It’s common to mistake quartzite for marble. After all, both stones look alike and are 100% natural. Some stone quarries may even mislabel them!

But, just because they look alike doesn’t mean they share the same characteristics!

While both stones have their advantages, it is important to know the specific traits of each stone. This helps future homeowners like YOU to identify the correct stone, which in turn helps you to care for and maintain these stones properly!

In this post, I will share everything you need to know about quartzite vs marble – what it is, its composition, its uses, and the pros and cons of each stone.

Read on to discover which natural stone is better for your home.

Related to Quartzite vs Marble:

• Quartzite vs Granite: Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Kitchen?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?

What is quartzite?

What it is: According to Geology.com, quartzite is a metamorphic rock made almost entirely out of quartz.

How it’s made: Quartzite is formed when sandstone is altered by Earth’s heat and pressure in addition to the chemical activity of metamorphism.

Texture and finish: Slightly coarser feel, but can come in different finishes like polished, honed, and leathered

Color: Primarily whites and greys

Pattern: Similar to marble as both stones have feathered strokes or swirling veins across the surface

Uses: Kitchen countertops, decorative walls, roofing tiles, stairs, and flooring

Cleaning Instructions: Clean daily with a soft sponge or cloth, gentle soap, and water. Use a non-abrasive stone cleaner designed specifically for natural stones for intensive cleaning.

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, quartzite requires regular sealing to maintain its quality. Always use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent stains and scratches. Wipe all spills immediately with a soft cloth.

Pros of quartzite

Looks like marble

Quartzite has a similar appearance to marble. Both have free-flowing veins across the surface, which makes both stones look beautiful, unique, and luxurious. In addition, both stones’ colors and textures look alike.

More durable than marble

In terms of hardness, quartzite is a 7 on the Mohs Hardness Scale whereas marble is a 3 on the same scale. As a result, quartzite is much more durable than marble, making it less susceptible to scratches, chips, and cracks.

Doesn’t etch

Etching is a chemical process that occurs when acidic elements come into contact with the stone—for instance, lemon, salad dressing, wine, ketchup, etc. Etching essentially removes a stone’s shine and forms a dull rough spot on the surface.

One of the main differences between quartzite vs marble is that quartzite doesn’t etch. Quartzite’s main composition is quartz, which does not react to acid. On the other hand, marble consists primarily of calcite which reacts to acid. Hence, it is prone to etching when exposed to acidic ingredients or materials.

Heat-resistant

Since quartzite is formed under high heat and pressure, it can withstand high temperatures. This means it will not burn if you place a hot pan or pot directly on the surface.

Increases house resale value

As with all natural stones, having quartzite in your home increases its resale value. Not only does quartzite look beautiful, but its durability makes it a fantastic choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen. Its longevity and quality make quartzite a highly-sought after stone.

Cons of quartzite

Requires regular maintenance

Not all quartzite is the same, as some are more porous than others. While quartzite is generally more durable than marble, it still requires regular maintenance. Therefore, it is advisable to seal your quartzite once every few years to prevent stains.

Can be more expensive than marble

The price of quartzite ranges from $60 – $100 per square foot and it depends on several factors such as location and design. However, quartzite can cost more than marble, if you include the cost of installation. Quartzite is harder, which makes it more difficult and expensive to install.

What is marble?

What it is: Marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcite and other minerals like clay minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, and more.

How it’s made: First, limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism. Then, the calcite in the limestone enters a recrystallization process forming marble.

Texture and finish: Smooth with three common types of finishes – honed, leathered, and polished.

Color: There are many different colors including white, black, green, red/orange, yellow/gold, and brown.

Pattern: Streaks of free-flowing veins running across its surface

Uses: Kitchen countertops, islands, and backsplashes, bathroom countertops, walls, flooring, furniture, and decorative items

Cleaning instructions: Clean daily with a soft cloth, water, and mild water. Remember to wipe dry immediately. Do not use harsh, abrasive, or acidic cleaners, which include lemon juice or vinegar.

