Looking to make a unique statement with a surface that’s out of the ordinary? Come check out our new striking supply of Corteccia Quartzite. A beautiful combination of greens, beige, blues, and even a hint of lilac, Corteccia breaks quartzite’s common color standard, which is usually a very neutral pure grey, beige, and white.

Now in stock, striking Corteccia quartzite from Brazil; photo via Marble and Granite, Inc.

The lively color and pattern on this Brazilian quartzite brings warmth to the entire room, blending very well with virtually any cabinet finish, from espresso and grey to white and natural wood. With its striking linear veining, Corteccia is ideal for countertops, floors, walls, and even wet areas.

Formed deep in the earth’s crust, quartzite is made when sandstone and quartz are together, under tremendous amounts of heat and pressure. The empty grains of sandstone are filled with quartz, making the quartzite even harder than just quartz alone.

While Corteccia is exceptional for it’s distinctive colors, quartzite, in general, is a fantastic choice for surfacing. The benefits of quartzite include its resistance to abrasions, heat, and staining. It’s an exceptionally strong and durable material that measures 7 or higher (out of 10) on the Mohs scale of hardness. Marble measures between 4 and 5, by comparison. It’s also less likely to scratch than marble, limestone, slate, and more.

With quartzite, however, there is a chance for etching. Though it does have a high resistance, it can still happen. Any trace of calcium carbonate, which is found in sandstone, will react if it comes into contact with citrus fruits, colas, wine, tomato products, and even some cleaners. Quick clean up is key when it comes to caring for quartzite.

Though quartzite is a common material, Corteccia can be harder to find since its high abrasion rate can make it more difficult to quarry, and sometimes fabricate. So stop by one of our two showrooms to see these beautiful slabs for yourself and find out if they’re the right choice for your one-of-a-kind project. Call us with any questions on quartzite or any natural stone product. You can also learn more at www.marbleandgranite.com