue.
Quartzite, also a natural stone, is aesthetically similar to marble. It's more durable than marble. It's a harder stone so it is difficult to damage and wears very well over time.
What we found when conducting this experiment is that quartzite, when properly sealed, is incredibly resistant to both stains and etching. However, no stone is completely stain- or damage-proof, so we always recommend the use of a quality stone sealer.
Taj Mahal is a khaki-toned quartzite from Brazil with fine, rich veining.
The quartzite countertop surfaces are also more resistant to scratches and stains than their engineered counterparts. They are also considered eco-friendly because they do not have the same harmful chemicals that some other countertops have, such as formaldehyde.
Because it doesn't have the darker flecks found in granite from being formed in molten lava, quartzite's bright tones bring a splash of color to any kitchen. And because it is UV resistant, quartzite retains its color and doesn't fade, even in direct sunlight.
Quartzite countertops are also UV-resistant, which means they won't fade or discolor from long-term exposure to sunlight. This makes quartzite a great choice for outdoor kitchens or patios.
Quartzite is UV resistant, so it won't fade in natural light, like in outdoor kitchens. Quartzite is easy to clean with regular soap and water, so there's no need for fancy chemicals.
While some quartzites are very dense and resistant to water absorption, others are very porous and require the application of heavy-duty sealer, to protect it's surface against water absorption and staining.
When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design. One of the most appealing features of granite countertops are their beauty.
Generally, quartz is less expensive than granite, but many factors influence the total price of a project. In this article, we'll look at the differences between natural granite stone and engineered quartz stone and the factors that affect pricing so you can determine which material is best for your design project.
Generally, quartz can withstand heat up to around 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees Celsius. Placing a cup of tea or coffee directly onto a quartz surface shouldn't present a problem. However, we'd recommend exercising caution and using coasters and hot pads if you plan on placing hot items on your quartz surface.