Quartzite Countertops

“I love showing quartzite to our customers who are looking for that special stone for their home. Many of our customers are not familiar with quartzite, or sometimes confuse it with engineered quartz, but once they see the stone and learn a little bit about its special characteristics, they fall in love with it. Quartzite has the aesthetic appeal of marble, with the beautiful colors and veining, combined with the tremendous durability of granite. It’s the best of both worlds, which is why quartzite countertops are so incredibly popular. The thing I like best about quartzite is that every slab is unique, which means every kitchen or bathroom that we create is truly one of a kind.”

Quartzite is rapidly becoming a top choice for homeowners and designers alike. With its stunning natural beauty and unmatched strength, quartzite transforms any space into a luxurious sanctuary. In the following sections, we'll explore the many benefits of quartzite, its formation, history, sources, and how it compares to other materials. We'll also delve into its versatile applications in the home and provide essential care and maintenance tips. As you learn more and more about this amazing stone, you'll see why quartzite countertops may be the perfect choice for your next home project.

Exceptional Durability & Hardness: Quartzite is one of the hardest natural stones available, making it incredibly resistant to scratches, heat, and everyday wear and tear. Quartzite scores an 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, which is a rating system for the hardness of stone materials. No other countertop material scores higher than this (diamond scores a 10, but would make for a very expensive kitchen!).
Natural Beauty: Each slab of quartzite is unique, featuring intricate patterns and a wide range of colors that add elegance and sophistication to any space. Its natural sparkle and crystalline texture make it a standout choice. Quartzite has a high-gloss finish that enhances its natural beauty and gives it a luxurious appearance. The stone's translucency allows light to penetrate its surface, creating a stunning visual effect that can elevate the overall look of your kitchen, bathroom or living room.

Versatility: Quartzite's versatility allows it to be used in various applications, from kitchen countertops and backsplashes to bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds. Its ability to blend seamlessly with other materials, such as wood and metal, allows for creative and unique design combinations, and its ability to withstand different environments makes it a practical and beautiful option for any part of your home.

Low Maintenance: With proper sealing, quartzite is easy to maintain. Quartzite is less porous than other natural stones like marble, making it more resistant to staining from common household substances such as wine, coffee, lemon juice and oils. When properly sealed, quartzite surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular wiping with mild soap and water. The durability and resistance to wear of quartzite mean that it will maintain its beauty and functionality for many years, often outlasting other countertop materials and reducing the need for replacement or repairs.
Finish Options: Quartzite countertops can come in several different finishes, depending on your preferred style and how you want light to interact with the countertop surface. A Polished finish will be exceptionally smooth, reflect light and help brighten the room. A Honed finish will also be exceptionally smooth, but have a matte finish that diffuses light rather than reflect it. A Leathered finish has the same matte look that a honed countertop has, but has a textured finish that maintains the natural contours of the stone.

Quartzite begins its journey as sandstone, undergoing a metamorphic transformation under intense heat and pressure. This process fuses the quartz grains together, creating a dense, durable rock with an interlocking crystalline structure. Over millions of years, the pressure and heat cause the quartz grains to recrystallize, resulting in the hard, glassy surface of quartzite. Impurities such as iron oxide, silica, and carbonates can infiltrate the stone, creating the beautiful and varied coloration that quartzite is known for.

Significant deposits of quartzite are found in various parts of the world. Each region produces quartzite with distinct characteristics influenced by local geology:

Brazil: Brazilian quartzite is renowned for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns. The majority of quartzite used in kitchen countertops worldwide comes from Brazilian quarries. Colors like Taj Mahal, Cristallo, Azul Macaubas, and Bali Blue are very popular, adding unparalleled beauty and elegance to any home.
Norway: Norwegian quartzite is noted for its hardness and fine grain. Emerald Green is a well-known variety that features rich, green hues.
South Africa: South African quartzite often exhibits striking color variations. Madreperola is a popular type with beautiful, pearlescent qualities.

Azul Macaubas

quartzite is a rare Brazilian stone prized for its vibrant blue tones layered with waves of gray and white. Its bold movement and durability make it a stunning centerpiece for modern kitchens, especially when used as a full-height backsplash and waterfall island, like in this design.

Sea Pearl

is a sophisticated Brazilian quartzite with a soft gray-green base and subtle, flowing veining in tones of white, cream, and light gray. Its calm, ocean-inspired movement brings a serene, upscale feel to kitchens, bathrooms, and feature walls—perfect for clients who want elegance with a natural edge and the durability of quartzite.

Taj Mahal

is a luxurious Brazilian quartzite with a creamy beige background and subtle, flowing gold veining. It offers the warmth of marble with the durability of quartzite—making it a top pick for elegant kitchens, spa-like bathrooms, and upscale spaces that demand both beauty and performance.

White Macaubas

is a sleek Brazilian quartzite featuring a soft white to light gray background with fine, linear veining in shades of gray and taupe. Its clean, modern look and exceptional durability make it a top choice for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and high-use surfaces where marble style meets quartzite strength.

Krytos

quartzite delivers a bold statement with its deep charcoal to black background and striking white veining. This exotic Brazilian stone brings luxury and intensity to modern kitchens, especially when used on large islands or dramatic accent walls. Its natural strength and dramatic contrast make it a go-to choice for high-end designs that demand attention.

