Written by Granite Guy Inc., Southborough, Massachusetts
Updated: January 23, 2026
⚡ In a Hurry? Here's the 30-Second Summary:
- The Confusion: Quartzite is NOT quartz. One is natural stone, the other is manufactured. Don't let anyone mix them up.
- The Benchmark: Taj Mahal quartzite (the most popular variety) typically runs $100–$150 per sq. ft. installed.
- The Range: Most quartzite options fall within $100–$150 per sq. ft. installed. Rare exotics go higher.
- The Strategy: Pricing varies wildly by color. Pick 3 or 4 favorites and compare.
Quartzite is the stone that gives you the look of marble with the durability of granite. It's become one of the most requested materials in our Southborough showroom over the past five years.
But here's the problem: quartzite pricing is all over the map. You'll see quotes ranging from $100 to $300 per square foot, and most homeowners have no idea why.
After 30 years of fabricating stone across MetroWest and Greater Boston, I can break down exactly what drives those numbers. This guide will help Massachusetts homeowners understand where your money goes before we ever cut a slab.
🪨 First Things First: Quartzite Is NOT Quartz
Before we talk pricing, let's clear up the biggest source of confusion in this industry. Quartzite and quartz sound almost identical. They are completely different materials.
✦ Quartzite (Natural Stone)
Quartzite is 100% natural. It forms when sandstone gets buried deep underground and exposed to extreme heat and pressure over millions of years.
The result is one of the hardest natural stones on earth, rating around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale (harder than granite). It's quarried primarily in Brazil, with limited availability from other sources. Every slab is unique.
✦ Quartz (Engineered/Manufactured)
Quartz countertops are man-made. Manufacturers combine about 90–95% crushed quartz crystals with 5–10% polymer resins and pigments.
It's consistent, uniform, and made in a factory. Pricing varies significantly between manufacturers depending on reputation, manufacturing location, and production methods.
For a deep dive on this confusion, read our guide: Quartz vs. Quartzite: What's Better for Countertops?
⚠️ Warning: If a Quote Is Drastically Cheaper, Something's Wrong
Here's the reality: all fabricators buy from the same suppliers. And all those suppliers buy from the same quarries around the world.
A particular color or variety of quartzite only exists in one specific place on earth. There's no shopping around. We all end up with the same material costs.
So if one company quotes you significantly less than everyone else, it's not because they found a better deal on stone. Something else is happening.
✦ What's Behind the Low Price?
You might be getting the wrong stone.
Brazilian marbles like Shadow Storm often get marketed as "soft quartzite." That's marketing speak. There's no such thing as soft quartzite.
It's either quartzite or it's marble. If it's marble, it will etch and scratch more easily, no matter what they call it.
The material might be bulk-grade instead of premium stock.
Big companies that buy in massive bulk can negotiate lower per-unit costs. But bulk-grade material has more variation in color, more inconsistencies, and higher defect rates.
You might get hit with hidden costs after you sign.
They lowball the initial quote to win the job. Then after the contract is signed, they come back with extras: complex edge charges, sealing fees, finish adjustments, or unexpected fabrication costs.
The layout gets compromised with too many seams.
A good fabricator figures out the best layout for your specific kitchen, minimizing seams and placing them strategically. A cheap shop just crams pieces together, adding unnecessary seams in visible spots.
The company has no reputation to protect.
If something goes wrong during installation, they disappear or refuse to fix it. You're stuck with the problem.
✦ What to Watch For When You're Shopping
Ask these questions before you commit:
- Can they show you the digital layout before they cut?
- Do they have a physical showroom you can visit?
- Do they have their own installation crew, or do they use subcontractors?
- Can they explain their warranty if something cracks or fails?
- Do they have online reviews? What are customers saying?
The bottom line: Established companies charge more because they have real overhead: showroom rent, salaried employees, insurance, and the ability to come back and fix problems. That overhead exists to protect you.
💰 Why Stone Pricing Isn't One-Size-Fits-All
How much is it per square foot? That's the most asked question. But it's not that simple.
Most people assume there's a pricing ladder: granite at the bottom, quartz in the middle, marble and quartzite at the top. That's not how it works.
Pricing is driven by supply and demand, not by the type of stone. I can show you a granite that costs more than some quartzites. I can find you a quartzite that's cheaper than mid-range quartz.
✦ What Actually Drives the Price
Color and Rarity
This is the number one factor. A common color like Taj Mahal is more affordable because it's widely available. A rare blue quartzite like Azul Macaubas can cost three times as much because fewer slabs exist.
Sourcing
We work with various suppliers to find the best value for your project. Stock material from our yard offers set pricing per square foot. Special orders may cost more because different suppliers price differently, and you can only order whole slabs at a time.
Remnants
For smaller projects, ask about our remnant inventory. These are quality offcuts from previous jobs, giving you premium stone at discounted pricing.
Complexity
Waterfall edges, integrated sinks, and custom edges require more fabrication time.
Waste
Every project is like a puzzle. How efficiently we can fit your pieces on the slab affects the final cost. Intricate shapes mean less efficient cuts. Bold veining or patterns require careful planning so everything lines up, sometimes using more material.
💡 Pro Tip: The "Pick 3" Strategy
Because pricing is based on demand, there are no visual rules. A stone that looks expensive might be affordable, and a plain-looking stone might be rare and pricey. Fall in love with three or four options. When we run the numbers, you might find one is 20–30% less than the others.
🧾 The Real Numbers: What Does Quartzite Actually Cost?
National websites quote ranges so broad they're useless. Here's what Massachusetts homeowners actually pay.
✦ Taj Mahal Quartzite (The Market Benchmark)
Taj Mahal is the most popular quartzite we install. It has warm, creamy tones with subtle golden veining. Think of it as the "Carrara of quartzite," a widely available option that sets the baseline.
