Concrete Grey ColorQuartz 

Are Quartz and Quartzite The Same Thing? No!

Q: I’m planning a kitchen and bath remodel. I’ve heard a lot about quartz and I think that’s the way I want to go. But when I look up “quartz” online, I see many examples of “quartzite.” Is it the same thing?

A: No. Quartz and quartzite are not the same material. They’re both durable surfaces that make beautiful kitchen and bath countertops, but the two terms are not synonymous. For starters, “quartz” refers to the manmade material that’s comprised of at least 90-percent quartz (otherwise known as silicon dioxide, which is one of the hardest minerals on earth) mixed with resin and coloring. It’s created in a factory and then fabricated in a similar fashion to natural stone. Quartzite, on the other hand, is a natural stone that’s found in the earth. They have different properties, plus require different maintenance and care.

If you look at the photos that come up in your search, you’ll see that quartz and quartzite look pretty different. Quartzite has the depth and detail you’ll typically see in granite. (In fact, quartzite is a type of granite.) Each slab is one-of-a-kind and the veining and coloring varies from slab to slab—and throughout the slab itself, for that matter. With quartz, the look is consistent throughout with little variation. In fact, the color is consistent throughout the material, so if quartz is scratched or chipped, the color beneath the surface will look exactly the same as what’s on top. The manufacturing process of quartz allows for a much wider range of colors, including shades you won’t see in nature. (Think lime green and cherry red.)

Quartz, such as ColorQuartz (the brand we recommend), is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a material that’s durable and easy to maintain. Quartz offers many strengths. It’s extremely resistant to scratching, chipping, and staining. It’s non-porous so liquids, oils, and acids won’t harm the surface. With quartzite, on the other hand, users need to use caution. Certain acidic substances will etch the material, basically leaving dull spots behind.

Here’s an example of Quartzite. This backsplash by Heather Kahler at Downsview Kitchens of Boston, features Wicked White Quartzite 

So, in sum, whereas quartzite is a natural stone surface and quartz like ColorQuartz is engineered, quartz is more than just an “imitation” of natural stone. By incorporating actual quartz particles inside of the material, it offers a unique look that’s more luxurious than, say, a laminate, for example. In fact, today’s engineering techniques yield choices that look more like natural stone than ever before. This has helped catapult the popularity of quartz materials such as ColorQuartz making it second only to granite, which has long been the top choice for kitchen countertops.

If you’d like to see examples of ColorQuartz in person, please pay us a visit. We have a large inventory that our surfacing experts would be happy to show you! Give us a call at 877 39 STONE