Cristallo

is a breathtaking translucent quartzite known for its icy white background and delicate gold or gray veining. With its crystal-like clarity and ability to be backlit, it’s a showstopping choice for bars, vanities, or statement islands—combining elegance, luxury, and natural durability in one stunning package.

Quartzite vs. Granite:

Quartzite is harder and more resistant to scratches than granite. Granite offers a wider range of colors and patterns, but quartzite’s unique crystalline structure provides a distinct, elegant look. Both granite and quartzite can benefit from occasional sealing.

Quartzite vs. Marble:

Quartzite is harder and less prone to etching and staining than marble. While marble offers a timeless, classic beauty, it requires more maintenance and is less suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens. Quartzite’s durability makes it a better option for those seeking both beauty and practicality.

Quartzite vs. Engineered Quartz:

Engineered quartz is a man-made material composed of crushed quartz bound with resin. It is non-porous and requires less maintenance than natural quartzite. However, quartzite’s natural beauty and unique patterns offer a level of sophistication that engineered quartz cannot replicate. Engineered quartz is also less heat resistant than natural quartzite and will fade if left in the sun, so it is typically not used for projects such as fireplace surrounds or outdoor kitchens.

Quartzite vs. Soapstone:

Soapstone is a softer, non-porous natural stone known for its smooth feel and heat resistance. It darkens over time and can develop a patina. While soapstone is easy to maintain and repair, it is more prone to scratches and dents compared to the harder quartzite. Quartzite offers more color and pattern variety and greater durability. If properly maintained, quartzite will maintain the same appearance for many years, while the nature of soapstone is to look more aged and worn over time.

Quartzite vs. Onyx:

Onyx is a striking, translucent stone often used for decorative purposes. It is softer and more brittle than quartzite, making it less suitable for high-use surfaces. Onyx requires more careful maintenance and is more prone to scratching and etching. Quartzite provides a more practical and durable option while still offering stunning natural beauty.

Quartzite countertops usually fall within the medium to medium-high price range, similar to other premium materials like marble, granite, onyx, and high-end quartz. While quartzite’s pricing is fairly consistent across its color range, it shares the same variability as these other materials. Newly introduced colors often start at a lower price point, while rare hues—like certain blues such as Azul Macaubas or the transparent-looking Cristallo—command a premium due to their scarcity.

Price is often driven more by supply and demand than by quality. Some colors and patterns—whether in quartzite, granite, marble, or branded quartz—may cost less simply because they’re less popular, not because they’re lower quality. That’s why even though quartzite is generally considered a premium material, certain colors or patterns can still fit comfortably within your budget.

In the end, the best material is the one that fits your project. Think about what matters most to you: style, functionality, and budget. That’s how you find the right fit.

Growing Awareness: As more homeowners and designers become aware of the benefits of quartzite, its popularity continues to rise. The availability of information and the sharing of positive experiences through word-of-mouth and online reviews have contributed to increased demand for this natural stone.

Design Trends: Current design trends favor natural materials that offer both beauty and durability. Quartzite fits this trend perfectly, providing a timeless and elegant look that complements a wide range of interior styles. Its ability to mimic the appearance of marble while offering superior performance makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a high-end look without the associated maintenance issues.

Sustainability: Quartzite is a sustainable and eco-friendly option compared to engineered materials. Its natural formation process and minimal need for chemical treatments align with the growing preference for environmentally responsible choices in home design.

Quartzite is versatile and can be used in various applications around the home:

Kitchen Countertops: Quartzite’s durability and resistance to heat and scratches make it an excellent choice for kitchen countertops. It provides a stunning, high-end look that can elevate the overall aesthetic of the kitchen.
Bathroom Vanities: Quartzite’s natural beauty and resistance to moisture make it ideal for bathroom vanities. It adds a luxurious feel while standing up to daily use.
Fireplace Surrounds: The unique patterns and colors of quartzite create striking fireplace surrounds that serve as focal points in living spaces.
Backsplashes and Walls: Quartzite’s aesthetic appeal makes it a popular choice for backsplashes and accent walls, adding texture and visual interest to any room.
Outdoor Kitchens: Quartzite’s durability makes it a great choice for outdoor kitchens.

Maintaining quartzite countertops involves regular cleaning and sealing to preserve their beauty and functionality:

Cleaning: Use a mild dish soap and warm water for daily cleaning. Avoid abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
Sealing: Quartzite is porous and should be sealed to prevent staining. Depending on the level of use, sealing should be done annually or biannually. A high-quality stone sealer will help protect the surface and maintain its appearance.
Preventive Measures: Use trivets or hot pads for hot cookware and cutting boards for food preparation to avoid potential damage. Clean up spills promptly to prevent staining.

Pros

Durability: Extremely hard and scratch resistant
Heat Resistance: can withstand extremely high temperatures without scorching, making it ideal for kitchen countertops
Easy maintenance: With proper sealing Quartzite is easy to maintain and clean
Aesthetic appeal: Exotic look with multiple colors, unique patterns and veining
UV Resistance: Quartzite’s resistance to UV radiation means It won’t fade or discolor when exposed to sunlight.