People frequently confuse marble with quartzite because of how similar the two materials look. Both have a lot to offer in terms of performance, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Whichever countertop material you select, both are dependable and deserving of a place in your house. Below, we compare quartzite and marble and help you choose the one suitable for your home.
What is the Difference Between Marble and Quartzite?
It can take time to decide between the two natural stone countertops. Both stones are exquisite and useful and can raise the value of your home. Given their many similarities, it’s crucial to understand their key characteristics before placing an order. You may then decide which option is better for your kitchen.
Origin
Marble: Marbles are formed when minerals like dolomite and calcium magnesium get recrystallized. Marble is a metamorphic rock that is created naturally by the transformation under the influence of heat and pressure. Marble has a distinctive appearance due to this process, which also modifies the patterns and structure of the original carbonate rock. The marble would look pure white if the initial carbonate minerals were extremely pure. But if other minerals are also present, the final marble will have colored veins and swirls.
Quartzite: Quartz crystals that have undergone recrystallization are the main component of the metamorphic rock known as quartzite. It begins as a sedimentary rock, particularly a sandstone rich in quartz, and is changed into quartzite through a metamorphic process involving extreme heat and pressure. Quartzite takes on many looks due to the process, which gradually and steadily modifies the basic sandstone’s structure, texture, and appearance. Pure quartzite, often white or gray, is the result of the sandstone having a high quartz content. Quartzite will have a range of colors if additional minerals are present, though.
Both are metamorphic rocks but formed with different initial minerals.
Appearance and Texture
Quartzite: In terms of color, quartzite, in its purest form, is typically white or light gray in color. Most quartzite slabs contain mild to heavy gray areas, but some also have distinct striations that set them off slightly from marble. Quartzite is available in various colors in addition to white and gray, depending on the mineral composition of the stone. Iron oxide, for instance, can be found in red and pink quartzite. Some other less common colors include blue, green, yellow, and black.
Marble: Marble often appears in a variety of colors, depending on the minerals or impurities that are present in the stone, but its most basic form is white. White surface with gray veins is the color that is most common. Additionally, there are uncommon and exotic varieties with black, brown, yellow, green, and blue surface with varying veins.
Hardness and Durability
Quartzite: Quartzite has a Mohs scale of 7 out of 10, making it a particularly sturdy and long-lasting material for kitchen countertops because of its extreme hardness. It is more resistant to daily wear and tear, chipping, and discoloration since it is tougher than marble. Quartzite counters are resilient to heat in addition to being durable. As a result, it won’t be harmed by placing a hot pan on it. You can also use a knife on it without worrying about it scratching. Due to its resistance to ultraviolet light, quartzite is also a fantastic material for outdoor kitchen counters. Even when exposed to direct sunlight, it will never fade or discolor.
Marble: Marble, on the other hand, scores 3 on the Mohs scale. Compared to quartzite, marble is less durable and more prone to stains and etchings because of its softness. Due to the marble’s smooth surface, scratches are quite noticeable. Additionally, marble is extremely acid-sensitive. Therefore, there is a good probability that your countertop would stain and fade quickly if anything acidic came into contact with your marble. If you mop it up right away, you can prevent this. Otherwise, the marble would get severely faded over time and could only be saved by polishing or replacing it.
Maintenance
Marble: Marble is more porous and subject to stains than quartzite since it is a softer stone. Simply put, it needs extra maintenance and sealing to shield it from regular use-related wear and tear. Although marble countertops are dependable, they still need to be carefully cleaned and maintained. The calcite found in marble is extremely sensitive to acidic agents, and the majority of common household cleansers can scratch the surface of marble, dulling its appearance. You need to regularly clean marble surfaces with a cleaner made especially for marble. You also need to re-seal marble at least annually to prevent any seepage.
Quartzite: While quartzite is substantially harder, this does not imply that quartzite is immune to stains and water damage. Because it is also a natural stone and quite porous by nature, to prevent liquid from penetrating the surface of either countertop material, sealing is required. However, quartzite is quite forgiving when it comes to maintenance. We advise utilizing a cleaner designed especially for the stone for difficult stains. For general cleaning, use a soft cloth, warm water, and soap. If you spill any liquid and are worried about bacteria, you can also use disinfectant wipes. Do not use bleach.
Cost
Marble: Marble slab countertops typically cost between $60 and $100 per square foot. Cheap marble countertops can be found for as little as $40 per square foot, while the more expensive options can cost up to $200 per square foot.
Quartzite: An average quartzite slab countertop costs $90 per square foot, which is a bit expensive. Quartzite countertops typically cost $60 to $100 per square foot, although costs may be higher if the stone is an exotic variety or has an unusual pattern.
Conclusion
It is difficult to distinguish marble and quartzite for untrained eyes. They share a visual texture that, when examined closely, has a crystalline look. With beautiful veins that course through a neutral color base, both natural stones are nearly equal in terms of aesthetic beauty. Quartzite and marble appeal to most homeowners because they are attractive, trendy, and wealthy. Due to their neutral tones, they are appropriate for both conventional and classic settings and look great in both. Apart from the distinctive differences, it all comes down to personal preferences when choosing one over the other.