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Quartz and quartzite are not the same thing.

Quartz and quartzite are often confused for each other because of their similar name. But while there are certain similarities, they are vastly different. Knowing the difference is imperative. The maintenance between the stones is very different, as is the look and feel, and even cost. The last thing you want is to buy something you didn’t know much about, and end up with a material that you didn’t necessarily want. That is why we’ve compared quartz vs. quartzite, to help you find the material that is right for you.

Quartz vs. Quartzite

Take a look at the pros and cons of each- it may save you hundreds of dollars.

Quartz:

Quartz is a man-made, or manufactured stone in which bits of quartzite and other natural stones and sometimes even pieces of glass, are mixed with resins, polymers, and pigments for form slabs that can be used for countertops.

There are plenty of benefits as well as negatives to a manufactured stone, here are a few:

Pros About Quartz:

Quartz doesn’t have to be sealed.
More consistent look, and can also be made to mimic granite and marble.
It is a very hard stone, making it durable as a high-use surface.
Able to withstand scratches and stains without being sealed.

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Cons About Quartz:

Less natural beauty- often homeowners want something natural rather than manufactured.
Can’t be installed outside because the color will fade from the stone.
Quartz isn’t heat resistant, so you’ll need to use hot pads for plates, cookie pans, etc.
More expensive than granite and quartzite because of the process needed to make the stones.

Quartzite:

Quartzite is a natural material which originated as sandstone. The gaps were filled naturally with quartz. Then, over thousands of years the two were fused together by heat and pressure, resulting in a hard and durable stone that has been mined and cut into slabs.

Quartzite often has a lighter color and is frequently confused as marble. This is an added benefit because quartzite is cheaper, and far more durable than marble because it is harder and less porous. This means you can get the same great look of marble, without the cost, and without the worry of staining. Here are the pros and cons of quartzite:

Pros About Quartzite:

Natural material with a natural beauty that so many homeowners want to achieve.
Even harder than granite, and especially harder than marble, making it more durable.
Less maintenance than other countertops.
Heat and scratch resistance.
Usually comes in highly desirable light colors that typically reflect the look of marble.
Less expensive than quartz.

Cons About Quartzite:

Needs to be sealed to protect it from spills of acidic liquids such as wine or orange juice.
The range of colors and patterns is still wide, but more limited than granite or quartz (since quartz can be made to mimic granite)

So which should you choose?

Well, this entirely rests in the hands of the homeowner. Both materials are hard stones, and very durable, but after comparing quartz vs. quartzite, which one makes more sense to you? If you prefer a more simple, consistent look, and don’t mind if it is manufactured- then quartz is a good option (as long as you don’t expect to put hot pans on it). If you love the natural look of marble, but don’t want the price of marble, or the risk of scratches and stains- then quartzite is your best option. But the choice is ultimately yours.

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If you’d like to get a quote on any of our quartzite slabs, you can contact Granite liquidators at 877-789-0489. Or, you can contact us, here.

The Quartz Vs. Quartzite Comparison Guide That May Save You Money!