Quartz Vs. Quartzite Counters

Quartz

• Quartz is one of the hardest natural materials on earth and has an appearance similar to granite. It is comprised of silicon dioxide. It is naturally scratch and stain resistant and non-porous; bacteria, mold and mildew don't grow very easily on quartz counters. This crystalline mineral is used for kitchen and bathroom counters, though it is more commonly used in jewelry and electronics.

Quartz Countertops

• Quartz counters are made from either a natural slab that has been polished or an engineered quartz composite. Pure, natural slabs are very expensive and are therefore quite uncommon as countertops. The engineered type is made of 93 to 97 percent ground quartz combined with resins, binders and pigments. This combination is poured into molds and allowed to harden, then finished into the shape and style desired. This type of counter is much more affordable and common than the natural slab.

Quartzite

• Quartzite is a hard metamorphic rock that was originally sandstone. The transformation occurs when the sandstone is heated within the earth's crust and pressure added by tectonic plates shifting. When the sandstone metamorphoses, the original grains re-crystallize with the sandstone to create a cemented blend of quartzite crystals. Streaks and patterns appear in the quartzite crystals where varying amounts of pressure on the metamorphosed minerals occur. Small deposits of iron, carbon and clay mix with the quartzite crystals to color the mineral from white to gray, pink or red.

Benefits

• Quartz and quartzite counters are made from very hard stones that resist scratching, etching and chipping. Both are very hard, though quartzite is slightly harder. You can cut food directly on the counter without scratching the surface, though extreme force can cause damage. Both counter surfaces resist stains from common culprits such as wine, fruit juices, coffee, tea and felt-tip markers. The natural materials also resist damage from heat so you can set a hot pan on the counter without damaging it, though trivets or hot pads should be used to protect counters from prolonged exposure to heat.

Considerations

• There are a few disadvantages to quartz and quartzite that you must consider before deciding if they are the right material for your counters. The seams are visible, as with other natural stone counters. Selecting a dark color will minimize the appearance of seams. The counter surfaces are extremely heavy and should be professionally installed by a contractor with appropriate equipment. Unlike solid surfacing, integrated sinks cannot be used with quartz or quartzite counters, so an under-mount or top-mount sink should be selected.

Care

• Unlike other natural stones, such as granite, quartz and quartzite do not need to be sealed every year. Polished shines will only slightly dull over time and you may not even notice the gradual change. To clean the surface, simply wipe clean with a wet cloth and spray with a disinfectant when necessary.