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, marble requires regular sealing to maintain its quality. Always use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent stains, etch marks, and scratches. Wipe all spills immediately with a soft cloth.

Pros of Marble

Beautiful, luxurious, and unique

Ask anyone what the most beautiful natural stone is, and I’m sure they will say it’s marble! Marble can blend in with a lot of interior styles, making it a popular choice for homeowners. Marble is also available in many colors, patterns, and finishes – no one slab is alike!

Easy to install

Being a softer stone, marble is easier to install than quartzite. As quartzite is a much harder stone than marble, installation may require specialized tools which may cause the process to be more tedious.

High resale value

Like quartzite, having marble in your home will increase its resale value. Due to its long history, beauty, and durability, marble remains one of the most popular natural stones to date. Installing marble for your flooring, kitchen countertops, bathrooms, and centerpieces can increase your property’s value.

Cons of Marble

Porous

Marble is porous, so it has tiny holes or pores on its surface. When a surface is porous, it is extremely hard to clean any liquid passing through the surface. That’s why stains occur when liquids are left lying on a marble surface for a long time.

Not as durable

Marble is one of the softer natural stones, which makes it more fragile compared to quartzite. Despite being heat-resistant, it is susceptible to scratches, etch marks, and, stains.

Requires regular maintenance

Since marble is less durable and more porous than quartzite, regular maintenance is a must. In fact, marble may even require more frequent sealing than quartzite does. Plus, you’re likely to spend more time cleaning a marble countertop over a quartzite one!

Can be expensive

Marble comes in a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures. If you like a bold and dramatic stone, Calacatta marble is your best bet. However, it is the most expensive marble in the world because it is only available from one quarry in the world. For that reason, production is extremely limited.

Quartzite vs Marble – which is the superior natural stone?

If you’ve made it to the end of this post, you’ll know that both stones have their pros and cons. They’re great but not perfect.

However, if I had to pick one for my home, I’ll probably go for quartzite. It’s the durability for me. I don’t have to worry about etching or staining the stone!

I know the imperfections add to a stone’s uniqueness, but I can’t bear to see the flaws, especially if the stone is expensive.

Ultimately, you’ll never go wrong with either quartzite or marble. Think about how you’ll be using the stone and how each con affects you.

Now that you know the key differences between both stones, you’ll be able to choose the best stone for your home.

Still not sure which natural or engineered stone to get? Check out these blog posts below:

• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Sintered stone vs Quartz – Which Slab Is Better For Your Home?
• Quartzite vs Granite: Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Kitchen?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?
• Terrazzo vs Marble – Which is the better option for your home?

The post Quartzite vs Marble: Which Natural Stone Is Better For My Home? appeared first on That Isle Life.

Are you renovating your home and looking for a natural stone?

You might be torn between dolomite vs marble, two natural stones that look alike. Or you may have mistaken dolomite for marble at your local stone yard. That’s OK, it happens!

Despite their similarities, there are a few significant differences between the two. It’s important to understand the key differences between dolomite and marble because this can help you to make up your mind!

In this post, I will share everything you need to know about dolomite vs marble – what it is, its composition, its uses, and the pros and cons of each stone.

Read on to discover which natural stone is better for your home.

Related to Dolomite vs Marble:

• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?

What is dolomite?

What it is: Dolomite, a sedimentary rock, is formed on the surface of the earth. It is a common stone that can be found in many locations worldwide, especially in the Italian Dolomite Alps. 

How it’s made: According to Geology.com, dolomite is formed when the calcite in limestone is modified by the magnesium found in groundwater.

Texture and finish: Smooth to the touch with a high-polished finish

Color: The most common colors are white and grey whereas rare colors include brown, pink, black, and green.

Pattern: Like marble, dolomite has streaks of varied colors or veins running across its surface.

Uses: Kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom countertops, and feature walls

Cleaning instructions: Clean your dolomite countertops daily with a soft cloth, water, and mild water. Wipe dry immediately. Do not use harsh, abrasive, or acidic cleaners, which include lemon juice or vinegar.

