Quartzite Countertops : Properties, Pros, Cons, And Maintenance

Quartzite countertops bring an elegant sensation to the kitchen.

The two most vital selling points of Quartzite are hardness and durability: With an appearance that often resembles marble and durability comparable to granite, this natural stone seems to have it all.

It is as beautiful as the most special marbles and more robust than most granites.

Quartzite is a slightly less commonly chosen material for use as a countertop. Cost often plays a role here, and this varies according to rarity and type.

However, Quartzite has excellent properties to function as a kitchen worktop and is very easy to maintain.

Quartzite has been gaining popularity as a countertop material in recent years, and for a good reason.

What is Quartzite?

Quartzite is a rock that consists mainly of quartz minerals. It is a 100% natural product. Quartzite is mined in the same way as granite.

The appearance of Quartzite resembles marble. The view with veins gives Quartzite a premium and timeless look.

Going back in time, Quartzite arises from quartz sand that has been transformed over millions of years, metamorphosed into sandstone, and then under the influence of enormous temperature and pressure into the Quartzite we know with its dynamic color patterns.

What are the characteristics of a quartzite kitchen worktop?

Quartzite may have a veined appearance, such as marble, but it is harder, more stain-resistant, and maintenance-friendly.

The surface of Quartzite can be processed to obtain various surface finishes. Quartzite is naturally formed under high pressure and heat, making quartzite heat resistant.

However, the fine hair cracks can crack further due to the thermal shock caused by installing a hot cooking pot.

Therefore, the use of coasters is advisable. Another nice feature is quartzite UV resistance. Quartzite will consequently not become duller or matter.

Quartzite is frost-resistant; Quartzite is very suitable for outdoor use, such as in outdoor kitchens. Quartzite is also a good choice inside the house in direct sunlight.

The origin of Quartzite

Quartzite is formed because sandstone has undergone a metamorphosis for a very long time under enormous pressure and temperature differences during the formation of mountain ranges.

Therefore, Quartzite is also called a metamorphic rock. Quartzite is characterized by its layering, just like slate.

Sealing and impregnation Quarzite countertops

Applying an impregnating sealer will increase the stain resistance of any natural stone surface. It is sufficient to impregnate once during the first installation or re-treat the natural stone at regular intervals.

Whether regular impregnation is required for quartzite kitchen countertops depends on the porosity of your natural stone type.

Porous varieties of Quartzite will benefit from the regular use of a good sealer. Your manufacturer or natural stone supplier can give you specific guidelines for choosing the right product for your natural stone countertop.

Usually, the best indication for reapplying a sealant/impregnation agent is when the surface around the sink begins to darken from water. Usually, this means that the current sealer is starting to lose its effectiveness.

If you plan to re-impregnate your Quartzite kitchen countertops, first clean the surface thoroughly with an appropriate cleaning agent and make sure that it has completely dried before you start impregnating.

If in doubt, contact your natural stone supplier and ask for the most appropriate advice to maintain your quartzite countertop

Quartzite VS Granite

Quartzite is harder than granite; This scale goes from 1 – 10, with diamond having the most excellent hardness. Any material with a higher hardness class can scratch a lower class.

Class < 5 : Limestone (e.g. Belgian Blue Stone), Marble (e.g. Carrara C), Travertine

Class 6: Granite

Class 7: Quartzite

Quartzite VS Marble

Quartzite is more stain-resistant than marble; Quartzite should not stain when exposed to substances such as vinegar or lemon juice, unlike marble.

So if you’re considering a marble countertop but are concerned about those unsightly spots, Quartzite is the best alternative. However, a stain stop is always recommended.

Quartzite is cost-efficient

When looking for the ideal kitchen countertop material, look beyond the initial cost. The lifespan and ease of maintenance are also essential factors that determine the choice.

A quartzite kitchen top is not more expensive than a marble top; everything depends on the type and rarity.

Quartzites as a high-end finish in kitchen and interior are in HOT and UPCOMING, which also lowers the price in the future.

Quartzite is resistant to heat and UV rays

Since it has been transformed by high temperature and pressure, you can put a hot pan on the counter without worry, contrasting with some manufactured materials.

Quartzite countertop is highly resistant to UV rays, which is excellent if you use it in an outdoor setting or a room with lots of direct and natural light. So you do not care to make about the fading of it.

Quartzite is not Quartz (composite)

Quartz and Quartzite sound almost the same but are entirely different.

Quartz (composite) is an artificial material consisting of ground quartz in combination with resin or polymers. Chemical substances are also released during the processing process that can harm health.

Quartzite, on the other hand, is a natural metamorphic rock that is mined like granite.

Quartzite is more scratch-resistant than Quartz (composite), and Quartzite is also heat resistant, which Quartz (composite) is certainly not due to the polymers present.

Do you want to know more material for the kitchen countertops?

Maintenance of Quartzite kitchen countertops

It is often very difficult to look at the maintenance of Quartzite countertops. On the contrary, Quartzite is very easy to maintain.

Only for the light-colored Quartzite types, one has to impregnate the surface. For dark varieties, only a deepening of the color is more than sufficient.

As we have already explained about cleaning, we would like to clarify that cleaning without acid is very sensible and should only be cleaned with limescale cleaner in an emergency.

Before applying the limescale cleaner, we advise you to try it on an inconspicuous spot to ensure that you do not suffer any damage. Cover with a clean cloth after each wash to prevent limescale build-up.

So always make sure that you are dealing with a Quartzite kitchen worktop and not in marble.

The maintenance differs as well as the price. To make sure your countertop is genuine Quartzite, you can perform a few simple tests.

Can you easily scratch the surface when you scratch it with a knife? Do you get light stains from lemon juice?

Then you are dealing with marble and not with Quartzite. In a real quartzite, you hardly get a scratch, and these often give dull spots in contact with acids.

Advantages of Quartzite

• Hard rock.

• Available in many colors and shades.

• Most varieties are frost-resistant.

• Shiny and relatively calm structure.

disadvantages quartzite

• The cost price of Quartzite is on the higher side

• Quartzite may show imperfections as it is a natural product.

• Always use a coaster.

• Always use a cutting board.

• Never stand or sit on the sheet.

• Due to grazing light, pits, hair cracks, or dull spots can always be visible.

• Polished Quartzite is well stain resistant