The Difference Between Quartz And Quartzite, According To The Pros

Quartz and quartzite countertops have taken kitchens (and bathrooms) by storm. Their beautiful veining, neutral coloring, and surprising durability make them a great pick in all kinds of spaces for all kinds of styles.

But quartz and quartzite countertops aren't the same: they're different materials with their own unique manufacturing process, along with their own sets of great—and not-so-great—qualities. We tapped Cyndy Cantely, co-owner of cabinet and design firm Cantley & Company, in Birmingham, Alabama, to explain what you should know about quartz and quartzite countertops.

What is Quartz?

Cantley says that quartz countertops are manmade—they're made up of tiny flakes of quartz suspended in resin and pigments. Ten percent of quartz countertops are synthetic, while the rest of its makeup is ground quartz. So, while they're a popular kitchen pick, they're not 'natural' stone in like granite or marble countertops.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are known for their chic marbled look, and their synthetic makeup makes them especially resistant to staining and flaking. However, quartz countertops can come in a more limited and dull color palette compared to other countertops like granite and quartzite.

What is Quartzite?

Quartzite countertops can look incredibly similar to quartz countertops—some homeowners aren't even sure whether they have quartz or quartzite in their kitchen—but they're slabs of natural stone, rather than ground minerals. Quartzite is more similar to other natural stone countertops, like granite or marble, in this way—it's quarried directly out of the ground in large slabs of sandstone, then polished and cut down into countertop-sized pieces.

Pros and Cons of Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite countertops have beautiful (and varied) color and marbling, thanks to their eons-long formation process deep underground. They're also a bit harder and resistant to scratching than quartz countertops. However, as quartzite is a natural stone, it must be regularly sealed in order to keep it stain-resistant.

Differences in Appearance

Quartzite is known for its all-natural veining that leaves no piece the same. This is thanks to its slow formation in nature, as different minerals are pressed together over thousands of years to create unique pieces of sandstone.

This makes quartzite come in a wider range of colors, too. Quartz, however, has a more limited color palette of lots of whites and grays. Veined quartz is still widely available, but the veining is synthetic rather than a product of Mother Nature.

Differences in Durability

The resin in quartz makes it less susceptible to all kinds of kitchen stains from pasta sauce, oil splatters, or smoothies gone awry. On the other hand, quartzite can become easily stained if it's not properly sealed—the sandstone quartzite is made of is quite porous.

However, quartzite is a little harder than quartz, making it slightly more durable over time. Cantley also adds that "it is formed underground by intense heat and therefore very heat resistant."

Differences in Maintenance

Quartzite requires resealing every year thanks to its porosity, says Cantley. This keeps it protected from staining and chipping, and it needs to be done before any type of regular cleaning with a household cleaner—the quartzite could be damaged otherwise.

Quartz, meanwhile, requires no special care to clean. Just a simple pass with a washcloth and a mild household cleaner after any use will do.

Cost Comparison

Quartzite is more expensive than quartz, as it requires a more specialized quarrying and manufacturing process. According to Angi, quartzite costs anywhere from $70 to $220 a square foot, with specialized colors and patterns costing much more than simpler or more widely available quartzite styles. Quartz, meanwhile, costs around $60 to $150 a square foot.

Choosing the Right Countertop for Your Needs

When choosing between quartz and quartzite, consider how you use your kitchen and what you value most. If your kitchen gets quickly stained thanks to little fingers or messy cooking projects, stain-resistant quartz is likely a better pick. However, if it's important that your countertop last for years to come, and you don't mind a little extra maintenance to keep it looking picture-perfect, choose quartzite.

If cost is a major part of your decision-making, quartz is the best pick. If uniqueness and countertop aesthetics are your biggest priority, quartzite is what you're looking for.

"Quartzite is naturally more classic," says Cantley. "Which makes it more in keeping with traditional interiors."

Where to Use Each Countertop

Quartz

• Kitchens used by young families
• Kitchen islands that have a lot of food-prep mess
• Rental kitchens or guest-suite kitchenettes
• Bathrooms

Quartzite

• Kitchens that want their countertops to be the centerpiece
• Countertops near cooktops or stoves
• Backsplashes or surrounds