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, dolomite requires annual sealing to maintain its quality. Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent stains, etch marks, and scratches. Wipe all spills immediately with a soft cloth.

Pros of dolomite

More durable than marble

Both marble and dolomite are porous, which means they’re susceptible to etches, stains, scratches, chips, and cracks. However, dolomite has a Mohs hardness grade of 3.5–4, making it a harder stone than marble. Therefore, it is more durable and will suffer fewer wear and tear marks over the years.

Heat resistant

One of the best things about dolomite is its heat resistance. It retains heat better than many other materials like quartz. While it’s not advisable to place a hot pan directly on any surface, you could probably get away with no burn marks on a dolomite countertop.

Affordable

While there may not be a significant price difference between dolomite and marble, the former is more affordable than the latter. The average price of dolomite is around $55-$75 per square foot, which makes it more affordable than granite, quartz, and quartzite. Prices vary depending on the type of dolomite (e.g. thickness and color) and the location.

Looks beautiful

It’s difficult to tell dolomite and marble apart because they look so similar! Like marble, dolomite has streaks of varied colors or veins across its surface. Its unique pattern and pearly shine make dolomite beautiful and luxurious.

Cons of dolomite

Limited colors available

Most dolomite slabs come in signature grey and white. If you’re looking for a warmer stone, dolomite is probably not for you.

Vulnerable to stains, etches, and scratches

As with most natural stones, dolomite is porous and is still vulnerable to stains, etches, and scratches. Despite being more durable than marble, extra care is recommended to maintain its quality and longevity.

Requires more maintenance

Unlike engineered stones, dolomite needs extra care and maintenance. For instance, dolomite needs to be sealed at least once a year. It is recommended to clean dolomite countertops once a day with a gentle soap as acidic and chemical cleaners may etch or stain the stone. Furthermore, all spills need to be wiped immediately because certain substances like oil, wine, and fruit juices may discolor unsealed dolomite.

What is marble?

What it is: Marble is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of calcite and other minerals like clay minerals, micas, quartz, pyrite, and more.

How it’s made: First, limestone is subjected to the heat and pressure of metamorphism. The calcite in the limestone then goes through a recrystallization process forming marble.

Texture and finish: Smooth to the touch with three common types of finishes – honed, leathered, and polished.

Color: There are many different colors including white, black, green, red/orange, yellow/gold, and brown.

Pattern: Streaks of varied colors or veins running across its surface

Uses: Kitchen countertops, islands, and backsplashes, bathroom countertops, walls, flooring, furniture, and decorative items

Cleaning instructions: Clean your marble countertops daily with a soft cloth, water, and mild water. Wipe dry immediately. Do not use harsh, abrasive, or acidic cleaners, which include lemon juice or vinegar.

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, marble requires regular sealing to maintain its quality. Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards to prevent stains, etch marks, and scratches. Wipe all spills immediately with a soft cloth.

Pros of Marble

Beautiful, luxurious, and unique

Marble may be high maintenance but many people still love this natural stone because no two slabs are alike. Each piece lends a distinct character to a home with its unique beauty and luxury.

High resale value

Marble typically has a higher resale value compared to dolomite. However, it is important to note that a home’s resale value doesn’t depend entirely on the type of stone used in a home.

Cons of Marble

Vulnerable to stains, etches, and scratches

Marble is extremely porous, making it very vulnerable to stains, etches, and scratches. Extra care is recommended to maintain its quality and longevity.

Expensive

The price of marble varies due to the type of marble (e.g. thickness, grade, color, etc) and location. Generally, marble is more expensive than dolomite, especially rarer marble like Calacatta marble, which can go for $110-$250 per square foot. However, there are more affordable options like Carrara marble, which can go for $40-$100 per square foot.

Requires more maintenance

Just like dolomite, marble needs extra care and maintenance. Marble needs to be sealed regularly to avoid stains and etch marks. Daily cleaning using a gentle soap is recommended as acidic and chemical cleaners may etch or stain the stone. Furthermore, all spills need to be wiped immediately because certain substances like oil, wine, and fruit juices may discolor unsealed marble.

