Granite or quartzite

We have all heard about granite and how gorgeous and durable it is. You may have also heard reports about quartz counters ( quartzite and quartz are often confused) and how well they compare to granite countertops. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn’t porous like granite , it’s easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free.

Granite and quartz are very heavy materials, and even a relatively small 36-inch countertop weighs close to 1pounds. It is best to have a pro fabricate and install your countertop. When choosing solid-surface countertops for the kitchen or bathroom, many homeowners prefer the look of stone, which offers a nearly endless array of unique colors and patterns. After much contemplation, you’ve narrowed it down to either granite or quartz countertops.

Supply and demand has driven the price of quartzite up, so expect to pay a little more and have fewer color options than with granite. It must be sealed before use and re-sealed one or two times per year. Without a proper seal, stains can penetrate into the stone.

This is a weakness shared by all natural stone including granite and marble. When properly seale quartzite cleanup is easy. Quartzite requires quite a bit more TLC. Before we talk the pros and cons of quartzite countertops to granite countertops, it is important to emphasize that this discussion is about two of Nature’s own designs, the natural stones quartzite and granite – not quartz and granite.

This means that while granite was formed from cooling magma (think igneous like “ignite”), marble and quartzite were slowly formed (technically “metamorphosed”) as long-term pressure, heat, and chemical reactions turned one kind of stone into another. Granite is igneous, while marble and quartzite are metamorphic. Green Granite Inn, North Conway. Free Shipping on Some Items.

Formally, granite is a plutonic rock that is composed of between to quartz (typically semi-transparent white) and to total feldspar (typically a pinkish or white hue). Although formed mostly of quartz and feldspar, it also holds mica and other trace minerals that give it its characteristic flecked pattern. AGM) The answer is a little complicated. Most broad stone types like marble or granite include a wide variety of different mineral compositions.

Some marbles are much harder than others, and the same goes for quartzite. So comparing different materials like granite vs marble or quartzite vs granite can be extremely beneficial to your project. Materials like granite have always been popular, and remain so. However, one material that has been growing in terms of popularity is quartzite. However, quartzite is well worth its weight in gold – literally.

It’s an extremely dense stone, one that has been measured as one of the strongest rocks in existence. Recently, many companies in the granite industry have attempted to pass off other natural stones like marble as quartzite. Hard quartzite is the most durable and has a similar durability to Granite. It won’t scratch, stain, and is not sensitive to acid.

We are a leading quartzite supplier in Calgary. Stone Kitchen Countertops. They are both heat, scratch, chemical and stain resistant. Granite , which once was the go-to material for countertops, is slowly being phased out for the low maintenance of quartz and the beauty of quartzite.

Metamorphic stones are created when pure quartz sandstone is super heated deep within the earth. That’s why quartzite tends to have a similar look to marble, with a glassy finish and smooth white or gray colors. Elegant looks and neutral colors make it a top-notch choice for the residential and commercial applications. However, as mentioned before, because quartzite is more difficult to cut, the labor can cost much more if you have a more involved countertop layout in mind. At Marble and Granite , we work hard to bring you the best in materials and help bring your projects to fruition.

Although quartz is a natural stone, quartz countertops are man-made. This is the main thing that sets quartz apart from granite and marble countertops. The fact that quartz goes through a manufacturing process before it reaches your home offers both advantages and disadvantages. It does not need to be seale as granite does, and since it is not porous like granite , it resists staining. It used to be that granite and marble were the top of the heap when people considered new counter tops.

Now quartz is the new leader. We found out why from Sunny. Before we get into the differences between quartzite countertops and granite ones, we should mention that quartzite and quartz are not the same thing. Right off the bat, you need to know that quartz is a man-made product while quartzite is naturally occurring. There are two other big differentiating factors.

Silestone and DuPont Zodiac quartz countertop products offer 15-year warranties. Because homeowners and builders are becoming educated on the downsides of using marble in the kitchen, its popularity and demand has decreased and companies have resorted to misrepresenting their materials.