Total Installed Cost: $100–$150 per sq. ft.
Includes material, templating, fabrication, edge profiling, and professional installation.
What does that look like on a real project?
- Typical 40 sq ft kitchen: $4,000–$6,000 installed
- Larger kitchen (60+ sq ft): $6,000–$9,000+
✦ Beyond Taj Mahal
Many quartzites cost less than Taj Mahal because they're from different quarries, have less demand, or are newer discoveries. Others cost more because they're rarer or have unique characteristics.
✦ The Exotic Tier
Some quartzites go beyond the standard range:
- Cristallo: $150–$300+/sf (translucent, backlight-capable)
- Azul Macaubas: $180–$300+/sf (rare blue, extremely limited)
- Patagonia: $130–$200/sf (dramatic veining)
Exotic varieties are priced based on current availability. When a quarry produces limited quantities, prices spike.
🔬 Why Quartzite Commands Premium Pricing
Quartzite isn't just pretty. There are legitimate reasons it costs more than some alternatives.
✦ Hardness
Quartzite rates around 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. Granite is typically 6–6.5. Marble is 3–4. This means quartzite resists scratches better than almost any other countertop material.
✦ Heat Resistance
You can place a hot pan directly on quartzite without damage. The stone was formed under intense heat and pressure, so your kitchen doesn't faze it. For New England homeowners cooking through long winters, that durability matters.
✦ The Marble Look Without the Problems
Quartzite gives you that elegant marble aesthetic without the etching from lemon juice, wine, or vinegar. You get marble's look with granite's durability.
✦ Fabrication Difficulty
Most people don't realize quartzite is harder to cut and polish than just about any other stone. It wears through tooling faster and takes more than twice as long to fabricate. That specialized labor factors into the price.
🏗️ What's Included in These Prices?
When you get a quote from Granite Guy Inc., you get a detailed itemized work order. You'll know exactly what we're gonna do. No surprises.
Included in every estimate:
- Digital Templating: Laser measurement of your cabinets down to the millimeter
- SlabSmith Layout: We digitize your actual slabs, then create a layout rendering so you can see exactly where veins will land before we cut
- Fabrication & Sealing: Cutting, polishing, and sealing in our Southborough shop
- Installation: Our own crew handles it. No subcontractors.
Additional costs (if applicable):
- Countertop removal and disposal
- Custom edges (ogee, Dupont, mitered laminated)
- Integrated sinks
- Finish changes (polished to honed or leathered)
⚠️ Important: We specialize in countertop fabrication and installation only. We don't handle plumbing, electrical, or other trades. If your project needs additional work, you'll need to hire licensed contractors separately.
✨ Finish Options
Quartzite comes in three main finishes. Your choice affects both the look and the cost.
✦ Polished
High-gloss, reflective finish that shows off the stone's depth and color. Most common finish available.
✦ Honed
Smooth, matte finish without the shine. Popular for contemporary or understated looks. More open pores may require more frequent sealing.
✦ Leathered
Textured finish with a soft sheen. Hides fingerprints and water spots well. Great for farmhouses or rustic styles.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is quartzite more expensive than granite?
A. Depends on the colors you're comparing. Entry-level quartzite overlaps with mid-range granite.
Q. Is quartzite more expensive than marble?
A. Usually, yes. But exotic marbles like Calacatta and Statuario exceed most quartzite.
Q. Does quartzite need to be sealed?
A. Depends on the variety. We seal every countertop before it leaves our shop as a precaution.
Q. Will quartzite etch like marble?
A. No. Real quartzite does not etch.
Q. Can I use quartzite outdoors?
A. Yes, but use honed or leathered finishes. Read our outdoor countertops guide.
Q. Why is Super White sometimes cheap and sometimes expensive?
A. "Super White" applies to several different stones. Some is true quartzite, some is dolomitic marble. Always confirm with your fabricator.
Q. Can I buy my own slab to save money?
A. No. We don't take liability for material we didn't source.
Q. Do you charge for estimates?
A. No. Bring your drawings or send us your dimensions.
🛡️ Is Quartzite Right for You?
Choose quartzite if:
- You want the marble look but need better durability
- You prioritize scratch resistance
- You appreciate natural stone character
- You're investing in a Greater Boston home where quality finishes boost resale value
- You're okay with periodic sealing and prompt spill cleanup
Consider alternatives if:
- You want zero maintenance (choose engineered quartz)
- Your budget is under $100/sf installed
- You want guaranteed zero etching (quartz won't etch at all)
🧑🔧 My Recommendation
Quartzite is one of the best values in natural stone right now. You get the elegance of marble with performance that actually holds up in a working kitchen.
The key is understanding that "quartzite" is a category, not a single product. Taj Mahal and Azul Macaubas are both quartzite, but they're priced completely differently.
Come see the slabs in person. Touch them. See how the light plays across the surface. That's when you'll know which one is right for your home.
And if the budget feels tight, don't give up on quartzite entirely. We might have a beautiful option sitting in our yard that works perfectly for your project.
📚 Related Articles
- Taj Mahal Quartzite: 2026 Price & Complete Guide
- What Is Quartzite? Complete Guide from a 30-Year Fabricator
🏠 Visit Our Southborough Showroom
Still figuring out which stone is right for you? Come see us. Nothing beats standing in front of the actual slabs, comparing colors, patterns, and finishes in person. That's how you make the right decision.
Stop by our countertop store at 43 Turnpike Road (Route 9), Southborough, MA 01772 during business hours. We keep a large inventory in our heated warehouse, so there's always plenty to see.
Already done your homework and know what you want? Email us or give us a call.
📞 508-460-7900
📧 info@graniteguyinc.com
Learn about our process and pricing