Dolomite vs Marble – which is better for your home?

Are you still confused between both stones? Don’t worry, I got you.

If you don’t have a big budget but still want the look of grey and white marble, dolomite is a great option. In fact, you’ll be getting your money’s worth because it is a stronger stone compared to marble.

However, if you want a different stone color and budget is not a problem, you are better off choosing marble.

Can’t decide which natural or engineered stone to get? Check out these blog posts below:

• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Travertine vs Marble – What’s the difference and which is the better option for my home?
• Terrazzo vs Marble – Which is the better option for your home?
• Sintered stone vs Quartz – Which Slab Is Better For Your Home?

The post Dolomite vs Marble – Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Home? appeared first on That Isle Life.

I’m a huge fan of marble anything. In fact, one of the first decisions I made when we renovated our apartment was to have a marble countertop for our breakfast table.

Our interior designers advised against it. But, I couldn’t stop thinking about how stunning it will look in our home. So, we took the plunge and invested in our first marble countertop. It was an expensive purchase, but it was so, so beautiful.

It didn’t take long before I started to realize how just how fragile the material is. My husband makes his own coffee every day, which results in a coffee splatter or two. I didn’t notice until I spotted a few stains on the countertop one day. Needless to say, we hardly ever have breakfast on the marble counter anymore. Oops.

Then, there’s terrazzo. I know it was popular in the 70s, but I only started to appreciate its unique look in the past couple of years. I visited an acquaintance’s office a few months ago, and I LOVED how she paired her terrazzo countertop with fluted cabinets.

It made me think if I would pick terrazzo over marble for our countertop if I could turn back time. Given that I didn’t know a lot about terrazzo, I decided to do a bit of research about this material.

In this post, I will share with you everything I’ve discovered about terrazzo vs. marble. Read on to find out more about:

• What is terrazzo
• Examples of terrazzo pieces
• What is marble?
• Examples of marble pieces
• Pros and cons of marble
• Pros and cons of terrazzo
• How to care for terrazzo vs. marble
• Terrazzo and marble decor recommendations

Related:

• Wicker vs Rattan – What’s the difference and why does it matter?
• Blinds vs Curtains: Which Window Treatment Is Better For Your Home?

What is terrazzo?

The name terrazzo is derived from the Latin word terra, which means ground. According to Elle Decor, terrazzo is a composite material of marble chippings set into cement. These days, you can find marble, glass, mother of pearl, and other chips in terrazzo.

Terrazzo stemmed from Italy during the 16th century because people wanted to recycle stone offcuts. You can find terrazzo in different forms:

• Poured on-site by hand
• Precast into blocks (usually cut into different sizes)
• Ready-made tiles

What is marble?

On the other hand, marble is a natural stone that is produced through the crystallization of limestone. The final result is a stone that has different veins on each piece, making them very unique.

According to Homedit, its name is derived from Greek words that mean shining stone. Marble reflects light beautifully and therefore has a beautiful shine or gleam to it. Its lustre is often associated with luxury.

Examples of terrazzo

Here are some common uses for terrazzo:

• Flooring
• Kitchen countertops
• Kitchen backsplashes
• Wall tiles
• Furniture
• Lighting and
• Home decor

Examples of marble

Here are some common uses for marble:

• Flooring
• Kitchen countertops
• Kitchen backsplashes
• Wall tiles
• Stairs
• Columns
• Sculptures
• Furniture and
• Home decor

Pros of terrazzo

Visually attractive

It’s no surprise that terrazzo has seen a major comeback because it looks beautiful on any surface. Although it may not be as shiny as marble, its display of speckled color is visually attractive. It is the simplest way to add a splash of color in a neutral setting.

Durable

Terrazzo is not fragile despite being a thinner material than marble. It does not crack, chip, or stain easily. Once installed, it can last for many years without any repairs. Its sturdiness makes it perfect for flooring or kitchen countertops.

