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 kitchen and looking for a natural stone countertop?

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when choosing natural stone, especially if you don’t know how each stone differs from the other.

From what I’ve heard, granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops. However, more people are starting to find its speckled pattern too traditional for their liking.

On the other hand, a lot of people I know have expressed their love for marble but have refrained from installing it because of its high maintenance.

That’s where quartzite comes in. It’s a natural stone that looks like marble, but it is less porous and more durable than marble. In fact, quartzite shares a lot of the amazing qualities granite has.

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

Before we dive into this post, it is important to note that quartzite is NOT quartz. People tend to confuse both materials because their names sound so similar.

Quartzite is a natural stone whereas quartz is an engineered stone. Click here to learn more about quartz!

Related to Quartzite vs Granite:

• Dolomite vs Granite: Which Is Better For Kitchen Countertops?
• Quartz vs Marble – Which is the better option for my kitchen?
• Sintered stone vs Quartz – Which Slab Is Better For Your 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 slab

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

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

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, quartzite 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 quartzite

Looks like marble

Quartzite’s biggest selling point is that it looks like marble but it’s far more durable than marble. Additionally, it’s less porous than marble. It is also one of the most beautiful natural stones in the market.

More durable than granite

Both granite and quartzite are resistant to wear and tear. They can endure and resist most stains, scratches, chips, and cracks. However, quartzite is slightly more durable than granite. Quartzite measures a 7 on the Mohs scale whereas granite measures a 6 on the Mohs scale.

Heat-resistant

One of the quartzite’s advantages is its heat resistance. Quartzite can withstand hot materials on its surface, making it perfect for kitchen countertops. However, using trivets or hot pads whenever you can is advisable.

Increases house resale value

Being a natural stone, quartzite will increase a house’s resale value. Its appearance plus durability makes it a desirable stone.

Cons of quartzite

Requires regular maintenance

Like all natural stones, quartzite requires regular maintenance like annual sealing. Besides that, it is essential to take precautionary measures such as wiping spills immediately to maintain the stone’s quality.

More expensive than granite

Quartzite is rarer than granite, therefore the former is more expensive than the latter. Quartzite starts from $60 per square foot whereas granite starts from $40 per square foot. However, prices for both stones vary depending on other factors like location, slab thickness, color, etc.

What is granite?

What it is: Accordingly to Geology.com, granite is an igneous rock that contains quartz, feldspar, and other minerals.

How it’s made: As an igneous rock, granite is formed from the solidification of molten rock material. In other words, granite is formed from the crystallization of magma below the Earth’s surface.

Finish: Granite comes in three finishes namely honed, polished, and leathered.

Color: Granite comes in a wide range of colors. Popular colors include white, beige, brown, and black.

Pattern: Granite has 3 primary patterns – speckled, solid, or marble. You can spot a speckled granite instantly because of the metallic-hued flecks or spots in the pattern. Solid, as its name applies, refers to granite that comes in one single hue with a little pattern on it. Lastly, marbled granite looks similar to marble as it has organic and unique veining across the stone.

Uses: Kitchen countertops and backsplashes, bathroom countertops and backsplashes, flooring, mantelpieces, and staircases

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

Maintenance: As with all natural stones, granite 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 granite

Affordable

Since there is an abundant supply of granite, it is more affordable than other natural stones like quartzite and marble.

Durable

Granite is considered to be one of the most durable natural stones on the market. It. doesn’t chip or crack easily, and it’s also scratch and stain resistant.

Heat resistant

Like quartzite, granite is heat-resistant. You don’t have to panic if you forget to use a trivet when taking out a hot pan, as it probably wouldn’t damage your granite countertop.

Wide range of colors

This is where granite triumphs over quartzite. Since granite comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, the options are endless!

Cons of Granite

Requires maintenance

Like quartzite, granite requires regular maintenance. It is necessary to seal granite annually if it is used frequently. Protecting your natural stone will help it to last for years.

Quartzite vs Granite: Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Kitchen?

While quartzite and granite may look different, they are more similar than one may think!

Choosing between quartzite and granite ultimately comes down to two things: appearance and budget.

If you like the look of marble with the durability of granite, quartzite is a great option. Just be prepared to fork a little extra for this beautiful and durable stone.

If budget is an issue, stick to granite. Since there are so many options in the market, you’ll definitely find something you like!

Choosing a natural or engineered stone for your home? Check out these popular tips 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 Quartzite vs Granite: Which Natural Stone Is Better For Your Kitchen? appeared first on That Isle Life.