Versatile

Terrazzo is extremely versatile. You can mix different stone chips to get the color and pattern of your choice. Additionally, terrazzo can be formed into any shape. This makes it an incredibly versatile material for home decor pieces.

Non-porous

Terrazzo is sealed thoroughly once the pieces set. Then, it is polished to create a smooth finish. This process makes the material non-porous and therefore helps to prevent air and liquid from penetrating through the tiles. The absence of water eliminates any chances of breeding mold over time.

Low-Maintenance

Terrazzo is one of the easiest materials to maintain. It does not absorb stains and only requires water to clean. As a result, terrazzo is suitable for flooring, especially in high-traffic areas.

Eco-friendly

Terrazzo is a sustainable material. There is less wastage because it is made from stone offcuts. Terrazzo also cleans well without the use of cleaning detergents, which makes this material environmentally friendly.

Affordable

Terrazzo is often less expensive than marble. It offers great value for money for all the benefits it provides.

Cons of terrazzo

Complex to install

Terrazzo requires professional installation to make sure that all the materials are mixed and incorporated correctly. Although the material is more affordable than marble, labor costs may add up.

Slippery and cold

Terrazzo flooring can be very slippery, which can cause falls and trips. It is also cold to touch, which may be uncomfortable during the colder months.

Pros of marble

Visually beautiful

There’s no doubt that marble is visually beautiful. It is synonymous with luxury and style. Besides that, polished marble floors reflect light giving it a natural shine that is simply stunning.

Unique

Marble comes in a variety of colors and styles. Its natural patterns, otherwise known as veins, are what make this stone unique. No one stone looks the same.

Cons

Not durable

Marble is one of the most fragile natural materials. It is a porous material and is susceptible to staining, scratching, and chipping. Imperfections are obvious and they are hard to conceal.

Expensive

Marble is very costly to source, install and repair.

Hard to repair and maintain

Since each marble is unique, it is almost impossible to find the exact marble if a tile cracks or chips. In addition, marble is a high-maintenance material that requires frequent polishing to keep it shine.

Not sustainable

Marble is a natural material, which is mined from caves and quarries. It is part of Earth’s natural resources and may eventually be depleted over time.

Slippery and cold

Similarly to terrazzo, marble has a slippery surface that can result in accidents.

How to care for terrazzo

• Dust mop your terrazzo surfaces daily
• Use a damp mop and a neutral cleaner diluted in warm water weekly
• If needed, a stone expert can strip away old sealer and reseal terrazzo
• Stay away from harsh cleaning materials

How to care for marble

• Protect marble by not allowing certain things to sit on the stone. For instance, vinegar, citrus, and tomato will etch marble
• Use coasters and cutting boards for marble countertops
• Wipe spills up immediately
• Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners
• Reseal marble from time to time
• Spot treat with the right cleaners when necessary. The experts at Martha Stewart recommend using a poultice paste

Terrazzo home decor recommendations

Not sure if you prefer terrazzo vs. marble yet? Try purchasing small decor items first before you invest in big ticket items like flooring or countertops.

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

Here’s a round-up of my favorite terrazzo pieces under $50:

1. Soap dispenser, $29
2. Glass globe table lamp, $34.99 (on sale!)
3. Coasters, 18
4. Candle, $22
5. Planter, $8
6. Pestle and mortar, $32

Marble home decor recommendations

Here are some of my favorite marble pieces under $50:

1. Lazy Susan, $30
2. Brass and marble knob, $16
3. Mini picnic cheese board, $18-$20
4. Mix and match wall shelf, $39.99-41.99 (sold out, similar here)
5. Cake stand, $34.99
6. Paper towel holder, $14.99

I hope this post has helped you to decide between terrazzo vs. marble! I love both materials but will probably choose terrazzo for high-traffic areas in my home.

Whichever you choose, always treat both materials with care and respect so they will last for ages.

The post Terrazzo vs marble – Which is the better option for your home? appeared first on That Isle Life.